Jalia Pettis, Multi-Disciplinary Creative

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And truthfully, I know the answer, I really do. However, I also wear many hats and genuinely enjoy each of my gifts. My answer includes them all. Still, the challenge lies in questioning my progress.

The self-doubt creeps in.

The imposter syndrome shows up.

I’m out here doing the work connecting, following up, showing up in rooms I know I deserve to be in, even if others don’t see it. This journey isn’t about them; it’s about me, my purpose, my legacy. As a Gen-X' black woman and mother, I can’t afford to stop. I won’t stop.

Today’s reminder: never forget your why. That’s the fire that keeps you moving, even when the road gets tough.

There are days when I’m running on nothing but caffeine, creativity, and the quiet prayers I whispered before sunrise. Then there are days when the silence between bookings is deafening. This is the rhythm of life as a session stylist the ebb and flow that no one really prepares you for.

I am a dually licensed beauty pro, educator, creative director, and all-around visionary. That sounds nice, right? But behind the highlight reels, glossy campaign shoots, and perfectly blended faces is a woman navigating the very real highs and lows of the beauty and entertainment industry.

The Highs? They’re Electrifying! There’s no feeling quite like seeing your work come to life on set, on stage, or in a client’s smile when they see themselves transformed. I’ve been blessed to touch faces and crown heads of all tones and textures, from backstage madness to editorial spreads. Those moments fuel me. They remind me why I chose this path: to celebrate beauty in all its forms and empower others to show up fully in theirs.

But Then… the Low Tide Hits. The emails and text messages slow down. The contracts don’t come through. Suddenly, you’re questioning your rates, your reach, your relevance. In those moments, imposter syndrome tries to make itself at home. And let’s be real being a Black woman creative in an industry that loves your style but not always your voice? That’s a whole other layer.

Although what I’ve learned during the quiet seasons: they’re not punishment, they’re preparation. They’re the invitation to rest, reassess, and root yourself deeper in purpose. It’s in those pauses that I refine my craft, update my pitch decks, pour into myself, my kids and dream up what’s next.

Flow Always Follows Ebb. Every time I’ve thought it was over, something unexpected opened up a call, a class, a collab I couldn’t have planned. That’s the beauty of walking in purpose. Your name will be mentioned in rooms you haven’t stepped into yet… but you’ve got to keep showing up, even when no one’s clapping.

To my fellow creative professionals don’t fear the slow seasons. Embrace them. Use them. They’re where your next breakthrough is born. When the flow returns and it will you’ll be stronger, clearer, and more aligned than ever before.

So cheers to the journey...the glow-ups and the growing pains. The clients who become family. The missed calls that were divine redirections and the unshakable truth that you belong here.

With love & laughter!

It’s hard to believe we’re already stepping into the last month of Q1. At the start of the year, I declared that 2025 would be my year to Thrive anchored by three guiding words: Faithful, Focused, and Fruitful. Now, as I reflect on the past two months, I see the seeds being planted and the foundation being strengthened.

Faithful

This year, I committed to moving with unwavering faith trusting that every opportunity, challenge, and moment of stillness serves a greater purpose. And already, I’ve seen doors open in unexpected ways. Some opportunities came with ease, while others required patience and perseverance. But through it all, faith has reminded me that my path is uniquely mine.

Focused

The start of the year can feel like a whirlwind, full of energy and ambition. But staying focused is what truly determines progress. I’ve been intentional about my time, aligning my energy with what truly moves me forward. Every “yes” has been purposeful, and every “no” has been a step toward protecting my peace and priorities. With one month left in Q1, I’m doubling down refining, adjusting, and staying committed to what matters most.

Fruitful

Even in just two months, I can see the fruits of my labor beginning to take shape. The projects I’ve invested in, the collaborations I’ve nurtured, and the lessons I’ve embraced are all leading to something greater. Thrive isn’t just a word it’s a mindset, a way of showing up daily with intention, gratitude, and readiness to receive.

Let’s talk rate sheets, negotiations, and standing firm on your numbers.

Your rates are more than just numbers; they’re a reflection of your expertise, your time, and the costs of running your business. As creative professionals regardless of your specified industry, it’s essential to approach your pricing with strategy and confidence.

How to Come Up With Your Number$

Factor in Expenses: Include product costs, tools, insurance, and travel. If you travel 45-miles outside of your zip code you should also factor in mileage which as of 2025 is at $.70 cents per mile.

Consider Time & Skill: Your rates should reflect the time spent cultivating your skills through experience and education.

Research Your Market: Know what other pros in your area are charging for similar services, but don’t undervalue yourself to “compete.” Keep in mind when doing research the comparison in numbers should be with those who have a similar skill set to your own.

Add for Profit: Your business isn’t sustainable without profit. Participate in projects that are meaningful and beneficial to you and your growth.

When to Update Your Rate$

Annually: Review your rates at least once a year and revisit as needed. Have your costs gone up? Has your skill level or demand increased? Adjust accordingly.

Major Milestones: If you’ve invested in new certifications, tools, or have reached a significant milestone in your career, it’s time to reevaluate.

Stand Firm in Negotiation$

It may be tempting to lower your rates to land a client, but remember discounts are not 24/7. Don't devalue yourself before getting started. Instead, offer service upgrades to enhance their experience without cutting your income. The clients who truly value your work appreciate what you bring to the table and won’t ask you to shrink yourself. When you confidently present your rates and the value behind them, you’ll attract the right clients who respect your craft.

This morning, I had the honor of sharing the latest hair and makeup trends for 2025 on ABC15 Arizona Sonoran Living!

From simplistic to timeless classics, I broke down what’s hot this year to help you step into the new year looking and feeling your best.

Check out the full segment here:

2025 is here and I’m gearing up to bring some serious educational classes within the beauty industry.

Here’s what’s on deck:

• Editorial Hair & Makeup: Perfect your skills and create stunning visuals.

• Set Etiquette Tips & Tricks: Learn how to thrive and collaborate like a pro on set.

• Employee Engagement for Salon Owners: Build stronger, more connected teams.

• Portfolio Building for Creatives: Showcase your talent with intention.

• Branding vs. Marketing for Businesses: Understand the difference and elevate your strategy.

From industry newcomers to seasoned professionals, these classes are designed to inspire and empower. I’m ready to connect, teach, and learn as I hit cities across the country.

First two stops:

Salon Cadence ~ Sarasota, FL ~ February 1-3

What can I say? 2024 was a year that truly opened my eyes. It tested me in ways I didn’t see coming, but it taught me so much—about trust, faith, and even loyalty. As I step into this new year, I’m incredibly thankful. Thankful to wake up to a fresh start, a new day, and all the possibilities that come with it.

This year, I’m ready for exponential growth in my business, meaningful partnerships, and exciting collaborations. I’m committed to deepening my spiritual journey and seeing the financial goals on my vision board finally manifest in real time.

But most importantly, I’m stepping into 2025 with one clear focus: to thrive in every area of my life. Here’s to a year of abundance, alignment, and elevation!

Some say your life flashes before your eyes when you're on the brink of death. That wasn’t my experience. I was fully coherent, never lost consciousness, yet felt completely out of control.

This past week, my eldest son and I were in a car accident on our way to a gig. My son lost consciousness, and when I woke him, he immediately went into fight-flight-freeze mode. I won’t go into detail, but I will say this: he made sure his mama was taken care of.

There was a song playing in my head when I realized I was in pain: The Devil Is A Liar—YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH. That’s all I could think of when 911 was called.

The real kicker? The people you expect to help—the ones who stop on the side of the road or the firefighters trained to handle trauma—weren’t there for us. My car is totaled, and we were transported in separate ambulances. It felt like a nightmare, but by God’s grace, we walked away with only cuts and bruises—no broken bones, no internal injuries. And even in the midst of this, some underlying medical issues were brought to light, things I needed to know.

When I say God’s hand is on me and my kids, I mean it in every sense of the word. I’m taking a break from work and socials until the New Year. I need this time to heal physically, mentally, and to reflect on the blessing that every single day is.

Get ready for shoppable lists, curated recommendations, and some awesome products you won't want to miss!

Be sure to follow me so you're the first to know when I have a new list up! ️

Didi y'all enjoy part one? Lol, well don’t miss part two of this two-part series, “How to Stay Boujee and Remain True to Your Beliefs.”

When I tell you to be careful about working with large brands that undermine your creativity, I mean it wholeheartedly.

Last year, a brand hired me to produce one of the biggest campaigns of my career. After months of delays, we finally got into heavy conceptualization and planning, meeting almost daily for about a month. Come shoot day, everything went smoothly. Most of the team I hired were BIPOC, but honestly, that wasn’t even a focus, it was about talent and skill...as it should be! Right??

Fast forward: we send the final images to the client. Crickets for a week and a half. I bump into them in person, and suddenly, everyone is avoiding me. I knew something was off. Eventually, someone from their team pulls me aside and says I made one of their colleagues feel uncomfortable. I’m running the entire day back in my mind, confused, because I barely interacted with that person. The client’s team was on one side; my team and I were working on the other. I calmly explain the flow of the day, show text receipts, and even remind them I joined them afterward for a celebratory (non-alcoholic) happy hour.

Then the story shifts: “We didn’t get the shots we wanted.” Puzzled yet cool; I pull out the shot list, everything was accounted for. Still, I offer to reshoot some specific images at my own expense. I had only five days before an international trip, but I made it happen. Sent the new images....again, crickets!

At this point, I had to do some back-channeling to find out what was going on. Turns out, they felt like they’d “spent too much.” My contact, who’s been advocating for me, tells me the images were great, especially considering they paid only 25% of what she knows industry standard has been for a production of this size. She attempts to align a call with the person dodging me.

Here’s where it gets wild: they tell me I didn’t use enough Caucasian models, I’m floored. They were part of the model selection process! I said as much, and the client admitted, “I probably shouldn’t have said that, but that’s what our VP thinks.”

I left that call frustrated but still hopeful. The campaign was supposed to launch in 2024, you think it did?? Not at all as planned, almost as if it never happened.

Fast forward to the end of 2024: They’ve released their 2025 collection with a new creative director. And listen, I might be biased, but the results? Not good. The campaign was produced by a Caucasian woman, featuring only Caucasian models. Hmmmm...alrighty but what’s worse? They clearly wanted to imitate a competitor, but they missed the mark.

Here’s the kicker: that competitor’s new campaign? It's almost identical to what I produced. The diversity, the styling, the vibe, it’s all there. Looking at the side-by-side comparisons has me blown away. When I tell you they fumbled the bag…they really did. What I created was inclusive, intentional, and forward-thinking. And while I wish I could put them on blast, I’m taking this as a lesson.

Be careful who you work with as everyone who says they want campaigns that represent an inclusive community don't really mean it but are doing so to appease others. In addition, don't compromise your creative ability and charge what you know you're worth!!

Hello, beautiful people!

It’s been a minute since I’ve truly sat down to connect here, so I thought it was time for a proper reintroduction. I’m Jalia Pettis, a multifaceted creative director, dually licensed beauty professional, speaker, educator, and the visionary behind 3Jay Productions. I wear many hats, sometimes all at once but each role feeds my soul in unique ways.

Over the past year and a half, my journey has taken me to some incredible places. From stepping into leadership roles on independent film sets to speaking & educating at events for beauty professionals. I’ve poured my heart into creating spaces that foster creativity and growth. Most recently, I’ve embraced my position as true multi-hyphenate. A role that reminded me how much I love collaborating to bring stories to life.

In addition, I’ve been busy mentoring, teaching, and helping others elevate their craft. Whether it’s through my workshops for beauty pros or social media collabs, my mission remains the same: to empower and educate while keeping it real about the highs and lows of this industry.

What’s Next?

As we head into a new year, I’m leaning into my role as a storyteller, sharing the raw, unfiltered experiences that have shaped my creative path. My corporate background and journey as a Gen-X and Black woman in the beauty industry have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. I plan to share more of these lessons, offering insights that go beyond the surface and dig into what it truly means to thrive as a creative.

Through my blog and upcoming projects, you’ll find stories of triumph, vulnerability, and everything in between. Expect reflections, on set etiquette, client relationships, and navigating industry challenges; all with a dash of humor and a whole lot of honesty.

So, whether you’re a beauty pro, an aspiring creative, or someone who simply loves to explore the world of artistry, I invite you to join me on this ride. Let’s learn, grow, and create together.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and remember: the journey is just as important as the destination.

With love and creativity, Jalia Pettis