We recently connected with Je’Vel and have shared our conversation below.
Je’Vel, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is in part innate as it comes naturally to me. However, it was refined by watching my parents strive for a better life. We moved to the US from St. Lucia when I was 7 years old. My particular part of the Island is what you would consider the countryside. I didn’t experience running hot water until I landed foot in America, among other things. My parents together brought themselves out of poverty; my mother became a Registered Nurse while my father now manages construction. I applied what I saw to my own life, attending the best schools in NYC like specialized Junior High, Bay Academy, and then specialized High School, Fiorello H. LaGuardia. Both of those were far from where I grew up in East NY, which meant at a certain point I was waking up at 4:00 am at 11 years old to get to school. They were both academically and creatively challenging and thus early on I learned to roll with the punches and keep going. For example at LaGuardia where I majored in vocal, it wasn’t uncommon to arrive home at 12:00 am from a show and still having to study for a test the next morning. Those experiences came into play when I stepped into the fashion production realm where the call times were just as insane and tested my will and ability to push through the long hours of problem-solving.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As mentioned I immigrated to New York City from St. Lucia at 7 years old. I later studied music at LaGuardia High School which brought the world Nicki Minaj, Azaelia Banks, and more. Due to a lack of knowledge of resources in music at that time, I turned to fashion and event production instead. I found myself climbing the ranks of many brands, the peak thus far, being one of the managers of the Met Gala at 27 and 28 years old. I left that position in search of something more in line with my passion for music and creating with other artists. A multi-media connoisseur, I am well-versed in marketing and public relations. As a renaissance man, I aim to lend my skill set and experience to strengthen efforts to diversify the musical, artistic, and business experience-especially in the areas of LGBTQIAP+, people of color, and gender diversity.
When consuming Je’Vel media (original or collaboration), whether music or video and everything in between you can expect something visual, well thought out, and lots of passion.
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?
Faith–I do believe in a higher power. Prayer has kept and keeps me grounded. Faith in a higher power may not be for everyone but when all seems lost, being quiet and going within helps keep me motivated and goes beyond spirituality. Discipline–which encompasses resilience, tenacity, and consistency all in one. Nothing good and lasting is gained without discipline. Balance– learning when to listen to your body if you are pushing past your limits. You are no good in regards to achieving your goals if you’re burned out. Trial and error is how you develop these skills and being open to adapting is important because change is always constant.
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?
My mentor, Michael Mejias of the literary agency Writer’s House is at the top of the list. We met at 17 when I entered their old location not knowing I was supposed to set up a meeting and pitched my manuscript to him. Impressed, he took me under his wing and has challenged me in every facet of my life beyond my journey to be a published author which is now going on 13 years. It has been over a decade of facing fears, breaking barriers, growth, and patience. I am eternally grateful for his guidance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jevel.net/
- Instagram: @je.vel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jervelle-frederick-1a26b39b/details/experience/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oddtY8DR0oOQAs1k3zjD0?si=TfWgNK4yS0aQpZCCmQ6j8g
Image Credits
Underwater shots – Joyce Mcfarland, Wing shots – Kathleen Sheehan, Sam Cowan, Headshot checkers- Adeos Yeboah
