Meet Jay Jay Greene

We recently connected with Jay Jay Greene and have shared our conversation below.

Jay Jay, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being in a room where I’m the only one who looks like me has taught me to focus on bringing value through my unique perspective. I approach these situations by concentrating on comprehending the discussion’s goals and contributing meaningfully when I can. Rather than focusing on being different, I engage with the topic using my ability to envision and understand concepts. I’ve learned that it’s okay if some conversations go over my head – these moments become opportunities for learning. I view conversations and education as similar technologies: when people share knowledge I don’t have, I accept it openly and use it to better understand the broader context of our discussion.

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

I’m a multi-disciplinary creator working at the intersection of science, art, and practical wisdom. What excites me most is the opportunity to help people realize their potential through different creative mediums – whether that’s animation, books, music, or digital content.

My flagship project, which is in the startup phase, is called “Origami Rocket: Evolution.” It’s actually three projects in one: an ebook, an animated show, and a music album. The concept grew from my love of origami and its power to teach complex concepts through hands-on creation. What makes this project unique is its focus on bringing origami to life through movement – using sticks and strings to create marionettes from paper creations. The animated show centers around “Operation Playtalion,” a concept I developed to encourage people to teach origami to others. This approach was inspired by my own experience of learning the original rocket design from a student in my class. From that initial rocket design, I went on to create the jet, the boat, and the personal flier (or spaceship), expanding the possibilities of what paper craft can achieve.

One of the most meaningful projects I’m currently developing is “The Water Dragon,” a collaboration with the Swim Strong Foundation. We’re using mythical storytelling to teach water safety, making these crucial lessons more engaging and memorable for young learners. Alongside this, I’m documenting my journey of using AI to bring origami to life in “The Personal Navigator,” which incorporates insights from pilot training, radio control, and programming to build on my passion for origami.

I’m currently in the final editing stages of several picture books: “Train-Brains,” “Bird-a-Thon,” and “The Sidewalk Steward.” My poetry collections, “Vision Bored” and “Brooklyn Zoo Poetry,” which explore different aspects of urban life and personal growth, are ready for print. Currently, I’m working on a unique visual chess commentary that brings together strategic thinking and artistic expression. I also have a book about the purpose of communication and logic and the human destiny to use dialogue.

Music has become an important part of my creative journey. Despite being early in my musical theory education, I’ve produced three albums and a mix-tape. “All About Her” explores relationship complexities, “Juju Greene” documents my musical awakening since 2018, and the “Origami Evolution Album” musically expresses how origami shaped my creative development. Each project represents a different facet of my artistic exploration.

You can find my work on YouTube, where I focus on thought expression and character improvisation, often finding light-hearted perspectives in life’s challenging moments. I also maintain an active presence on Twitter/X, sharing spontaneous insights and observations that resonate with my vision.

What makes my approach unique is how I blend traditional crafts like origami with modern concepts and technology. I’m currently developing skills across multiple creative fields, including movie production, video games, and short stories. However, I prioritize authenticity over exploitation in everything I create. I use tools like Band Lab for music exploration and actively seek professional collaborations to deepen my craft.

Looking ahead, I’m focusing on creating trademark-worthy products that encourage self-empowerment and harmonious development. I’m particularly excited about several upcoming launches in my educational series and the continued development of my origami-based content. My business model centers on creating content that not only entertains but also promotes personal growth and practical skill development. This goal is rooted in African American Culture including but not limited to Hip Hop and Jazz.

For me, the most special aspect of my work is seeing how creativity can transform challenges into opportunities for learning and development. Whether it’s teaching complex concepts through paper folding or exploring emotional depths through music, each project is an opportunity to demonstrate how art can bridge the gap between entertainment and personal growth.

For anyone interested in following my journey or collaborating, you can find me on Instagram, where I regularly share updates about new projects and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creative process. I’m always open to connecting with other creators who share my vision of using art as a tool for positive transformation.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Understanding the I Ching and Systems Thinking
Impact on My Journey
The I=Ching opened my eyes to the cyclical nature of life and helped me focus on creating practical systems with my college education. This ancient wisdom system taught me to see patterns and connections across different fields of knowledge, from alchemy to psychology, from religion to the study of human belief systems. Meeting authors and studying diverse perspectives has enriched my understanding immensely.

Advice for Others
– Start with curiosity about traditional wisdom systems – they’ve survived for good reasons
– Don’t just study one perspective; seek out different authors and teachers
– Look for practical applications in your daily life
– Connect what you learn to your existing knowledge
– Remember that learning for learning’s sake has value – it builds a foundation for future understanding

2. Artistic Expression and Intuitive Creation
Impact on My Journey
Art has become my way of processing life and transforming experiences into something meaningful. I’ve learned to:
– View situations from multiple angles
– Trust my intuitive understanding
– Use imagination to create from lived experiences
– Express myself through various mediums (visual art, music, dance)
– Transform challenges into creative inspiration

Advice for Others
– Don’t limit yourself to one form of expression
– Practice translating your thoughts and feelings into different creative forms or disciplines
– Use art as a tool for processing experiences and challenges
– Trust your unique way of seeing and expressing things
– Allow your creative practice to evolve with you
– Remember that art can be both therapeutic and communicative

3. Haitian History and Cultural Understanding
Impact on My Journey
Studying Haiti’s post-colonial development, particularly through figures like Toussaint L’ouverture and Jean Jacques Dessalines, has given me deep insights into:
– The power of visionary leadership
– The importance of understanding historical context
– The challenge of building sustainable systems
– The value of traditional wisdom in modern times
– The impact of collective action and community approaches

Advice for Others
– Study history not just as facts, but as lessons for the present
– Look for wisdom in your own cultural heritage
– Understand how past challenges inform current situations
– Learn from both successes and setbacks in historical movements
– Appreciate traditional knowledge systems, especially in areas like:
* Sustainable living practices
* Community building
* Working harmoniously with natural systems
– Consider how historical insights can be applied to modern challenges

Overall Advice for Those Starting Their Journey
1. Stay open to learning from unexpected sources
2. Connect different areas of knowledge – everything is interrelated
3. Take time to reflect on and process what you learn
4. Look for practical applications of theoretical knowledge
5. Value both traditional wisdom and modern understanding
6. Don’t rush the learning process – deep understanding takes time
7. Share what you learn with others – teaching deepens understanding
8. Remember that personal growth is a cyclical journey, not a linear path

The key is to approach learning with patience, curiosity, and a willingness to see connections across different areas of knowledge. Your journey will be unique, but these foundations can help guide your path forward.

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

The most profound impact my parents had on me was their willingness to sacrifice their health for wealth creation. Their actions taught me invaluable lessons about:
– The importance of cultural connection through experiences like visiting Haiti
– The power of family building and maintaining a safe space
– The balance between work and personal preservation
– The value of awareness and presence in problem-solving
– The significance of combining creativity (from my mother) with mechanical genius (from my father)
– The importance of creating lasting impact through thoughtful work
– The power of helping others while maintaining personal well-being

Their example has inspired me to focus on creating long-lasting positive impact while maintaining balance and wisdom in my approach to both work and life.

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