According to Jackson, staying true to one’s passions and values, while finding a support system and network of mentors who can help navigate the industry, is key to success. “Mentorship is extremely important,” she said. “To be able to talk to people who are where you’re trying to get to in your industry. It’s okay to surround yourself with people who are smarter or more polished. You’ll be in the place to mentor someone else coming up, never too old to learn and grow.”
As an entrepreneur and creative, Jackson uses her platform to advocate for women in the industry, sharing stories of successful women creatives and businesswomen through her writing and media platforms. She also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care and wellness while running a successful business and managing multiple projects. “We as women must take care of our minds, bodies and spirits. Not only will it improve us, it helps improve our business as well.”
Jackson also encourages women in the music industry to explore creative ways to build their brand and incorporate areas of interest to add to their brand.
“Don’t be afraid to explore creative ways to build a brand centered around your passion for music and incorporate areas of interest to add to your brand,” she said.
Through her own experiences and successes, Jackson hopes to inspire and empower women to pursue their dreams and passions in the arts and entertainment industry. “We should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down,” she said.
For media inquiries or to learn more about Paulette Jackson and her work, please contact:
Paulette C. Jackson
- Can you share with us more about your personal journey and the challenges you faced as a woman in business?
I’ve always wanted to be in the arts & entertainment industry, particularly centered around music. In recent years, I got into areas of music and media I never thought I would which lead me to amazing opportunities and connections. Challenges were people not taking me serious as a woman in business, to be heard and prove I was knowledgeable and experienced in this industry.
- How did you overcome those challenges and what motivated you to continue pursuing your dreams?
Really what motivated me to pursue my dreams was my love and passion for the arts. I knew working a 9 to 5 for someone else wasn’t who I was, sure I did what I had to but in my heart I wanted to be an entrepreneur, to be a creative on my own terms and call my own shots.
Though I do contract work, I still continue to build my brand and take it to new levels.
- In your experience, what are some common barriers that women face in business and how can they overcome them?
- How do you use your platform to advocate for and empower women in the industry?
I write for a couple publications, one that focuses on women in Jazz and media, it’s a great platform to advocate for women creatives and businesswomen. I also use my own media platforms, including social media, to share the stories and gifts of entrepreneurial women.
I often use my skills as a writer and author to place a spotlight on some of the phenomenal women in the arts & entertainment/media industry who I feel have a tremendous impact. It’s my way of honoring them.
- Can you tell us about a time when you had to make a tough decision as a business owner, and how you navigated that situation?
Who I collaborate or partner with in business is very important to me. Sometimes those connections don’t work out the way you hope so, for me personally, I’ve had to make a decision to cut ties with someone I was working with in regards to music promotion and to be honest, because I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do for me and the business, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.
- How do you prioritize self-care and wellness while running a successful business and managing multiple projects?
Early on, I pushed myself so much trying to make connections and build my brand that ultimately my body made the decision for me. I began to feel run down and would become ill so, I had to take a step back to rest and recharge. During that time, I had to prioritize more time for myself and rest.
My business didn’t suffer because of the change if anything it helped because I was more rested and focused. If I’m not at full capacity then I can’t give my business the full attention it needs. We as women must take care of our minds, bodies and spirits. Not only will it improve us, it helps improve our business as well.
- Can you speak to the importance of mentorship and how it has played a role in your own career?
Mentorship is extremely important. I have had mentors very early on, coaching me through a lot of things as I started out, especially the past few years when I branched into radio. I still have mentors now that I bounce some ideas off of and I in turn have become a mentor to both women and men in this industry.
- How do you advocate for women in the industry? I use my writing and media platforms to highlight the stories and achievements of women in the arts & entertainment/media industry.
- How do you stay on top of industry trends and changes, and incorporate them into your business strategies?
By keeping up with several entertainment publications and broadcasts, most of which I’ve found on social media and YouTube believe it or not. I take bits and pieces from what I see and hear and incorporate some into my own business, not copy but, taking gems and placing them where I feel my business would benefit.
I also have taken some of what I learned in from my days of the 9 to 5 grind, and use a lot in my own brand.
- How do you stay true to your values and beliefs while navigating the business world?
- Can you tell us about a project or initiative you are currently working on, and what excites you about it?
Actually I wrote two more books during the pandemic that I’m pushing to be published and released later this year.
I have a couple more projects I’ve had to place on the back burner but looking to bring them back and resume work on it later this year as well.
- How do you use your creativity and innovation to stay ahead of the competition in your field?
I think of new ways to promote my brand and what I have to offer.
I often look at adding to my brand and researching ways to make it even more creative and exciting to my existing clients while exploring new clients as well.
- How has the pandemic affected your business, and how have you adapted to the challenges it presented?
It has but in some ways it helped. The pandemic of course, came with countless challenges. However, with that also came some unexpected blessings which allowed me to keep the business going. Honestly, the past year as been more challenging than the first year of the pandemic, again, I’m not saying the start of that wasn’t difficult because it certainly was but I did manage to stay busy.
- Can you share any success stories of women you have mentored or worked with who have overcome adversity and achieved their goals?
There’s a young lady who has grown her brand so much over the past few years that I’ve known and worked with. She had some personal challenges which made her have to put her dreams and brand on hold. Even during this challenging time, she still worked on her brand and came back stronger and better than before. She told me a couple times that I was her mentor (I had no idea). Very proud of the progress she has made.
- How do you use your voice and platform to advocate for social justice and equity in the industry?
I often use my platform not only to share artistic achievements but also, I use it to voice my perspective about the industry, the injustices I’ve witnessed, especially the past few years. Whether it’s sharing news on my social media pages or sharing my views or various topics on my video series.
- What do you believe are the key qualities that every successful business owner should possess?
Honesty, integrity, strength, growth, compassion, passion and the gift of communication.
- Can you speak to the importance of networking and building relationships in business, and how it has impacted your own success?
Building relationships is very important in business. Not one person can do it all (although sometimes we try).
Yes, networking as impacted my business a lot. Someone may see or hear something you have to offer and tell people in their network and it can become a wonderful snowball effect.
- What are some common misconceptions about women in business, and how do you work to break down those barriers?
I think some may feel women may be “too sensitive”, that we wouldn’t be able to handle certain aspects of business as well as men can because of it.
We can stand strong and yet not be afraid to show a little of the sensitive spirit.
- What advice do you have for women who are looking to build a brand or start a business in the music industry specifically?
To stay true to who you are as an artist but also learn all you can about the business side of the music industry.
- In your opinion, what is the most important thing that women can do to support and uplift each other in their personal and professional lives?
Become a mentor to women who are coming up through the ranks that may be having a hard time finding which direction to go in to follow their dreams and passions.
That may need advice and encouragement to keep pushing forward even through adversities. I still mentor and have mentors that have helped me both personally and professionally. We should be lifting each other up not tearing each other down.
