Conversations with Jessica Graham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Graham

Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey as a Radio/TV producer began when I was just a child. Growing up in the rural town of Arba Jason, NC, I had a remarkably vivid imagination.

At the age of 4, my parents discerned my keen interest in the arts. I would often create stories and compose theme songs from my older brother, James II’s video games. Even during bedtime story sessions with my mom, I displayed an animated demeanor. Given my parents are both artists, they actively fostered my creativity. Over time, they exposed me to various art forms such as dance, drawing, photography, and, musical performance. Given my family’s extensive musical background, I aspired to join the band. Every member of my family either sings or plays an instrument. Consequently, it was effortless for my family to identify my natural talent for learning and performing by ear. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career in the music industry. However, God had other plans for me!

During my freshman year at Elizabeth City State University ( ECSU), I originally was under the music curriculum until I met, the late Greg Sampson. He heard my voice and immediately saw dollar signs. My “voice” is what makes me stand out in the world. To some it’s considered very high-pitched to others it’s very animated. All in all, it’s very unique.

As soon as he heard me talk, he asked me to do a recording session with him. He coached me on what to say and how to develop a script. In less than an hour, I recorded my very first PSA for WRVS 89.9 FM; I was immediately hooked. Before I knew it, I was hosting my own radio show in between classes and band practice under the moniker “Baby J.”

The following year, I met Melba Brown-Smith, a professor of Television Production, who had observed my work ethic in radio since my freshman year. It wasn’t until she gave me my first task of working in the control room for W18BB-DTV for the annual Successfest, that I received the secret of making it in this business as a black woman: “To make it in this business, the more you know, the better!” After she told me that, I learned as much as I could and worked twice as hard. By the top of my senior year, I landed a summer internship at Black Entertainment Television ( B.E.T.).

Working at BET was a dream come true! I had the chance to meet several celebrities and improve my skills.

I’ve discovered that, while the industry may look glamorous, it truly requires hard work and sacrifice to bring what you see on your television screen to life.

Before leaving my internship, my teammates and I created this promotional video called “Ballpark Rap Challenge.” At the time, it was a huge success for the seven of us because it was our first national commercial. So for a bunch of twenty-year-olds, we were on cloud nine! Even though the experience of creating the commercial did not go as planned, we learned how to come up with alternative strategies to complete a project.

Over the years, I acquired my MA in Public Media from Ohio University, Class of 2015. I worked at several stations such as WRVS, WOUB Public Media, Charleston, WV, WSHA 88.9FM Raleigh NC, and a theatre, Martin Marietta Center For the Performing Arts in Raleigh, NC.
I have taken on different projects that offer different challenges for media, but never considered owning my own company until I was laid off from
my job at WSHA, I realized it was time for a different approach. My husband and I never thought we would be business owners, but it is one of the best yet challenging decisions we made together.

In 2019, we co-founded Life By Design Media and Production, LLC. Since then, we have completed numerous commercials, including “Mebane Strong” in 2020. We have also launched two podcasts: “What’s The Law? With John Eluwa” and “Be The Change,” which is our passion project. Additionally, we provided post-production services for the podcast “Hoe and Tell,” hosted by Sexual Health Educator, HIV activist, and writer Ashley Cobb and Crystal the Oracle. As well as countless photography sessions and graphic designs for a vast array of clients.

We are the hidden gem in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been challenging, but I continue to push through the hardships. I often struggle with Imposter Syndrome, having to face obstacles in the form of sexism, racism, and voicism. On several occasions, I was told that I would never be good enough, smart enough, or bold enough to do what I do. Many people underestimate me until I prove them wrong.
Despite the hurdles, I remain resilient and determined. My mother used to make me sit in front of the mirror and say my name aloud, reminding myself “I am worthy of greatness, and I don’t take no mess!” It’s a memory that I often revisit when I have doubts or insecurities.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a producer for TV, radio, and podcasts. I specialize in photography, graphic design, podcasting, radio, and television production. I am mostly known for my radio shows and TV commercials. What makes me unique is my ability to create content that empowers people to express themselves.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I sure did!

I’ve learned that even when the world is forced to be shut in, We manage to help one another despite our differences.

Which sparked the commercial we made for the Town Of Mebane.

During the peak of the pandemic, my husband and I decided to create a promotional video to highlight all the wonderful contributions the people of Mebane, NC were making within the community. The community came together to help each other by making and distributing free masks or by sharing food with those in need. The people of Mebane showed true camaraderie during a difficult time.

We approached some of the small businesses in town and the town councilman, Sean Ewing, to participate in our project. After releasing this video onto social media, it gained attention from WRAL, which extended an opportunity for us to broadcast it. As a newly established small business, we did not have designated funding for broadcasting media. After several weeks of seeking financial backing for the broadcast followed by a GoFundMe kickstarter, we raised the minimal funds required for a short-term broadcast of our commercial.

#MebaneStrong aired on WRAL for about three months. It was a great measure of pride for our small business, as it was our debut community project and our first step in engaging with the locals to produce something with a positive message for the Triangle region in North Carolina.

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