Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamila Gray.
Jamila, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a child, I had always been into story telling, whether it was reading, writing books, or creating all sorts of scenes with Barbie dolls. When I reached middle school, I participated in my first musical, “Beauty & the Beast”, which immediately led me to attend a performing arts school for theater. Theater was very enjoyable, but senior year, I discovered that I preferred film making, as I acted in my first short film. From there, I bought a camera, and, through Youtube, taught myself photography, editing, and am currently directing short films, as well as music videos.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been so smooth for me. I cannot even count the number of times I’ve doubted myself or contemplated switching to a completely different career path. Also, time management has been my biggest issue! I work an 8-5, so getting off work and getting back to work is very tiring, but when you love what you do, it’s all worth it by the end of the night.
My advice to women is to be assertive about what they’re doing and confident as well! If you don’t take yourself seriously, no one else will. I learned that everything I need is already at my fingertips, and all I really needed to do was speak up, ask for help, and show people that I was serious about my work. Never be intimidated! Most people are here to help.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Grayscale Media story. Tell us more about it.
I am currently producing a 1950’s short film, which will be my biggest project yet. I also am working on a series of music videos, coming in April, for Jelani Imani. I am so grateful because most of the connections I’ve made have been from editing music videos. I think what I’m most proud of as a brand, is just the fact that team or no team, I have made things happen. Even things that I thought I would struggle to get the resources for have still happened. I also believe that persistence is what makes my brand special. Every day when I get home, I am working on a project, and I will go the extra mile just to make time to get my work done!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I love a good self-help book! Currently, I am reading, “You are Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness,” by Jen Sincero. I also have read, “The Four Agreements,” and “The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success,” they are all really great when you’re feeling negative. For a while, I was also listening to Rana Campell’s podcast, “Dreams in Drive.”
Contact Info:
- Email: jamilagrayfilms@gmail.com
- Instagram: @milabucks
- Twitter: @bucksmila
Image Credit:
Jaz’reale Jinks, Ciana Alasia, Jelani Imani, Meghan Stewart
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