Meet M.j. Pippens

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to M.j. Pippens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi M.J., so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

It wasn’t always easy. Over time I learned that I was unique and different so I just accepted it. I had to learn it first. Then I had to accept what I learned about myself. Because I will never wake up anyone else. That’s one of my favorite sayings that I live by. I will never wake up anyone else. So I embraced every little part of me, even the parts that made me different. Eventually it did become easy. When you know who you are, nothing can really stop you from doing much in this life. As a result, walking into rooms and commanding the room became natural for me…even when I wasn’t trying. Most of the jobs in the fashion industry not only was I different as far as who I am but in most cases I was the only person of color. But I knew I was gifted and I knew I was good at the things I knew how to do. So eventually confidence just began to exude from me. You couldn’t stop me even if you tried. Being a woman, especially a woman of color, you better know how to walk in and CONFIDENTLY know how to command a room. Once others see your confidence they have no choice but to respect you.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a Grammy Award Winning Singer/Background Vocalist, and Wardrobe Costume Stylist for television, film and other fashion brands. I am truly what you would consider a jane of all trades. My fashion career consist of so many things. I do a lot of different kinds of styling within the fashion industry including, wardrobe styling, product styling, campaigns, photoshoots, etc. 20 years ago I moved to L.A. to go to Fashion School gaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Marketing. But in the process of that, a bunch of other things that came along with who I am sort of fell into my lap, like music, costume design, modeling, etc. I’ve dibbled and dabbled in so many aspects of the fashion industry. I’ve had many dream jobs including working on a television show as the Key Set Costumer in the wardrobe department. So it’s pretty cool dressing celebrities all day and being on a television set.

I’m also a new content creator with my own youtube channel so I am tapping into that which is also pretty fun.

With music, singing was always a passion when I was young. I just didn’t realize how much. Nor did I ever really know that it would take me this far. I had dreams of being a singer but never thought I’d be blessed to partake in it the way I have. Since moving to Los Angeles, I’ve been tremendously blessed to background sing behind some of the best artists and musicians in the field. I’ve made many Television appearances such as The Grammys, American Idol, The X Factor, The American Music Awards, The TV Land Awards, James Corden Show, The Late Late Show, Steve Harvey’s Little Big Shots, The BET Awards, Taraji P. Henson’s White Hot Holidays, 2018 Stand Up To Cancer, The Morgan Freeman Tribute, etc. with celebrities and legends like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Chance The Rapper, Snoop, Jordan Sparks, Andra Day, Alicia Keys, Neyo, Garth Brooks, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monae, Amber Riley, Javier, Empire’s Jussie Smollet, Grace Vanderwaal, Little Big Town, and more.

I’ve also been blessed to sing background vocals working with major artists such as Kanye West & winning a grammy with him on his Album “Jesus Is King” released in 2019 & Lukas Graham on his album ‘The Purple Album’ released October 26th, 2018.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think what was most impactful for me in my journey was the fact that I had FAITH, I was BRAVE, and I had perseverance. I absolutely would be NOWHERE without GOD and without my faith. I could have done none of this by myself. The age that I originally moved to Los Angeles was very young to pack up by yourself and move across the country. But no matter what things ever looked like, no matter how hard they got at times, I never gave up. I was brave to move that far away from all of my family. I persevered no matter what was thrown at me. I truly admire that about myself.

My advice for anyone on their journey is to never give up, and don’t listen to other people…ever. No matter who it is. Because no one knows you like YOU. You are the one that has to live your life. No one else is living your life but you. You are the only one with your exact purpose. There may be people in this world similar to you but there is only one you. There will be a number of people who will not understand you, who won’t support you, etc. Prosper anyway. Don’t listen to people. Always listen to your gut. The more you know and accept who you are the less other people and the outside noise will distract you. Remember your calling. Remember your ‘WHY’, no matter what they say.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was support me. I had very unusual parents. They weren’t like everyone else. They were just always there. They were there when I wanted to give up, when I had nothing, when I had no money, no support from friends or other family, etc. My parents NEVER gave up on me. I would be nowhere without them. Especially my Father who passed away almost 4.5 years ago. I will never forget his words to me. ANY of them. He just knew what to say. Anytime I was down or was ready to give up I knew I could call my Dad and he would help me snap right back out of it. If I was angry he would calm me down. If I was sad he’d make me happy again. A few significant things my Dad said to me that stuck with me to this day is him telling me I was an investment, never underestimate small beginnings, I am not a wimp, and to PRAY no matter what.

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