We were lucky to catch up with Curtis James jr recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Curtis, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

In 2013, I had just completed associate degree program of accounting technology at Daytona State College in Daytona Beach, FL. With no true job or career lined up, recently laid from my day job. I took the risk of moving back home to Atlanta in an attempt to start a career in music. Within the next couple of months I found employment and used that money to start production on my first independent album. With the help of a classmate, Eric Vito I learned how to not only produce but also how distribute my own album. I learned many things about the music business from him and use that time to study his ways. I went on to start my own entertainment company, and thrive in our independent market. If I had never took the risk of packing up and moving home, I would’ve never seen my dreams come true.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Curtis James Jr, and I am the CEO & owner of Highly Dedicated LLC. A entertainment company based out of Atlanta, GA who specializes in musical production, distribution, and performance. We have our own merchandise clothing line called “HD Gear” and we also work as a networking center for independent services. Connecting companies with entertainment professionals to fulfill services needed: DJs, producers, photographers, performers, musicians, etc. What sets HD apart from most companies is our tenacity and humbling attitude. We know that we aren’t the biggest and most popular company, that doesn’t stop us from competing against the big companies. And still provide the same impeccable service they do, with less resources. We’re are most proud of the impact we have on our community, from our annual “Glide-n-provide” back to school drive to working with the Atlanta City Council on the revamping of after school centers and programs in the south Atlanta/ Clayton County area. HD is a family more than a company, made of innovative 9 to 5ers who took a chance on a dream. We will always put that same passion behind helping you accomplish yours.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a recording artist, I pride myself on providing an excellent stage show., and when I first started that’s exactly what helped me stand out and gain alot of opportunities. Then in 2016 tragedy struck when I was ran over by a lift at my job resulting in a contusion in my right leg and foot, even worse sidelining my musical career. At first I fell into a dark depression, believing that it was all over. Through the grace of God and the support of my family that changed for the better. I rehabbed for months and even began performing on crutches at shows just to keep my buzz up. My leg will never be the same but I didn’t let it stop me from capitalizing on some amazing and life changing opportunities.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly, our Talent helped the most. Having the ability to do what we do with music is what grabs attention to us. We make feel good music and combine it with our talent of dancing, finishing it off by rocking our own merchandise and making it all go hand and hand. You see our logo, you think of our moves and the song you heard when you seen us. Now you wanna hear the music on the regular. Or you’re out and see someone wearing one of our hoodies and now you wanna rock one daily because you remember how we put on a show and don’t want to “miss the wave” Having a reputation for showing out each and every time we’re on a stage is what help build HD.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flowcode.com/page/curtwoodj
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hdmuzikgroup?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iAmCurtwoodJ
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CURTWOODJ?t=gQsqFeAV8oziFKXbIMTWrA&s=09
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCOmBg_cKqB-BOPc4XCRv7cw

Image Credits
Tash Photography The validated campaign photography Highly Dedicated LLC