Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jaquayla Baker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jaquayla, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The way I came up with the idea of Tuned in at 12:01, was simply based on my love for interacting with others and wanting to create a platform where other business owners/creatives could share their stories. I had always been a fan of podcasts and interview based settings and I noticed Memphis was lacking a modern space where they could express themselves and speak on their journey. I knew I had the resources and connects to reach a multitude of people, but I also wanted it to be a safe space where people felt they could get their own narrative across and not one others were attempting to make for them. At first my approach was to keep it local and interview people had already built relationships with. As time went on, I began interview people from different cities and individuals I had just met in that setting for the first time, which was a good thing! Starting Tuned in at 12:01 made me excited because I was unsure of what was going to come of it, but I knew I enjoyed doing it, and if I did it right, this podcast would be bigger than I imagined.
Jaquayla, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Jaquayla “JQ” Baker. I was born in Dallas, TX, but raised in Memphis, TN. After graduating college in 2017, I purchased a couple of professional cameras thinking I wanted to be a photographer, but life had other plans. I had always been accustomed to operating cameras and being in front of them as well, thanks to my dad. I did not know exactly what lane I wanted to go into, but I knew I was searching for my own thing that I didn’t see many others doing, Around 2019, I began to consider thoughts of starting a podcast, but was very nervous and wanted it to be perfect. Crazy, right? Because nothing is perfect, especially when starting. I took time to study other podcasts/interviewers/talk shows (outside of my area) and that helped me in a number of ways. In 2021, I filmed my first episode, which was more of pilot, because it was never published lol, but it was great, nonetheless. In April 2022, I released my first episode and I have been going ever since. I am most proud of the fact that I didn’t sit around and continue to hope I would come up with the perfect platform, but to just start and navigate from there. I didn’t care who supported me or not, I just did it and sat back to watch who was tuned in or intrigued. I started Tuned in at 12:01, because it was fun for me, it never feels like a job most times, and I get the opportunity to bridge the gap for others, which was pivotal to my brand. I was blessed enough to have others believe in my vision and sponsor me: Disbelef Tequila and Glady’s Wine, providing my guest the option of hard liquor or a chill vibe with wine. Thankfully, since the start, I have seen how Tuned in at 12:01 has grown and reached many. While this is only still the beginning (1.5 year old) I have gotten the opportunity to work with so many amazing entrepreneurs, creatives and artists. By next year (2024) I definitely see Tuned in at 12:01 being a staple platform in the Memphis area for others to share their experiences and helping those who inspire to be in their shoes to get to where they are currently.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My business partner, Jonathan Ford, is also my videographer. I met him around 2018, after moving back to Memphis from Atlanta. He is also a talented photographer, which is how we connected. There are many talented photographers in Memphis, but Jonathan just gets “it”, in my opinion. I don’t shoot photos or content with anyone else. Whenever I have an idea, he takes it and makes it better than I pitched. He also believes in the plans I have for Tuned in at 12:01 and would do so much to see me prosper, I really appreciate that about him. We work well together and respect one another. When he has an idea, I love to hear him out. He has worked with a lot of talented artists, government officials, entrepreneurs and so forth. I was reluctant to be able to build not only a friendship but a brand with him that is continuing to flourish before both of our eyes.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Marketing is very important when it comes to getting your brand and face out there. Personally I have close to 3,000 followers on Instagram and almost 500 on my podcast’s page. There are definitely ways to gain more followers and traction to your brand, etc: running ads on social media, face to face interaction, interviewing others with large platforms (just to name a few). At the start, I didn’t really push the agenda or mandate others to follow my socials, but now we are working to market better and gain more attention. not just on Instagram, but on Youtube as well. I knew I wanted my podcast to be visual, seeing as though Youtube is one of the highest paying platforms after reaching a certain number of individuals. That was important to me as well, not the money, but being in the right place once Tuned in at 12:01 took off.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Podcast: @Tunedinat1201 Personal: @_therealjkb
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TunedInAt1201
Image Credits
Jonathan Ford Clyde Sims Jr.