Leslie Odom Jr.: We Are Not All Artists the Same
Kanye West & Beyonce Lead BET Award Nominations
BV on Money would like to introduce you to a new series of interviews with African American movers and shakers in the world of new media. Some names you will know -- like big stars harnessing the power of the Web -- and others will be new personalities who have made a name for themselves through online businesses. Our first interview in our series is with the online personality Miss Jia. Her entertainment blog, MissJia.com, won the number one spot as the blog of the year by popular vote in the 2010 Black Weblog Awards. In addition, this African American new media maven boasts a twitter following of over 16,000 people who tune in for her entertainment updates. Let's see what we can learn from Miss Jia about the business of talking about celebrities.
What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Jia McClain but on the web, I am known as "Miss Jia." I am the creator of the black celebrity entertainment news site, MissJia.com.What are some of the misconceptions people have about celebrities and their money?
I think that one of the misconceptions that many of us (as outsiders) have about celebrities and their money is that they should be told how to spend it. Although I don't personally agree with living superfluously, I do think that if you work hard, you deserve to reward yourself accordingly. However, everybody's idea of "accordingly" isn't always the same.Related:
+Lil Wayne's Business to Pick Up After His Release From Prison
+Americans Don't Know Obama Has Helped the Economy
What surprised you the most about the financial side of your industry?
I was personally surprised that you could really make a living off of blogging about celebrities and their lifestyle. A lot of record companies and public relations firms are always looking to get their talent out there and are recognizing social media as the new platform to reach an audience. Blogs have been able to capture the audience that magazines and newspapers once held. We're considered by many as the "go to" for everything from politics to restaurant reviews and fashion. Because of that, industry leads are willing to now put the advertising that was once used in a magazine layout towards a blogger and his/her posts about their client. It's a wonderful exchange.
How has Twitter helped you in building your brand and running your business?
Twitter allows you to reach out to the readers that support you. Instead of being available by email alone, your readers/supporters now have the opportunity to speak to you in "real time," thus creating more possibilities for a bond between blogger and reader. Additionally, because a lot of blogs are now connecting their website to their twitter so that the stories automatically post to the timelines, readers now get the chance to be instantly updated on news as it arrives.
Do you have any financial and professional advice for aspiring celebs out there?
While I'm not able to provide sound financial advice (other than "spend wisely because we ARE in a recession"), I will say that if you're aspiring to be a celebrity, make sure you keep your nose clean. Bloggers are watching!
What upcoming projects do you have in store for us?
Aside from continuing to grow MissJia.com as a brand, I do plan on releasing a book within the next year or so. I have had a lot of positive and negative experiences in my life that I believe a lot of people could relate to. I'm also spending some time focusing on me and learning more about balancing everything. I think that once you've been able to make that connection, anything in the works generally falls into place.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our AOL Black Voices audience?
It's never okay to be satisfied with mediocrity. Always strive for better.
Comments: (1)
Add a comment
By: phillysouledout on 11/05/2010 9:57AM
When I read the headline to this article, I was totally hyped to learn about the woman behind a blog I enjoy reading.
However, I found the interviewer's questions to be pretty lame. Why didn't you ask Ms. Jia questions about the nuts and bolts of her business? The questions regarding her opinion on celebrity financials were pointless, she's not an investment banker. Ms. Jia is a successful black new media professional, and it would have been awesome and inspiring to learn about her path to that end.
As an aspiring writing and blogger, I wanted to hear how she marketed herself/broke into the business/career path i.e. useful information.
What is the point of doing a series of articles on black power brokers in new media if the interviewer fails to ask the right questions?
Reply to this Comment | Report This