Gina Miller who is currently the vice president and general manager of urban inspirational music at Entertainment One has impacted the music industry by continuing to align the numbers with talent in gospel music. Generating 42.5 million and 39.6 million streams respectively for gospel artists John P. Kee and Jonathan McReynolds, shows Miller’s 15-year journey has been in accordance with God’s plan. Miller recently spoke with rolling out to shed light on the woman behind the position.
Explain to us your journey from intern to now vice president of Entertainment One.
Fifteen years ago I was looking for an opportunity. I went into their offices’ asking can I come in every day and work until something happened. They found it odd because I wasn’t in college and I was married with two children. I did that for about a year. In that year they noticed I was still around. That established with them that I wasn’t going anywhere. They created a part-time coordinator position for me. From there I went from marketing, promotions, sales, to retail, to labor relations, coordinator to a manager, director, and now VP.
What challenges have you faced being in the industry for 15 years?
I feel like my upbringing, growing up in the hood, growing up in church and being a single mother helped sharpen my savvy business skills. In addition, those were part of my biggest challenges because I had to study to make sure I was aware of what is going on and what needs to happen in my position.
What is one of the biggest risks you’ve taken in your career?
The biggest risk I would say I’ve taken is from the first day of walking into the door and staying still. Sometimes we are challenged with moving because the grass is greener on the other side. Sometimes it is. I’m just excited that I have such a unique opportunity to know every day I walk-in by faith my grass continued to stay green.
What drives your interest to help develop up-and-coming artists?
I’ve been a fan of music all my life. I love R&B, jazz, classical, and country music. I’m classically trained and I played music in church growing up. I still play, so being a fan of music drives one part of that interest. Also knowing God’s plan. God’s plan for me was not to be an artist but I do believe he put just enough passion in me for music to help support, serve and steward these artists. Having this drive helps drive these artists to do what they are called to do and I love it.
What do you think is the next level for you in your career?
I don’t know what’s next. I think about it often. Right now I’m just trusting the same doors I walked in 15 years ago. Those same doors will lead me to where I’m supposed to be. Until I get there, every day to some degree is a step toward what’s next.
