Everyone knows that behind every successful radio program, television show or movie production there is a talented team of people making things happen. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Stacey J is doing just that. She is a producer for the “Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” and her own show, “The Inspiration of Lifestyle with Stacey J.” Some call her a socialite, but she considers herself a social enthusiast. For fifteen years, Stacey J has been a staple in the entertainment industry and now she is focused on re-branding herself. As a mother of two, one can only imagine her challenges of simultaneously focusing on both a career and family. She is living proof that a healthy balance can be achieved.
Rolling out caught up with her to find out how she became a part of the Be Amped campaign, motherhood and becoming a social enthusiast.
What do you do in the entertainment industry?
What don’t I do is the question. I am the producer for the “Rickey Smiley Morning Show.” I also have my own show called “The Inspiration Lifestyle with Stacey J.” I am an event planner, as well.
How do you define a social enthusiast?
I have worked in the entertainment industry for over fifteen years, so you become known. When I moved to Atlanta I had already built up my brand. People would tell me that I am a socialite. When I google socialite that isn’t what comes up. That is someone who has money already and I haven’t quite arrived there yet. I am more so enthusiastic about being social, because I love people. This is how the social enthusiast was born.
What is your life like as an associate producer?
Everyone sees Rickey Smiley and the crew doing the show, but there is a method behind their madness. Everything is produced behind the scenes. They’re the talent, but we are behind the scenes making everything happen. I have been in Atlanta for six years. I liked the transition. I just got in my Uhaul and left, because I am originally from Chicago. I love my hometown; however, I hit the ceiling there with work and wanted to try something different. I also got a divorce, so I knew it was time to leave. It has been an amazing experience ever since. I brought my kids and it has been a great experience for them, too. My kids have found their purpose out here, because being in Chicago all they were surrounded by was violence and shootings. I wanted to get my boys out of there. I wanted to make sure they had a better chance at survival and that is sad to say. They’ve been thriving in Atlanta. My oldest son is a graphic designer and my youngest son is still trying to figure out what he is going to do, but I think it is going to be in production.
What are some of the challenges you face as a single mother while working in the industry?
Being a single mom has its challenges. My ex-husband is involved, but he is back in Chicago. There is still that distance with him kind of raising the kids through the phone unless they go back home. My boys understand the hard work that I am putting into building my brand and getting my radio show up and going. They want to make sure that I am happy, overall. I have a 24-year-old and a 17-year-old, so you can imagine when they’re at home it can be a lot to deal with, but they are good boys.
How did you get involved with the Be Amped campaign?
I found out about it through Lisa Gee. I have known her for years. She was also my publicist and I worked on the campaign with her last year, as well. She called me this year and wanted me to be involved again. Breast cancer runs heavily in my family. I have had two aunts that had to have their breasts removed and one of them is deceased. I also had an aunt who had colon cancer. I have been getting mammograms since I was 16 years old. I think it’s important to get checked at a young age. I have had four lump removals. It wasn’t cancer, but I caught it before it transitioned into something more serious. I make sure that I go every year to get a mammogram. If you do the preventative procedures, you can catch it. Women are scared to go because they think it is going to hurt or just scared to find out. Finding out your results can save your life.
