my story

In 1995, I was living in Montclair, New Jersey, and things were falling apart.  I've got $50 to my name, no money in the bank, the label is dropping me, and I am being evicted from my place in three days.

 

I had to return a $500 bag I purchased as a gift to myself, just to afford a ticket home. That's how broke I was.

 

I was accused of misappropriating funds, the only issue with that was, I was not the person handling the funds…

 

Once I made it back to Detroit, my aunt and I spent the next few days crafting a proposal to convince the label to keep me. Meanwhile, my lawyer called to reveal terms about my contract that were not explained at the time of signing.  What a disaster!

 

Can I tell you a secret?

 

Despite what I didn't know then, what I have just shared with you barely scratches the surface of the music industry’s reality. Artists were getting signed with little to no advance monies and maybe some royalties, but NO ownership. NONE.

 

So, I switched gears.

 

I traveled the world on my terms, performing with the biggest names in music. I opened for top hip-hop acts, learned to write songs, and sang with orchestras. I even auditioned for X-Factor.

 

God turned it around! With one album, I secured three major deals on a single project, launched my own label, worked with major companies like Ford, and finally saw my first $100,000 in less than one year in music.

 

Fast forward to 2018, Atlanta, GA.

 

Despite my accomplishments, I felt I had one more thing to prove.

 

As a free agent, I faced skepticism. That’s when I discovered strategies.

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Books like:

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Boss Moves

Abundance Now

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

Building a Story Brand

The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding

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transformed my thinking. They helped me develop my pitch to Kobalt and co-produce the music that landed my deal.

 

To pay it forward, I formed The Friendship Society. I help recording artists/songwriters, producers, mom-a-gers & other high-level creatives build, boost and breakthrough using their art to monetize effectively.

 

My aim is not about popularity but overall effectiveness.

How can you power through fear and become fearless?

How effective can you be in your community?

 

If you are effective and profitable, then I’m doing my job.

 

I invite you to join me on this journey. I'll share life hacks and insights to keep you on the path to greatness.

 

Keep your eyes and ears open! Strategies are paramount.

 

- Joya Owens