Caribbean Digital Diva: Jay Blessed

Jay Blessed is the acclaimed, award-winning, Queen of Caribbean Entertainment News and Gossip! The media personality has been involved in the NY-Caribbean circuit since 2004 but recently added blogger to her title, after the birth of her website JayBlessed.com, in April 2011.
Her résumé also includes work for one of New York’s biggest Caribbean concert promotion companies and a NY based Caribbean lifestyle magazine. Having worked closely with many Caribbean and international artistes and celebrities on interviews, special events and concerts, she has developed and maintained strong bonds with celebs and fellow industry folks.

Utilizing the internet as a resource and her media and celebrity connections, she’s holding nothing back in her venture as her company, Jay Blessed Media and website, JayBlessed, deliver intriguing, engaging and entertaining daily Caribbean content.
In its first year, JayBlessed.com grew quickly and gained massive popularity. With her marketing expertise and consistent writing, her website has since attained millions of hits and substantial international visibility. JayBlessed.com has broken major entertainment news, had amazing celebrity interviews and created massive buzz in main stream media. Her exclusive stories have been mentioned on TheYBF, Bossip, Media Takeout, Black Celeb Kids, Wikipedia, Synergy TV, Slam 100.5fm and Metro Magazine. She has also been featured in the Jamaica Star Newspaper, Trinidad Guardian, HighBrid Magazine and WRKS 98.7 KissFm’s “Week In Review.”

Why/how did you decide to make the leap from entertainment blogging to social media entrepreneurship?

I don’t think it was a distinct leap. For me, deciding to blog was deciding to use my talent and knowing that the gifts and passion I had would eventually make a way for me and bear financial fruits. There was more than just writing and posting stories on JayBlessed.com. I was was using my platforms to promote artists, businesses, major events while creating and facilitating partnerships between companies / brands and my network. The blog also allowed me to utilize my marketing skills to sell my other talents – I am a blogger, an event host, Radio and TV personality, voice over talent and much more. With the success of JayBlessed.com, I am now sought after to assist major companies and small businesses in building their online footprint and creating online strategies that would assist them in accomplishing their business goals.

Has your Caribbean culture influenced your approach to your business?

Ha! First of all, I am a Caribbean woman, so I will always have 15 jobs! Even if I have to sell the strands of hair off my head…. just kidding. Seriously though, there’s a natural entrepreneurial drive amongst most Caribbean people; whether you’re the owner of a corner store, a hairdresser, a mechanic or a Golden Crust franchisee – we are most proud when we build our own businesses. Now let’s not mistake innate talent for being business savvy, however, in my regard, I am constantly learning from the successes and mistakes of others to succeed in business. Caribbean people have a very distinct voice and my clients hear that from me but we also have a very candid honesty that, when delivered in the right way and context, this famous quality of mine can be a great asset to my client.

What digital tool do find most useful to your business /brand?

Time is money – this is very true. There are a couple of tools that I use to make my work easier, especially when time management is necessary. My best friend in my social media marketing business has been Hootsuite. This application has really allowed me transparency in social network management and complete overview on my many platforms, simultaneously.

What advice would you give to those wanting to take the leap into entrepreneurship?

Just do it. If you’ve been dreaming, tasting, breathing, envisioning starting a business or developing a brand, there’s no better time than now. Read as much as you can, learn as you go, make mistakes and surround yourself with your industry’s leaders. Follow them on social media. Attend conferences. Invest in yourself. But please note, starting a business is no easy task and building a brand requires time – even Rome wasn’t built in a day! So don’t be too hard on yourself…do as much as you can and still find some time to enjoy life. And ALWAYS have a back up plan!

Mikelah

Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.

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