We were lucky to catch up with Ine’a J recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ine’a thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

At times I do wish I started my career as a creative much sooner. In terms of being an artist and putting out music into the world. I was already an open musician (pianist) and would sing and write songs in private, but it would have made a lot of a difference if I knew who I was as an artist sooner than later. It’s almost as if I did but imposter syndrome & fear consumed me when it came to being a vocalist that it robbed me of my growth & confidence. I try not to dwell on the what if’s and know that things happen for a reason and in their own timing as I was also very young, so I’m grateful for what I have when it happened. I also have made many musical accomplishments at a fast pace so it helps me to feel better that I’m not behind even though I started later as a recording artist than my peers.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and all around creative! I produce music to the world that people can feel, relate to, and enjoy. I aspire to help other creatives in their creative processes later on once I’ve reached all of my goals as well. What sets me apart from others is my uniqueness in my music, writing my own songs as I have since I was 13, vocal production, and my sound. I’m most proud of overcoming all of my obstacles and persevering to reach my goals in a world that is made to construct us in a space as I’ve proven to myself of being more than a monolith.

Moreover, so many creatives and people I know give me flowers for being able to pursue my creative dreams while still being a professional. I work in corporate finance while also obtaining a Masters in Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago & a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Life is hard and we all have things we want to do and sometimes fear can also take that away from us. So I continuously want to be an example to everyone that supports and follows me to never give up on what you love especially outside of your day job & to take yourself seriously regardless of anyone else’s viewpoints. You never know where they might take you and your gift from God will always make the room for you that is meant to exist. I always tell people that you can only fail if you try and failing is only 50%. If it doesn’t work out then you’ll know, but what if you just so happen to succeed? As I’ve taken this with me I’ve lived by it and I’ve been able to inspire so many others by simply going for something I wanted regardless of the odds and stay committed to it. No matter how hard it gets for me, the reward is always there because I got to lead as an example of inspiration for people just like me and that’s exactly why I do what I do!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Being a first generational college student and first child, I had to unlearn doing everything on my own. Independence is great to have but it can only get you so far in an environment that requires community. This lesson stayed with me throughout my collegiate experience, work life, and especially my creative journey. I didn’t know much when I started in the Chicago music scene and it took a lot of reaching out, asking questions, getting feedback, and not being afraid to learn from others.

As black women we’re taught to be strong and viewed as so to where it’s been engrained that asking for help and being somewhat co-dependent is negatively viewed. Unlearning cultural constructs that have shaped society can be tough but rewarding. I’ve learned that no one can make it to their goals without a village, community, and utilizing steps from others along with your own in order to build your own stairway!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is dependent on each artist themselves. Everyone’s “why” is different. Mine was driven by getting the chance to do something I’ve always dreamed of when I didn’t have the ability to. In a time due to lack of resources, support, and holding myself back. Now that I’m able to do all of the little things it makes me so much more grateful for every accomplishment and opportunity that I have.

I also think some of my rewarding aspects have shifted as I’ve been an artist for a couple of years. I started off doing music solely for myself and once I received support from others it was so special to feel appreciation and love for the art that i’ve created knowing that there are people who genuinely love
my music. This also helps me to keep going when things get difficult and we sometimes forget how encouragement and support can mean so much.

I also feel my growth as such a reward. I always look at where I was and feel so much gratitude for the skill set that I‘ve acquired as an artist. One of my exercises are thinking about where I was a year ago in that same month specifically, then on. It always puts me in awe and makes me feel so grateful for where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://flow.page/ineaj
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineajofficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ineajofficial
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MqLnwPhfJ5TeealGxnyVE?si=9CTW3YJsSkC7mY4OcNMlqA

Image Credits

@kayodidthat
@filmbae35
@onthattpaige
@tamollie_