Chat & Chew with Ledisi

My Life Changing Moment with Ms. Ledisi

Simply Amazing! There is no other way to describe the beautiful artist who is Ledisi. Her spirit and energy are contagious. Standing next to her, you can feel positive vibes exude from her. She has the unique ability to draw you into her world. You want to be her friend. You want to hang out with her. She is really a cool person. The vibe you get from her music doesn’t compare to who she is in person. Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Chat & Chew with Ledisi at Oasis Buckhead. It was a master class for people seeking to break into the music industry. I have no desire to sing; even though, I have been told I have an amazing voice. I went because I wanted to do something different.

Do Something Different

Recently on the Fierce Talk call with Karla Beedles, Business Consultant, she gave a great tip concerning networking. She stated on the call, “As business women, we shouldn’t be afraid to network outside our industry." I took her words to heart. I captured the tip in my spirit and ran with it. Since beginning blogging, I’ve had the opportunity to meet other bloggers. I’ve been invited to a few events. My experience has been fun, but none of these events shifted my perspective as much as the CHAT & Chew.  

courtesy of JP Design Art and
 Safe Haven Management

The Panel

On the panel with Ledisi, was JP Moore, JP Design Art and Roland Jack, Safe Haven Management. They dropped so many great nuggets from branding to perfecting your artistry. I enjoyed Roland story of seizing the moment through his internship. He said while he was collating contracts (making copies), he was reading them. He learned the music business this way. He paid attention to the details. He didn’t just make copies. He educated himself. A year later, he was asked to take over his boss’s position. This was my confirmation. I love studying other authors, content writers and learning how they create their books or websites. I then apply those things to myself. For the last 3 years, I have been perfecting my craft. JP Morgan made me realize I needed to clean up my social media accounts. I must be more mindful what I place my social media. Branding and Marketing are about longevity. I must think about every detail. What are things I need to do to sustain me until my next book? I’ve only been planning for the moment. JP made me realize I have some work to do.  

My Mindshift

Ledisi giving tips on
stage presence to an artist

A paradigm shift occurred in my spirit to where I was conversing with God in my sleep. I couldn’t believe I met Ledisi and had a brief conversation with her. I kept thinking I would have missed this opportunity if I had stayed at home. I realized I’ve been holding back on my gifts. I have been walking in circles because I wanted others to come with me. I’ve been too afraid to change my circle. Sometime last year, I realized I wanted more out of life. I needed to be around people who were smarter and more creative than myself. Slowly, I began to recognize opportunities like the Chat & Chew were moments in time created by God for me to take. After last night, I understand my reservations are not only harmful to me, but it is a disservice to my gifts and talents. I am going to do what Ms. Ledisi taught in the class. She told us to Own It! Walk into the room like you belong there. Guess what? You Do! Hi, I am Jay’L Harris Author, Blogger, Speaker. I Own Me! Life Lesson: Never miss an opportunity to grow. Seize the Moment Without Fear!