We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Barfield Graham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Hi Jessica , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from both my experiences and my mentors. My parents have been my first mentors, and I have witnessed them overcome numerous obstacles, such as bouncing back from a job loss, and overcoming illnesses like cancer, heart attacks, and diabetes. Despite these challenges, they continue to persevere. By watching them, I learned not to give up even when things become difficult.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey as a Radio/TV producer began when I was just a child. Growing up in the rural town of Arba Jason, NC, I had a remarkably vivid imagination.
At the age of 4, my parents discerned my keen interest in the arts. I would often create stories and compose theme songs from my older brother, James II’s video games. Even during bedtime story sessions with my mom, I displayed an animated demeanor. Given my parents are both artists, they actively fostered my creativity. Over time, they exposed me to various art forms such as dance, drawing, photography, and, musical performance. Given my family’s extensive musical background, I aspired to join the band. Every member of my family either sings or plays an instrument. Consequently, it was effortless for my family to identify my natural talent for learning and performing by ear. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career in the music industry. However, God had other plans for me!
During my freshman year at Elizabeth City State University ( ECSU), I originally was under the music curriculum until I met, the late Greg Sampson. He heard my voice and immediately saw dollar signs. My “voice” is what makes me stand out in the world. To some it’s considered very high-pitched to others it’s very animated. All in all, it’s very unique.
As soon as he heard me talk, he asked me to do a recording session with him. He coached me on what to say and how to develop a script. In less than an hour, I recorded my very first PSA for WRVS 89.9 FM; I was immediately hooked. Before I knew it, I was hosting my own radio show in between classes and band practice under the moniker “Baby J.”
The following year, I met Melba Brown-Smith, a professor of Television Production, who had observed my work ethic in radio since my freshman year. It wasn’t until she gave me my first task of working in the control room for W18BB-TV for the annual Successfest, that I received the secret of making it in this business as a black woman: “To make it in this business, the more you know, the better!” After she told me that, I learned as much as I could and worked twice as hard. By the top of my senior year, I landed a summer internship at Black Entertainment Television ( B.E.T.).
Working at BET was a dream come true! I had the chance to meet several celebrities and improve my skills.
I’ve discovered that, while the industry may look glamorous, it truly requires hard work and sacrifice to bring what you see on your television screen to life.
Before leaving my internship, my teammates and I created this promotional video called “Ballpark Rap Challenge.” At the time, it was a huge success for the seven of us because it was our first national commercial. So for a bunch of twenty-year-olds, we were on cloud nine! Even though the experience of creating the commercial did not go as planned, we learned how to come up with alternative strategies to complete a project.
Over the years, I have taken on different projects that offer different challenges for media. It wasn’t until I was laid off from my job at WSHA 88.9 FM that I realized it was time for a different approach. My husband and I never thought we would be business owners, but it is one of the best yet challenging decisions we made together.
In 2019, we co-founded Life By Design Media and Production, LLC. Since then, we have completed numerous commercials, including “Mebane Strong” in 2020. We have also launched two podcasts: “What’s The Law? With John Eluwa” and “Be The Change,” which is our passion project. Additionally, we provided post-production services for Ashley Cobb and Crystal the Oracle’s podcast titled “Hoe and Tell,” as well as countless photography sessions and graphic designs for a vast array of clients.
Recently, my husband and I have confidently introduced audio, video, and photo services tailored for conferences and small events. Over the past two years, we have successfully provided our top-notch services for the Women Uplifting Women Conferences led by Carolyn Covington and Paula Sawyer. Notably, this conference is associated with the thriving non-profit organization, Insightful Visionaries. We pride ourselves on creating a product or an event that our customers can be proud of. Derek and I are focused on hopefully making this a full-time endeavor in the forthcoming years.
We are the hidden gem in Raleigh, North Carolina.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I actually have four qualities that have significantly impacted my life: faith, resilience, patience, and integrity.
I have always had strong faith. However, life has a way of knocking you down and making you question everything. Despite the obstacles I have faced, I know that God will guide and protect me through it all. I don’t always do things right, but I try to do everything with integrity. In this industry, you have to have faith! You will come across some people who will try to put you down or tell you who you are. Never allow anyone to define you! You have to trust yourself, your talent, and your abilities. If they don’t want to see what you have to offer, then that is not the place for you. Also, you have to have patience. The ride to success may seem long, but I promise, once you reach it… No one can take that away from you. Success is not about materialistic things; it’s about knowing that you’ve created something that made a difference in someone else’s life, no matter how small. Lastly, No is a sentence. It’s ok to say “No.” Not all money is good money. In other words, some clients and/or jobs are more trouble than good. Therefore, Do Good, Be Good, and Keep Creating! You got this!!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I am truly blessed to have a huge support system that has stood by my side throughout the years. Starting with my parents, Connie and James Barfield Sr., and my siblings Jay, Alexis Matthew (Brother-In-Law), who have always pushed and loved me unconditionally. I am also grateful for my darling husband, Derek, who has supported and loved me, even when at times I didn’t love myself. My late grandmothers, Esther and Bertha, taught me how to pray and stand.
I am also thankful for my aunts, uncles, and in-laws, including Melbatine (Bill), Joyce (Thomas), Jackie, William, Willie, Clea (Bert), Amos, Ervin (Elaine), Gloria Graham (Mother-in-law), Rachel Mckee, Vicky, Clay, and Brenda. Their support and love have been unwavering regardless of the circumstances.
I also want to express my gratitude to my cousins, including Mike and Charles Mumford, The Late Cheryl Swinson-Grady, Lynn (Sheri) Swinson, Nicole Graham-Howie, and Clea Jr., for always being there for me.
My best friends, D’nse Williams, Pamela Jones, Niya Jones-Williamson, Jes’Neka Jones-Jemes Tristan Parks, Justin Wadell, Tony Gorman, Heather Cobbs, Cheryll Cobb-Fleming, Ebony Anderson, and Cayte Maupin Worthington have listened, cried, and dreamt the vision with me.
Additionally, I am thankful for my professors and mentors, including Alberta Sutton, United States Representative Congressman Don Davis, Sharon Arnold, Melissa Gatling, the late Reverend Edward Lewis and Mrs. Lewis, the late Greg Sampson and Mary Berry, Melba Smith-Brown, Velma Blackman, Ellard Forrestor, Maurice Le Flore, John Butler, Mike Rodriguez, and Carolyn Foster Bailey Lewis. Each has pushed, guided, and encouraged me throughout my career. I am truly grateful for the village of support that surrounds me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lxdesignmediapro; @barfield.jessica
- Facebook: @jessicabarfield85 and @LXDMediaPro
- Linkedin: Jessica-barfield-graham-65bb4342/
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