Today we’d like to introduce you to Ravin Williams.
Ravin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I think its safe to say, I have always been looped into the entertainment industry. It all started when I was 15; I started a dance group and we opened up for Soulja boy at Center Stage in 2007. I left the group and created the dance team JaGurls. JaGurls were huge in the Atlanta snap movement dancing in the music video with Soulja Boy, Pop it Off Boyz, Dj Unk and more. I used that platform to create JaGurl Radio where I began to interview various entertainers including Nicki Minaj, New Boyz, Ace Hood, Bobby Valentino and more. In addition to JaGurl Radio, I would also record myself behind the scenes at various music videos interviewing talent. All of these videos are still on YouTube.
So, after I graduated Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, GA (class of 2010), I started promoting with some of the biggest promoters in Atlanta including Mr. Dorsey, Bodega Teezy and Mega Meezy who now manages 21 Savage.
I took two years off from college to focus on my promotional team. While managing my promo team, JaGurls, I was inspired to write music and become an artist. Yep, I started rapping. My single was featured on Dj Kutt Throats mixtape “Gutta Radio: Time to Eat” hosted by Future. On my journey as an artist/songwriter, I figured the best way to truly see if the music is for me is to start an internship. I was interested in learning more about the music industry.
In 2013, I then landed an internship with Bu Vision, as well as Tyrese Gibson. Through my internship with Bu Vision, I was hired by Akon to work at his Atlanta office with KonLive. I became the Label Admin and Support at KonLive.
While I was working at KonLive in 2015, I was inspired to start back the “JaGurl” movement, but instead of radio, I wanted to have more personal interactions with entertainers by interviewing them in person. My blog site JaGurl TV was created, and the rest is history.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to entrepreneurship is definitely bumpy. I have faced a lot of challenges that I have been blessed to overcome. I have revamped my website four times, rebuilt my team because people who started with me left and more.
The secret to any obstacle or challenge in life is to know that everything happens for a reason and that growth is coming. We have to go through things to get stronger and wiser. The road is long, and sometimes taking 100 baby steps is bigger and more beneficial than taking ten huge giant steps.
Young women in our generation have to remember to slow down. We want things to happen quickly fast and in a hurry, but the reality is that everything takes time. It takes time to develop a business plan, time to establish a team. Yes, you will need a team. You can not do it all, and if you try, you will overwhelm yourself.
Just remember to keep the faith and believe in yourself. If you can see it, you can achieve it.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a content curator and producer. I curate content through blogging, podcasts, social media, and radio.
I am the CEO of JaGurl Entertainment LLC, founder of JaGurl TV. I have a Podcast and I produce for the Dinner With Avery’s Podcast starring Ebony “Risky” Avery and Robert “Dj Holiday” Avery. I am the producer and co-host on The Jawn Joi show on Southside DASH Radio.
I work at Core Communicators Broadcasting, home of Streetz 94.5 and Mix 87.7 in Atlanta.
I have my own cosmetic collection with Krush Beauty. The JaGurl Collection consists of three lashe types and 3 types of curly hair extensions (lash names: Rain, JaGurl Krush, and Hustle Gurl and the bundles consist of Brazilian Deep Wave, Wavy Indian Hair, and Brazilian Loose Wave.)
I have also partnered with the clothing brand Digital Rebel, a t-shirt company that’s unapologetically bold. With the discount code JAGURL25 you get 25% off your order.
As a brand, I’m proud that I have people that believe in me. Your brand says a lot about you and to have much support, and so much love is amazing. I have created my thoughts into reality and I will continue to grow and impact the world for the better.
Everyone is unique, and my story is different than the next person. My journey to success is of a different path then the girl next to me with the same passions. Knowing that, and believing in yourself is how you set yourself apart, but still know that there is room for everyone to eat.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Yes, I believe that an opportunity is what you make it. A woman can position herself in any opportunity and succeed.
Pricing:
- JaGurl Collection bundle deals start at $66
- JaGurl Collection 3D lashes start at $19.99
- Digital Rebel t-shirts start at $10
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jagurltv.com
- Email: ravin@jagurltv.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jagurltv
- Facebook: facebook.com/jagurltv
Image Credit:
Ravin Williams
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