Meet Amanda Jay | Creative Artist & planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Jay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
The typical “American Dream” in itself to go to school straight into college which will provide you a successful life. It simply is not the case from what I have experienced and seen for your normal average American. Now a days the debt that goes into an education translates into a lifetime of interest to get out of and an influx of time spent away from our family and things that really make us happy. The pandemic proved that job security is a joke and individuals with 50+ years in their respective positions still found the same fate when the entire world shut down. The risk of starting your own business and investing that same energy into your own passion may breed better results then placing the balance of your success in the hands of a company that wont remember your name when considering your job title in the midst of a state of emergency. For me, my why become much clearer when the world came tumbling down and all that was left was the lesson of pursuing what makes life worth living. “You don’t know how strong you are until strong is all you can be.” I believe this year taught us a lot about ourselves and what we are willing to settle for. I just believe that I am excited for what is to come next. Millions of people just woke up and realized their own potential and therefor more innovative creations are appearing. These next few years will show what people really did to stop the fear within themselves and take that leap of faith.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been pursuing a music career since I was 15 years old and it has been the main reason I have been able to grow as a person , experience new things and connect with other amazing people. I have been able to perform on stages across Florida up into ATL and NYC. I’ve found new ways to express myself while performing and being inspired by the lessons I have learned on the way. Music is how I was able to get through some of my darkest times. None of it has been easy. Self funding my projects and my music always came with a challenge. I was already writing and performing music by the time I graduated highschool. From there I was working two jobs while taking classes and I still made a way to perform and chase my dream. That meant sleepless nights and long drives every single day. Somehow I was able to manage all of my goals based on my tenacity to see my dreams through until the end. I had to remind myself how far I had fought to get where I am and that fire alone was enough to keep my feet moving. I can’t stop until I know that generations after me will not have to question where their next meal or paycheck is going to come from . My vision is to create generational wealth that supports the desires of my childrens children which makes it easier for me to sacrifice today. I have learned that life is not fair and everyone is treated differently so we learn at difference paces. The race is about the knowledge you obtain to make your next move worth it.

I want the world to know that I grew up without a lot of things that we consider necessary. I dont speak to either of my parents because they never really care about me . I want the world to know that I had numerous thoughts to give up. But at the end of the day I continued pushing because I have to remember itll all be worth it. Having the freedom to do what I love without boundaries is worth everything. I want my passions to pay my bills , and i hope this inspires you pursue the same for yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Orlando has different feels in different areas of the city . I have not lived here long enough to know about all of the secret spots that have made me happy. For starters I moved to Orlando for the diversity and the food. Downtown Lake Eola is such a beautiful area with a variety of restaraunts with a view. Aside from the theme parks you have so many options to experience from escape rooms to paint parties and bike trails. Of course I am partial to the music scene and live music . If you’re looking for a hip ambiance for working you can check out the Robinson downtown with their cocktails and modern entreprenuer work feel. My favorite brunch spot is Vanessas Coffee in Lake Nona. This coffee shop was started by a Puerto Rican native and its super homie with a photobooth out front. The coffee is rich and all food options are yummy. I am still discovering other places that make me happy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey has had so many people involved that have pushed me starting with my aunt Kate Linares. She is the reason I ended up in my first studio booth to create music and since then I’ve never stopped. I doubted my ability to throw events until my boyfriend kept telling me he did not know why I wasn’t already pursuing something I was good at and then presented me a name and a logo for that brand. I also have to thank my mentor Oriana Campbell for taking me under her wing and trusting me with her vision while building S.I.S (Support Influences Success) . I am forever grateful for so many individuals along my journey and I can promise it won’t go to waste.

Website: https://www.theofficialamandajay.com/

Instagram: @bluejaysings

Twitter: @bluejaysings

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Elmizzybaby

Image Credits
Frank Thomas David Daudin Valerie Seguinot God.Is.Prod Darren Gundling