Go-Getter Spotlight!
"In the end I learned that being me was good enough"
-Alicia James
Alicia James released her album "Seven" in the spring of 2011 and her first music video a few months later. She continues to work hard to reach higher with every song, every album and every music video. She's a true go-getter stopping at nothing to bring her goals to full fruition. So what once was her dream is now her life. She was gracious enough to accept to share her journey with me and inspire us all to live life on our own terms.
AJ: Alicia James is a wife, a mother, a sister, a singer, a songwriter, a pursuer of dreams, a country girl from the south, and sooo much more!
P+S: Tell us a bit about your work and accomplishments so far.
AJ: Wow! You know one of my biggest accomplishments is my family! I have an amazing family, and I love them all so much! My work has been amazing! These past few years, I have learned so much!I I had a dream, but honestly this is bigger than what I had dreamed! :) I've had the opportunity to perform at several venues in my hometown, and surrounding areas. I have performed at venues small venues and also big venues like The House Of Blues multiple times. I've been blessed to not only share my hair journey, but my music with thousands of people on Youtube! It all seems surreal. :)
P+S: What inspires your work?
AJ: My family, my life, people around me inspire my work. I've always considered myself a nosy writer, I am inspired by things around me!
P+S: When did your interest for music start?
AJ: I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I've always loved music, but didn't think that sharing my music was even a possibility. I didn't get that part until I was about 20 or 21 years old. :)
P+S: How did you get into music professionally and what kind of work did you do prior to pursuing the music industry?
AJ: I started attending a lot of the music events in my hometown. I started being around people who were doing what I wanted to do. I paid attention, I listened, I read, I learned! Before music, I was actually a client service manager working for a company called "Chasecom & AT&T". It was a nice career, and I did it for 4 years, until making the decision to stay at home with my kiddos. :)
P+S: What motivated you and gave you the courage to pursue music as a career as oppose to a 9-5?
AJ: My husband has always been the type of person who believes in creating your own business, so he talked about it a lot. At first I thought he was crazy, but when it actually worked, I was amazed, and it made me want to work harder at it.
P+S: How has this decision changed your life?
AJ: Honestly, it's been great! I love the time I get with my family, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to do something that I love.
P+S: What are some of the struggles you had to face in the beginning or are still facing now? How did you overcome them?
AJ: The music industry is a very interesting business, if you want to be in this biz, you have to be strong. You can be easily pushed into some things that you don't really want to do. In the beginning I struggled with that. I thought I should be doing what everyone thought or said I should be doing. In the end I learned that being me was good enough.
P+S: What gives you the strength to keep going?
AJ: My family gives me strength to keep going. God number 1 keeps me going.
P+S: What’s the best part of living your dream?
AJ: The best part is knowing that what I dreamed does not have to be just a dream, you can go after things you want. :)
P+S: How were you able to maintain your level of success?
AJ: First of all I think success is defined by the individual. Success is what you make it. So, I feel like I have accomplished alot so far, but also there is sooooo much more to do.
P+S: What are you working on now?
AJ: I am actually working on my new music video for "Love Me So Naturally". The video will be released at the beginning of 2012. :) I am also working on my new album for 2012.
P+S: What are your dreams/goals for the future?
AJ: My goals are to continue to strive for more. I want to have a successful second album, I want to continue to reach a wider audience. There is just soooo much more I want to do. My goal is always to do more than I did last year!
P+S: What is the most important lesson going through this journey has taught you?
Aj: Don't be afraid.
P+S: Do you have any advice or word of encouragement you can give the P+S readers who are also looking to live their passion?
AJ: Don't be afraid to get a no. Don't be afraid to go after something everyone thinks is impossible. Don't give up.
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/naturalchickepidemic
My Blog:http://naturalchickepi.com
My Music Video: http://youtu.be/K7CE1H46LlU
Get The Album: http://www.msaliciajames.com
If you would like to be a part of the music video for "Love Me So Naturally" send images that will be included in the video to msaliciajamesmusic@gmail.com
If you are chosen your image will appear in the music video.
Details: http://youtu.be/MDx9de_MSJ4
[P+S UPDATE 2/16/12: The above information regarding the "Love Me So Naturally" video is no longer relevant. The video has been shot and released. Click here to check it out.]
Congratulations Alicia on all you have achieved and good luck with everything else you undertake in the future. I'm rooting for you!
It's so great to see people going after their dream the way Alicia James is. It's so inspiring. She has a beautiful voice. I hope she finds great success in her career.
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