Today we’d like to introduce you to PJ.
Hi PJ, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2019, I graduated from Georgia State University with a major in Economics and a minor in African American Studies. Nonetheless, my future, post-degree, was still in question. I made the mistake of not knowing what occupation I wanted to pursue once I got accepted into college. After graduation, I worked hourly jobs while I pondered on the career path I wanted to embark on. For quite some years now, I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures for people. Something about getting certain angles right and seeing the smile on their faces once they saw the pictures I had taken for them. One day, it finally hit me: “I should legitimately get into photography”. In 2020, I picked up a camera and never looked back. Photography has given me the ability to visualize a concept and bring it to life. During my tenure at GSU, I attended various social gatherings. Whether it was in the dorms or at somebody’s apartment, it got to a point where people usually wanted me on the aux. The flattery inspired me to deepen my passion for music. I started listening to different genres and artists. There was a period in time where I literally listened to every album, top to bottom, I had in my library. Throughout the years, I had friends and family tell me to consider becoming a DJ. In 2021, I decided to make that a reality. Being the type of person I am, I knew that I had to have multiple streams of income. The best way for that was to take the entrepreneurial route. Ultimately, that is where I’m at right now in life: finding new ways to make money. I’ve gotten into investing, acting, modeling and just coming up with new creations that I can call my own. I guess you can say not knowing what I wanted to do ultimately helped me figure out what I wanted to do in life. I have a genuine passion for these new roles in my life, so I’m very optimistic about where these career paths will take me down the line.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has certainly not been a smooth road for me. Like most, I’ve been through a lot in my life. Made poor decisions that I have to live with for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, I still deal with the repercussions of some of my actions. Because of those repercussions, I sometimes go through periods of depression. Luckily, it hasn’t stopped me from staying on task. I’m on the right track with my businesses. I’ve been in rooms I never thought I would be in, at least this early on in my life. With all this being said, I’m my biggest obstacle right now. I just know I could be a lot further in life, but I’m not because I keep getting in my own head and worrying about making mistakes again. Conclusively, I have to stop worrying about the past because that is literally where all those mistakes are. The serenity prayer helps me a lot. For those who don’t know it, it goes like this: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Hopefully, this helps anyone struggling with poor decisions they have made in the past.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Most people know me for being a photographer and my DJ skills. However, a lot are unaware that I have done a little acting and aspire to model. I like to consider myself an entrepreneur. I have various projects in the works. Just waiting to start the next phase. I don’t like to put out too much at once. One thing I can say I am truly proud of is the steps I have taken to elevate my businesses. For instance, I have business cards, logos made and I published my photography website. What sets me apart from others is my diversity and my ability to adapt to the specific needs of my clients.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I wouldn’t necessarily say I learned anything interesting or important due to the pandemic. It more so emphasized what I already tell myself and others. Life is too short. You just never know when it’s going to be your time. Sadly, a lot of people lost their lives due to the virus. I always try my best not to hold any animosity towards anyone and to make sure I rectify any relationships with people, especially my loved ones. The worst thing that could happen is to be on bad terms with someone and lose them before getting a chance to make things right. I can promise you right now that 9 times out of 10, whatever problems you have with someone, it’s not going to matter five years from now. Time truly heals all wounds. Focus on the positive in your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: stilljustpj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjustpj/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/stilljustpj
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/PPF2w
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/user/22fdk2tjpeurhczxuylh6txhq?si=ZzcvK5xxRyCjdp9yD1pQNg
Image Credits
@zayssalvation @madamekittie
