6.15.2010

DAY 15: #30interviews30DAYS Kay Jay @KayJay

 Allow me to (re)introduce myself! My name is KayJay, and have multiple hustles! The one I am most widely known for is my passion for writing. I'm a writer / blogger for Fly Paper Magazine based right here in Columbus, Ohio! I write things like editorials, fashion news, entertainment news, political news, and anything else you can think of. If I think it will create a buzz, you will see it on our site! I am also currently pursuing my Bachelors in Web Design and have about a year left; so anything art or expression related is what I'm about! I love to support anything that comes out of Columbus, and love networking and meeting new people. So reach out to me! Let's work!





Email: designsbykayjay@gmail.com, Twitter: @KayJay_FP, or you can even call or text: 614.653.6468. I'm that sincere! LOL

http://www.flypapernews.com/

1!> How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop and the music industry in general?

First and foremost, I love music. I think the music industry as a whole hasn't been the same in recent years. Granted, new artists are still coming out and several of them have full potential. But just as anything else, it is changing with time and I'm not sure it's always been for the better.

When it comes to Hip Hop, I can say the same thing can be applied here as well. Even though artists like Jay Electronica, Lupe Fiasco, Wale, and others are determined to be the driving force that keeps the genre going and in the mainstream; there are other dead weights (as I like to call them) such as Wacka Flocka, Soulja Boy, Gucci, and others who seem to only be in it for the music and fame and not for providing a solid representation of the genre.

Right now hip-hop needs leaders instead of the "boppy" rappers set out to repeat themselves or their hook over and over again. Bring the content back, people! That's my challenge to all you rappers reading this! Save hip-hop! (We should make that a T-Shirt. LOL)

10!> What do you think about the divorce rate being at 50% and what do you think could change this?

Well, I think that rate means I'm better off single! LOL no really, it concerns me that the divorce rate is as high as it is. I am only 26 years old, but I even remember growing up and how it seemed that marriage had the "do or die" mentality. Meaning, once you were married you stuck it out. For better or for worse, Period. It seemed people actually worked on their marriages, went to Church together, and the family life was encouraged. Now? We live in an extremely fast-paced society. Basically, you get with it or you get lost. If you can't keep up you're forgotten.

We are no longer allowed to mention God in our schools or public places, society is now more used to children being raised in single-parent households and has adapted accordingly. And once someone does get married, divorce now seems to be the only option when the waters get rough. The process is seemingly painless and so easy that why not just wipe away the entire thing with just the swipe of a pen? As far as what could change this, I'm truthfully not sure.

We need to get back to the days of instilling true LOVE and SUPPORT and FAMILY values into our children. Stop supporting a society that doesn't encourage these things and get back to basics. I really live by these things, and look forward to the day I have an actual family with a husband and kids together in one place. But to me there is no option of failure. Whoever I marry, I'm dedicated for life. Do or die. And that's how it should be.

12!> Do you believe that college or higher education is necessary to be successful?

I am living proof that a college education is not fully required to be successful. All of the promotions and opportunities I've had thus far in life has been solely out of true hard work and dedication. However, I will say this. Education opens doors. MASSIVE doors. So while it may not be a hard-up requirement, it is still extremely important to have some sort of education from somewhere. Of course, there's always the "resume builders" that degrees help with; but ultimately the main focus should be knowing business, how to market yourself, how to make sound decisions, and most importantly how to communicate effectively with others.

There's always certain basics that I feel others should know or have experience with when dealing with others in business, and this is simply so that you will know how to properly take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. Simple luck can be a part of success as well. Being in the right place at the right time is always going to be a helpful factor, and knowing the right people can also help push you to whatever goals you are trying to reach for yourself. But if none of this is required or necessary for success, one major thing is: AMBITION. Period. If you don't want it, it won't come.

13!> What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is simple; achieving your goals. Whatever you have set out for yourself, write it down. It's easier for me to make "paths" to achieving what I want in life. I do that by taking one large task and breaking it down into smaller, more achievable tasks that will help me to accomplish my major goal. But ultimately, everyone's definition of success can be different. It fully comes down you your personal wants and aspirations. If you achieve them, you're successful. It's that easy!

For me? I won't truly feel successful until I've obtained my degree in Web Design with my own company and when I'm more financially free to do things. But some want to be housewives or stay-at-home Moms, or chefs, or librarians, hell even having a job at McDonald's gives a feeling for success for some. It's all about you, your struggles, your ambitions, and where your going. Once you feel fully satisfied with yourself and your life accomplishments then you're officially successful! And don't stop until you reach that feeling!

16!> Healthcare Reform....That is all. LOL. Thoughts??

Yes! LOTS of thoughts! So, my main "corporate hustle" is working for a prescription benefit manager. You know, the main gig that pays the bills for now? Yeah, that one. LOL. But in working so extremely close with prescription insurance, healthcare costs, medication costs, and more I am QUITE opinionated on this topic! I will do my best to stay off that thing we call a soap box, but let me go ahead and add my 2 (or 4) cents here real quick. So, the reform backlash has gotten way out of hand and out of control. I see first-hand, multiple times a day, where people are crying to me because they cannot afford to obtain their medications. I've heard patients say they have to eat cat or dog food just to pay for their medicines they need to LIVE.

Manufacturers of these drugs don't care about any of that though, they are increasing the costs of medications daily; mostly because the insurance companies will pay for it. They are not considering the ones at the end of the spectrum: the patients. So I fully agree that something needs to be done. Healthcare for all? I'm semi-OK with, but under certain circumstances only. I won't get into all of them, but I will say this: I am open-minded going into this issue of reform. I am hoping for the best, and I truly believe that Americans will benefit more than not. The backlash and hype all comes from Americans who are scared.

The real answers still to this day have yet to be given. It's been how long that our company has operated this way? So just like anything else, change is wanted but not fully accepted. Once the changes take place and Americans see that it won't be NEAR as bad as people are assuming it will be, then I think this mess will begin to fade away. Just like anything else, we will adapt and move on. The best advice I can offer right now is to do your research. Check valid sources for information on this bill, and answer some of the questions yourself! Don't believe everything the media hypes up.

21!>Today more than ever, it is becoming increasingly important to generate your own revenue and income because of the slim pickings in the job market. What would you as an entrepreneur tell someone looking to make their passion a career?

The first thing I know is this: in order to make your passion a full-out career that you live off of, you have to be extraordinarily driven. Check into your passion and all of the possibilities of things that can go wrong. Check out the possibilities of things that can work out right, and compare the two. If it's still obvious your best interest will be complimented when making this your career choice, then go on with it. But know in advance the road will be difficult. Most people (entrepreneurs, CEO's, etc) started with absolutely nothing. So be prepared to do the same.

Be prepared to put all of your time, effort, talent, and even MONEY into everything at the beginning and don't get flustered if you don't see it prospering right away. There will be adversities and failures up front. There will be naysayers and doubters up front, and people who are negative just to hold you back. You have to use all of this as ammunition not to fail and to become more successful.

Persistence and dedication are the key. As long as you keep at it, things will pay of for your if it truly is your PASSION that you are working towards. Just like anything else in life, if it's meant to be it will be. But don't give up. You hold the key to your destiny. KayJay quotable? I think so!

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