Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie E.
Hi Jackie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a former Division 1 Basketball player turned media personality and content creator, my story is unique, layered, and still being written. I started playing basketball at the age of 3 and I owe that to the basketball family I grew up in. With my father and grandfather being so heavily involved in the world of basketball, my brothers and I instantly fell in love with the game and never looked back. Being a basketball player played a major role in my love for sneakers and styling sneakers. I had a very decorated high school basketball career. I was a 1,000-point scorer, MSG tri-state player of the week, #1 3-point shooter in North Jersey, and the accolades continued. With the love & support of my mother, father, & family, I decided to continue my basketball career at Iona College which is now called Iona University. After an injury and having surgery, I was forced to redshirt (sit out) my junior year. Not being able to play basketball for the 1st time in my life was an unexpected adversity that I wasn’t ready for. However, that injury was pivotal in opening my eyes to the importance of deciding where I wanted my career to go after graduating. During my recovery, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in television, film, and production. Towards the beginning of my senior year, my T.V. production class took a trip to the filming of a live television show. At the end of the show, we were taken into the control room and it was at that moment I knew had to work in production. After graduating from Iona, I continued my education and basketball career at Hampton University and got my master’s degree. While playing in my 5th and final year of college basketball, I completed my first internship with a local production company (Heck Productions). In the second semester of my master’s program (after basketball season was over), I become a production intern for the New York Football Giants. I gained a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of production there! I had a hands-on experience with pre-production, audio, tricasters, field shoots, camera operation, jib operation, game day logistics, live post-game shows, media avails, and postproduction. When my internship with the New York Giants ended I began another internship with ABC’s television show “The View”. This internship was the catalyst for my desire to not only know what goes on behind the camera but to also experience what it’s like to be an on-air talent. Shadowing the producers, helping with the talent/guests, being in the control room, and watching the live production of the show inspired me to curate, direct, and produce my own content. All of my experiences up until this very day (basketball, sneakers, production internships) have helped influence and pave the way for the media personality and content creator that I am today and all that I will become in the future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has definitely had some bumps in the road. My knee surgery at the end of my sophomore year of college was an extremely difficult experience. Not only because I couldn’t play the game, I loved so much but because my recovery process took way longer than it should have. After having surgery in July of that year, I was told that I would make full recovery by October. I did everything I needed to do in terms of physical therapy, resting, eating clean, and my quadricep muscle would still not rebuild itself. That’s what pushed back my return date. Learning how to walk and run again was not only difficult physically but also mentally and emotionally. My mind still remembered the function of walking and running however, the mind-body connection had been lost because of the surgery. Emotionally, it was frustrating because as hard as I worked to get back to playing basketball, at times it seemed like I was making no progress at all. My trainers at the time weren’t too sure why my body was responding the way it did, so it just seemed like there were no answers for all of my questions. However, during that time, I did learn that you can’t rush healing, that some things just take time, and after you’ve done all, you can, you just have to trust God to do that rest. Those lessons could be applied to just life in general.
I was able to connect the lessons I learned from my basketball career to the ” real world ” when looking for internships and jobs. While I was in grad school, I applied for tons of internships and jobs, and oftentimes, I received a lot of “nos”. Some companies that I was excited to work with never even got back to me. Once again, I was doing all that I could do in my own strength (just like with my knee surgery), I just had to be patient and watch God work. During those times, I had to dig deep and remind myself that, ” What’s for me, is for me” and at the right time, it will come together.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a media personality and content creator. I created my brand ” The Tubby Effect” which is a space where I allow all of my passions to be free. The Tubby Effect encompasses all of my passions and talents how it impacts the world around me. In case, you’re wondering, ” Tubby” is my nickname. Within The Tubby effect, you will see a little bit of everything. With my love for sneaker styling and natural hair, my content aims to provide inspiration for sneakerheads and fellow naturalistas! I am a firm believer that sneakers can be styled with any outfit. The possibilities are endless! Natural hair is a personal statement of your uniqueness. Your hair is your “crown” of glory! It doesn’t matter if it’s Rapunzel’s length, in an uptown fade, slicked back, or in an afro. Fashion starts from the CROWN of your head and goes down to the SOLES of your feet!
In addition, I am a host, actress, photographer, and speaker. Whether you’ve seen me making appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America, The Food Network, Essence magazine, Foot Locker Women’s IG Feed, June Ambrose’s IG story or even hosting events at NYC Fashion Week, I truly embraces my ability to tap into the multi-media space while still remaining true to all of my passions.
I am most known for my dancing sneaker styling and natural hair content. I have a weekly newsletter called ” Sleeping Beauties ” and it highlights all the amazing sneakers that don’t get mainstream media attention. There are so many “beauties” out there that many people are “sleeping” on. My newsletter also gives “Tips & Tricks for Kicks” which provides ways to buy the sneakers that you like on a budget.
Furthermore, I have a video series on Instagram out now called “Kicktion of the Day”. In this series, I breakdown all of the words and phrases of the sneakerhead community and make it easy for everyone to understand. It’s so fulfilling for me to educate others on something I am so passionate about and provide common ground for sneakerheads and non-sneakerheads alike. The episode of “Kicktion of the Day” that I am most proud of is the one that I did honoring Hispanic heritage month. I did the entire episode in Spanish and as an aspiring polyglot (A person who speaks more than 3 languages), that was a huge accomplishment for me.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very active and involved. I played sports (basketball, softball, bowling, & soccer), I did ballet and modern jazz, I was a part of a local dance team, I sang in my church choir, I acted in school plays and did local theatre, I was a part of school clubs, I participated in school talent shows and was a part of the national junior honor society. In terms of personality, I was quiet, conscientious, creative, fun, and very loving.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thetubbyeffect.com
- Instagram: @thetubbyeffect
Image Credits
Getty Images
Pedro4cristo
TubbyFotos
