Life and Work with Jhenese “JLaToiya” Hester

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jhenese “JLaToiya” Hester.

JLaToiya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am the youngest of two children born to Johnny Hester and Margarett Hester. I have one older brother. I have been very blessed since birth to be an heir of a rich heritage of musicians, singers, vocalists, and ministers. My great-great-grandfather was a slave with unusual gifts and talents as well as a musician. During his time as a slave, he learned from his master many crafts, skills, trades and just had the “know-how” to figure things out. Once freed, he made a vow that he would make sure his children became educated. His daughter, my great-grandmother, attended Tuskegee Institute and was the teacher in a small rural community in Elba, Alabama. This great-grandmother was most skillful like her father and was a musician. When I was five years old, she was 91 years old. I remember her playing the piano one evening and she called me over and spoke: “blessings upon my life while anointing my hands.” My destiny has been impacted by the great legacy of my loved ones from past to present.

My family roots are embedded in church, education, music, and entrepreneurship. My parents are both educators and taught us to never settle for less—be the best you can be. Throughout my early years, my parents supported my endeavors. My brother was one of the drummers at church and I would watch him and when no one was home I would sneak and play his drums. At age 10, on Sunday night, I saw a drummer was needed for service, so I got out of my seat and walked across the floor, sat down at the drums and began playing.
Everyone was in disbelief that a girl my age could play the drums. My aunt Mildred, who was the leader of the music ministry at the church, was very instrumental in honing my musical talent. I realized at an early age that I was gifted with a “keen sense” of music preciseness. In middle and high school, I joined the band and began playing and learning the fundamentals of music. The rewards were sweet because I got paid for playing the drums on a regular basis.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey has been a learning experience. There were times in my early years of playing I’d be overlooked because I was a female. After graduating from high school, I attended Florida A&M University and began playing for the gospel choir. It wasn’t until then I felt respected as a musician. For a long time, I was always in my brothers and cousins shadow. My time spent at FAMU really opened my mind considering I was around people my age that was writing and arranging their own music. Tallahassee impacted my decision to focus on a specific area of the music business. Later, I began studies as a Recording Industry major at Middle Tennessee State University. During the years spent in Tennessee, I was introduced to the music industry and began playing for some of the country’s Stellar musical artist.

Opportunities began to come my way because of my confidence in knowing my craft. I learned very quickly not to be intimidated by the industry which, at the time, was a predominantly male-oriented business. The biggest lesson I learned in the music industry was professionalism. I traveled and played before audiences from Billy Graham crusades and out of the country playing in front of thousands.

This journey has not been smooth as much as it has been rewarding. I learned a plethora of business do’s and don’ts and how to perfect my craft and brand myself as a female drummer. I believe discipline is the glue that has helped me stay focus on my destiny.

Some of my greatest lessons have been how to handle “business.” It is easy to mismanage your pay or develop a pattern to “lookout” for the long road. I learned early to be frugal and have multiple sources of income.

Please tell us about what you do.
I’m a drummer, producer, songwriter, entrepreneur. People know me as a drummer, but I have my hands in a lot of non-music related adventures. I would refer to myself as being creative which is why I created a hashtag and T-shirt line, “More than A drummer.” T-shirt’s will be available this summer. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between music creativity and the business aspect of it.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
It is my opinion some of the biggest barriers is trying to be somebody you are not—be who you are and own it. As I continued to build my brand, I became known as “JLaToiya, More Than A Drummer.” This brand not only showcased my personality, but it was my reality. I could be a producer, songwriter, studio musician, arrange music someone else had written and helped them fulfill their musical dreams. Though I am not a singer, I assist in tweaking their songs or musical lyrics.

God has allowed my path to cross some amazing musical geniuses. I enjoy networking with people from all walks of life and those who need encouraging words or support. I believe when you spend quality time branding yourself, others will recognize the gift in you. Many opportunities and endorsements have been afforded to me because of my expertise. I can and do not mind taking the time to cultivate a young child whose interests have begun at an early age.

In this industry, it is my philosophy to stay humble—and treat others the way you want to be treated. Ultimately, it’s pretty awesome to do what you love and get paid to do it.

Contact Info:

• Email: JLaToiya@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/JLaToiya
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/JLaToiya
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/JLaToiya

Image Credit:
JLaToiya

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