Janeya Griffin: CEO of "The Commercializer"
From Providing strategy to NASA, to helping aspiring entrepreneurs monetize their talents through technology
By: Mercedez McIntyre
Shy, reserved, and quiet is what you may presume when you read the resume of Janeya Griffin. She must spend all of her time locked away behind closed doors with book after book with all of the knowledge and wisdom she attains. Au contraire! She is well educated, informed and living with a lifetime of experience already.
I had the utmost pleasurable and enthusiastic conversation with Griffin. Her voice springs with joy and peace simultaneously in such a way that you can't decide if you want to be friends with her or taught by her. Armed with passion, vision, and an upbringing which taught her tenacity through faith. Janeya Griffin is a down to earth example of hope for a generation. Also an answer to our community who hasn't yet begun asking themselves the right questions when it comes to building and monetizing our own technology instead of just being consumers.
*Please note this interview was not conducted on behalf of NASA or any affiliation. Janey Griffin is a contractor for NASA through Jacobs Engineering.
@UrbanFreedomMagazine:
What was your upbringing like growing up?
@Janeya Griffin Response:
I had a very good and stable upbringing for the most part. Around 16 both of my parents were incarcerated. Not for major reasons or a very extensive amount of time but it was life-altering. After my parents returned things were still rocky. They both tried their best to land back on their feet. I specifically remember how hard it was for my mom to find work again. She had a good job before things shifted but with her record smudged finding work became a battle that sent her into a depressive state. She would go into interviews courageously and humbly being honest about her record with the ability to explain exactly what happened. Yet and still it impacted her in ways that made me look at incarceration differently. My mother, my role-model took that hit extremely hard. To go from such success to struggle from a small mistake took a very long time for her to recover. It becomes so hard for people even with the smallest infractions.
I can say growing up it made me into who I am. My life has always taken unexpected twists and turns but I am a firm believer that things will always turn out for my good. Of course in the during those moments it was hard to see but as an adult, I realize that such independence so early shaped me into being such an independent woman in a positive manner.
@UrbanFreedomMagazine:
Who did you look up to and why?
@Janeya Griffin Response:
My mom was always who I looked up to. As I said before the previous struggles around the age of 16 made it hard as I watched my hero go through so many phases. Yet her will to succeed I inherited and am grateful for.
I would also say my best friend growing up. She read a lot, always had ambitions of college at a young age. She set a standard. She ended up going to Princeton, working at Morgan Stanley, joined the Navy and now she is in Law school. Watching go through all she has to accomplish these ambitions let me know that I can do anything I put my mind too.
@UrbanFreedomMagazine:
What were your passions growing up that you can see was the doorway to where you are now?
@Janeya Griffin Response:
Growing up I didn't know I was an entrepreneur. As I got older and found out the meaning I realized I had been an entrepreneur my whole life. When I was younger my mom would let me pick out candy that my friends and I liked. So I would go out and make friends. I am a people person. I would meet them and sell them candy. Then when my mom and her friends would go out I offered every time to babysit for a price. I always liked to keep busy and enjoyed coming up with ideas and following through.
At the same time, I remember my dad used to always.....
Instagram: @JaneyaGriffin
Twitter: @JaneyaGriffin
www.Linkedin.com/in/Janeyagriffin
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Independent Music artists keeping your mind woke & eardrums lit!
INDEPENDENT MUSIC ARTISTS KEEPING YOUR MIND WOKE & EARDRUMS LIT!
By: Shade Bowman
Detonator
@detonator.ig
Long Island, NY
Independent Artist/ Owner of “DayDreamers” Fashion Line
A hip-hop artist out of Long Island, NY with witty wordplay and a vivid lyrical imagery that represents the 9-to-5'ers who won't settle for the corporate shackles but instead choose to pursue their life's passions. "I'm the voice of that dreamer stuck at some dead-end day job who vows every day not to lose hope in his daydream."
Over the past year, his tour lit up both coasts, touching NYC, Philly, DC, Baltimore, Boston, and LA. Detonator movement includes relatable, yet club-bangable music, a super trendy fashion line called "DayDreamrs," and unique outside-of-the-box events like speed dating (for dreamers) and sip-n-paints (with actual mixology lessons!).
“Don’t quit your daydream”
Benniharding
@benniharding
Trenton, NJ
Recording & Visual Artist
Benni's art is inspired by her life and the things she's felt. Her goal is to create art that makes her viewers and listeners FEEL her. She recently curated a film she called "Drained" that will be releasing the February 2018. Going through hardships most wouldn't imagine from such a woman Benni has forged through in music by a humble nature, honesty and using multiple vessels of entrepreneurship.
https://www.benniharding.com/bio
BlaqueStone
@Blaquestone_
Washington D.C Metropolitan area
BlaqueStone |Artist|Performance Arts|
BlaqueStone LLP located in Maryland/ Washington D.C Metropolitan area. A music couple with an amazing band! With a mission to spread love, light, and truth through the arts. "As African Americans and humans period, we all have a story to tell, and with our love, community and personal lenses of life and continued lessons, this is our outlet. "
One of their biggest accomplishments arose out of New York City and being interviewed on Revolt TV. Another moment was partnering on an event with the Smithsonian Museum in Anacostia Washington D.C. Finding creative ways for kids to express themselves through music and lyrics.
What led to their brand flourishing was them being unapologetic about being black, showing true authenticity in what love is and a message that is so relatable to many, is truly what made and makes us prosper. As the world inspires them to stay true, learn/teach balance, and spark love in others, it’s positively contagious!
Mobish.Young
@mobish.young
Washington, DC
Mob Ish Records, LLC: Founder/CEO/and Artist
My mission is to put my myself in a position to Grant the most opportunity as possible for others. Coming from doing 13 years in prison to having a marathon run in Music. A true testament that trials can lead to triumph, literally. Keep an eye on Mobish all 2018. He is an artist that moves at a fast and deliberate pace.
Quinton Randall aka Mr. Baltimore Blues
@Baltimoreblues_
Baltimore, MD
Independent Artist
Quinton Randall, a full time multi genre musician. A composer, film scorer, teacher and singer-songwriter.
Armed with a mission to lead by example as an entrepreneur in many fields providing a sense of hope, and clarity. Still growing as an artist Quinton understands the purpose of having a gift is first to serve your community, second to provide knowledge and last comes self.
Life.of.Shalane
@lifeofshalane
Riverside, Ca
Independent Music Artist
Growing up in Southern California, in a small city called Pomona. Shalane began writing poetry when and later on in life, her love for words unfolded into a passion for Music.
A powerhouse to be reckoned with, releasing two full albums in the last 10 months and her music broadcasted live on public radio (102.3 KJLH Radio based in Los Angeles, CA).
Keeping in mind that music connects all, her music can be found on all streaming sites with new music dropping in 2018.
Asia Karin
@Asia_karin
Baltimore, Md
Singer/ Songwriter: Asia Karin aka “Miss Singing With a Rapping Flow”
“Miss Singing With a Rapping Flow”. Not just a young woman with talent but a mission to save her family. Most artists are in search of lavish living, materials etc, however, this woman is here to save the community and her family.
Growing up with so much pain and anger brought her closer to music as a pain reliever. Taking advantage of opportunity even at the physical risk of singing on the streets of Baltimore, MD as a woman. Asia is a true lesson of learning to use what you have while staying focused on breaking generational chains.
Ebonyy
Baltimore, MD
TNB Greenbackz Independent Artist: Singer/ Songwriter
Growing up in the church, she soon found her voice in between those faith-filled walls. It was in the church choir that Ebonyy really focused on her vocals. Which helped to prepare her for what was to come. She didn’t know when but waited until the time was right. Now is that time.
Not only an artist Ebonyy is a great songwriter honing in on her skills as a poet. At a young age, Ebonyy has experienced life that has taken her through all forms of positive and negative experiences. No matter what the situation she has a silent strength that comes out in words of diversity that every songwriter wishes they could do. Stay Tuned for Ebonyy 2018!
DrizzyThaDon
@drizzythadon
Baltimore, MD
On Point Event Management (owner/operator)/ HigherGround Music
A hip-hop artist, model, and also owner and operator of my own event planning, management, and promotions company, called On Point Event Management, based out of Baltimore as well.
Dre Thompson as an artist/model, his mission is to be able to sustain life and recreational endeavors solely from his art. As an event planner, Dre's mission is to be able to provide a one of a kind experience at any event we have "stamped" from small parties to as large as festivals.
Gudda Cal
@gudda_cal
Baltimore, MD
Independent Artist
Gudda Cal and his music campaign name From The Gutta ( FDG ). Appropriately and humbly titled to describe his upbringing in the rough streets of Baltimore. Cal is determined to allow the truth of his music to elevate him instead of facades as most do in the music industry. His Ep is called 60sec Killing Spree drops on January 1st on spinrilla so stay tuned! With a past of struggling what has propelled him to where he is now would have to be his work ethic, practice, and patience.
Infamous Taz
@infamoustazjcoe
Bay Area, California
Independent Artist/ J.C.O.E Entertainment
The leader of the Bay Area-based rap group and aspiring independent label known as J.C.O.E. Entertainment.
His mission overall is to use my music as a platform to spread unity amongst my community and globally, as well as a platform to guide listeners that have been through the same hardships and life situations.
As an artist, Taz has released multiple songs and videos and have been featured, as a poet he has spoken for schools and local events within the community. As an actor, performed at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, CA, the King Center in Denver, CO, and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. He began to freestyle on social media over well-known instrumentals every Tuesday and tagged it as “#TazForceTuesday” to gain more attention while continuing to release his own music and music with his group...which was a success.
Pmg.Barz
@pmg_barz
Baltimore, MD
Pandemonium Music Group/ Co-Founder/Artist
Independent Artist from the west side of Baltimore City. The name Barz came from a past of always being incarcerated given to him by close family and friends. Reversing the name to showcase his talent in writing songs and pursued music. With a background so rough his persistence is the driving force in his music.
Be sure to check out his Newest Video “Paid in Full” on Youtube now. Mixtape coming late winter of 2018.
Nipsey Hussle: The merge between business & music that every artist should be able to vision.
Nipsey Hussle:
The merge between business & music that every artist should be able to vision.
By: Shade Bowman
“We brought back the block and that’s how you give back, open businesses and create wealth in your community”
Grand Opening of Nipsey Hussle's "The Marathon Clothing"
The Marathon Store 3420 W. Slauson Ave Suite F Los Angeles, CA 90043
Born Ermias Asghedom, Nipsey Hussle’s journey, the one thing that he never did was give up. Although he’s had his ups and downs as an artist and a businessman, he’s never let that get in the way of his dreams or the reality of his success. Living life as a reformed reflection of his environment.
Throughout the years Nipsey lets us know that the merge between business and music has always been a mindset. As an artist, it’s very important to invest in the ones who gave you a platform. Being labeled as “Real” is a respect thing, often times we use the word real to justify one's actions.
But, Hussle shows us what the definition of what “Real” actually means, “Always execute what you start” is one of the mottos that he lives by. Which is a method he has stuck to, even during a prison sentence right in the middle of creating his brick & mortar store"The Marathon".
Real is when you as an artist or businessman lead by example, it’s when you can walk the walk and back it up with actions...not just all talk. Nipsey lives by the code, give back to your community! Music was one of the ways to get his name heard on a global scale, build a following, and building a foundation that he can stand on was the goal.
Comptons 1st Smart Store
Nipsey has made it very clear on what his goal was even back in 2008 when he first took his music seriously. When you see that there’s a need for something in your community, what would you do? Since rap music is one of the only genres that embraces business principles, Nipsey made a wise decision to merge the two. By opening up a business in your community, you show the younger generation that they can do the exact same thing. You start to create jobs, rebuild families, police your own neighborhoods, etc. just by investing in the community.
The Marathon Clothing Los Angeles Flagship Store
The merge between business and music is an investment and in business, when others around you are watching you invest...it makes them want to invest. As an entrepreneur that’s a very smart business move, and Nipsey explains how to create wealth in but so little words. If you’re the only one generating wealth around you then you’re surrounding yourself with unmotivated people. It’s about connecting the dots and merging the arts together to build one creative umbrella.
Make your moves, expand your mind, and support your own. That’s the new wave.
Be Sure to check out the exclusive documentary of ups and downs leading to the creation of "The Marathon" clothing brand. Nipsey Hussle has not only changed his life but that of his family, friends, and even helped those in his neighborhood become clean from drugs and become a member of his growth.
To Watch Exclusive Video Footage of The Grand Opening & The 3 year journey Subscribe today!
The Marathon Clothing
3420 W. Slauson Ave #F
Los Angeles, CA 90043