Today we’d like to introduce you to Wilameana Jones.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Wilameana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m from a Jamaican background. I’ve always had a love for music since a child. My father was a dj and used to play music every Saturday in the house while we had to clean up. My brothers were into hip hop and r&b so we would always be listening to music. My parents put me in dance classes at five years old. I used to love to perform at the recitals and take pictures. I was also into modeling but I didn’t like it as much. At school, I would be the girl who did the morning announcements over the loudspeaker, I was into cheerleading, dancing, and student government, always ambitious and outgoing. Always a leader. After high school, I went to Famu for journalism and found myself writing raps more than doing work. I got my first opportunity to record a song with T Pain and I thought I was going to blow up as a female rapper. (lol) I eventually transferred to Georgia State University, after landing an internship opportunity with the legendary, Outkast. I moved to Atlanta and learned the ins and outs of the music industry. It was there where I learned how to record my own music, perform, network and build a buzz. I dropped a few projects which made me very popular around the campus and Atlanta music scene. I decided after I graduated with my Journalism/PR degree that I needed to move back to my hometown, Miami FL.
I moved back to Miami and started building a buzz as an artist. I decided that I would throw my own networking events and create opportunities for myself and others to perform. I always wanted to be independent and do things my way. Next, I was given an opportunity to be a radio host on an underground radio station, 89.1fm. I figured this would be a good way to break my own music while giving the underground artists a platform in my city. My show became so popular it made it hard to balance being an artist and a host. I got tired of constantly proving myself as an artist and being on the radio felt just as rewarding. I love hearing artists stories about their journey to success, it is very motivating and inspiring. After a few years on the underground, I got introduced to someone who owned an internet radio station. I was one of the first females in Miami to have an internet radio show. My show became a staple in the community, I went from one viewer to thousands. My work ethic caught the attention of Rick Ross and he wanted to know who was this girl who had a show in his city. After he did his research on me, we eventually met and he told me he liked what I was doing and he wanted to help me.
In 2016, I became apart of Maybach Music Group, as a brand ambassador and head of digital marketing. I created fan contests and did social media marketing for Rick Ross’s album’ “Rather You Than Me.” Also curated untouchablemmg.com. Currently, I am a brand ambassador for Belaire and Rich care and promote all of the brands affiliated with MMG. Everyday I’m hustlin, My true passion is to become a well established Media Mogul. My company Hidden Gems Entertainment Media Group will be successful by finding the next upcoming talent.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been an easy road. You have to work twice as hard to earn respect as a female in the music business. A lot of times men don’t see you as equal. You also have to have a way to finance your dream and it can be hard to build a strong, loyal team.
Please tell us about Hidden Gems Entertainment Media Group.
I’m known for interviewing artists, curating events, marketing, promoting and branding. I’m proud that my impeccable work ethic got me to where I am today. My drive, ambition, energy, creativity, and spirit is what sets me apart from others.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would’ve created my show first and then become an artist. I wish I would’ve saw my vision and end goal differently. However, I don’t regret my journey or path, I believe everything turned out the way it was supposed to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: str8raw.com
- Phone: 7862273171
- Email: empressraw@gmail.com
- Instagram: empressraw
- Twitter: empressraw
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
