Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Davis.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in a small town where no one looks like you can not only be difficult but also damaging. As a child, I was heavily involved in extracurricular activities in school, church, and in my community. I was a cheerleader, chorus member, class clown, and the party starter. However, I had no idea that my urge to remain in the “in-crowd” was also an urge to remain “white approved”. At the time, leaving my hometown friends and attending an HBCU was inconceivable. Today as an alum, attending Winston Salem State University was one of the greatest decisions of my life. WSSU not only taught me how to be a black woman but it also gave me purpose. In short, my HBCU saved my life.
WSSU is where I gained discipline and focus. At the time, I was an aspiring multi-media journalist and film director and that’s what I would eat, sleep, and breathe. As a Communications and Media studies major, speech minor, award-winning student journalist and e-board member of every media organization known on campus, “J. Inez” was the one with a plan and everyone always knew I would be “the one to make it”. . But God had other plans…
Though I was extremely white washed growing up, I had a hell-raising activist for a father. My father, Thomas Davis, was a disabled Vietnam Veteran that fought not only on a battlefield but in the streets of DC for the rights of black people in the heat of the 60s. My father is described as a man that has a heart for God and a mind for knowledge. Thomas Davis was my superhero. In 2018, the day after I graduated from WSSU, my superhero became the weakest I’d ever seen him due to cancer. I had a position with a major R&B artist as a videographer ready to hit the road as soon as I walked off that graduation stage but my dad needed me more, so I declined on the offer. The girl with the plan that was destined to make it big was back in her small town of Belmont with no lights, no cameras, no mics, no opportunities, just doing what had to be done which was full-time caregiving for my father who was extremely ill. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day I was taking care of my father as I watched my peers excel in their careers and I was defeated. I was the one that worked and fought for success in college with the great internships and the awards so why wasn’t I the one reaping the benefits of my labor?
An amazing life coach by the name of Kiesha L. Cousar once said: “There is Purpose in the Pause”. My dad transitioned to his forever home in May of 2021. Though I was grieving, I knew that this was my moment to hit “play” again in my life.
Today I co-own a production company called POP Media with my best friend Demetria Hockaday where I serve as Producer and Director for brand commercials and documentary films. POP Media creates high-value content for entrepreneurs, businesses, and brands in Atlanta and surrounding states.
Today I’m able to wake up and be my own boss. Today I’m able to wake up and do what I love every single day. Today I’m able to wake up and say I OWN a 6-figure business. Today I’m able to say I am writing, directing, and producing documentary films. My favorite Bible verse is Psalms 119:71 “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” There was purpose in my pain and I’m forever grateful to God for humbling me in my “pause”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think one of the biggest struggles I’ve had to face thus far in my career is learning how to operate as a business and not as a freelancer with a hobby. I’m extremely grateful for our business coach, Brandon (Shot Me). He has really changed our lives and how creatives don’t have to always struggle for their art and they CAN be millionaires. Once we learned how to use money as a tool, our entire mindset changed for the better!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My brand name is J. Inez and I am a Film Director and a Multi-Media Journalist. I co-own a production company called POP Media where we create high-value content for entrepreneurs, businesses, and brands. Also, I write and direct documentary films as well as host and interview for events and we series.
I am the happiest in front of a camera telling a story. Writing and directing is amazing but to be to then covey that story in a way that will connect to people watching is my purpose.
One thing that sets me apart, in my opinion, is my optimism. Though I’ve been through storms, I still find the light in every situation. I think that attribute has had a major impact on the stories I write as well as my attitude on set with the crew.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
You know, growing up my report card always said my behavior was “unsatisfactory” because I talked so much in class and it became a distraction. So that being said, I thank my parents for cultivating my GIFT rather than trying to dim my light. They never told me my dreams were unattainable and even now, I’m not sure if my mom really understands all that I do, but she always pushes me to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jinez.davis@gmail.com
- Website: Prosperonpurposemedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.inez_/?hl=en
Image Credits:
Photographers for photos- Darnell Mccoy (@PortierMccoy) Te’Drenna Coleman (@tdrizzy_)
