We were lucky to catch up with Jequetta Zeigler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jequetta, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

It’s a pleasure to share my story, especially when speaking on the risk. So, it all started when I was studying at a prestigious medical school. I was on track to becoming a doctor, following the path that seemed expected and secure. Now mind you, I have been studying and pursuing medicine my whole life. Since I was a child all I ever talked about was becoming a doctor; specifically a neurosurgeon. I loved surgery. However, by the end of my second year, deep down, I knew my true passion laid in writing and storytelling. Quite a shift! I know. But I came to the gradual, yet powerful, realization during a particularly engaging anatomy lecture, It’s like I had this moment of clarity. I realized that while medicine was fascinating, my heart was in writing. I wanted to create stories that could touch people’s lives and provoke emotions. Now coming to that realization wasn’t even the challenging part, it was navigating this change in career direction; especially considering the expectations that come with being in a medical program? It wasn’t easy. I had to summon a lot of courage to have the conversation with my family about my decision. They were understandably concerned at first, but they saw the determination and passion in my eyes. Their support made all the difference.
And so, after making the final decision to drop out of medical school, I enrolled in a renowned writing program, diving into the world of storytelling headfirst. I started interning in Charlotte, NC for a television production company to gain practical experience. It was all about learning, honing my craft, and making connections in the industry. One of the most credible pivoting points for me at that time was joining a new Netflix TV series show as a staff writer. It was proof that taking that risk and leaving medical school had been the right choice. Writing for the show allowed me to use my voice and address important societal issues through compelling scripts. It was the right amount of confidence boost and confirmation from God that I was on the right path. So after completing that series along with another film, I challenged myself to venture into publishing and podcasting. I always knew that I was not a one dimensional person and I wasn’t going to enclose myself or my skill sets in a box. So I took another risk. I wrote and published my first book while simultaneously creating a podcast.
Writing and self publishing my first book was a dream come true. It was a bestseller (at least to me) and that success opened doors for podcasting. I titled it, “Your Name’s Probably In This Book” available on Amazon, and it really created a buzz across my social media platforms. Being that my social media engagement and follower count skyrocketed within 3-6 months I really started to gain leverage in reaching a mass of individuals who saw themselves in me. Whether it was business related or personal experiences, I was just happy to be able to provide men and women a safe space. Building my social media presence pretty much set that stage to get behind a mic and engage with my audience in a different way and share stories beyond the pages of my book. As a successful entrepreneur, who spent the last 10+ years developing my skillset to establish and reestablish the last 3 in this industry, I would like to say this to any young or seasoned individuals aspiring to follow their passion, despite the risks?
Believe in yourself and your dreams. The journey might be challenging, but with dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take risks, eliminate the fear so you can achieve what you set out to do. Don’t be afraid to start. Don’t be afraid to fail. And when you do fail, because let’s be real, you will, don’t be afraid to start again. Just redefine your path, pivot and follow your passion. It’s been a pleasure sharing my story. I hope it encourages and empowers others to chase their dreams.

Jequetta, 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?

Jequetta “Bam” Zeigler is a trailblazing young entrepreneur who defied odds and soared to success in the competitive world of consulting and media. Born and raised in a close-knit community, Jequetta always harbored a passion for storytelling and visual arts. In 2019, at the age of 24, she took a leap of faith and founded her consulting firm, ‘Above New Medians,’ with a mission to empower budding creatives and enhance diversity in the entertainment industry. Under Jequetta’s visionary leadership, Above New Medians rapidly gained recognition and was soon honored as a Forbes 30 under 30 business. The firm thrived on Jequetta’s commitment to excellence, fostering an environment that encouraged innovation and inclusivity. Her strategic approach and ability to foresee industry trends propelled the company to new heights.
In 2020, recognizing a gap in the market for diverse storytelling, Jequetta expanded her entrepreneurial journey by establishing ‘ANM Productions.’ This production company specialized in offering writing services dedicated to television and film. Jequetta aimed to provide a platform for underrepresented voices, fostering a more inclusive and authentic representation of narratives on screen.
Jequetta’s dedication to her craft and her determination to break barriers have earned her accolades and respect within the industry. She continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalized communities, to pursue their dreams fearlessly and make a lasting impact on the world of entertainment. Through her businesses, Jequetta Zeigler is transforming the landscape of media, one vivid story at a time.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When it comes to building up your business through social media, understanding your audience is my golden rule. I can’t stress this enough! Picture your ideal customer—their interests, what keeps them scrolling, what problems they need solutions for. Craft your content to resonate with them, providing value and relevance. And consistency? That’s your best friend. Show up regularly in their feeds with engaging posts, striking visuals, and interactive questions. Encourage them to participate, comment, and share their thoughts. Collaboration is a game-changer too—network, partner, and cross-promote with others in your industry. Hashtags are like little boosters; use them wisely. And of course, always keep an eye on your analytics. Learn from what works and tweak your strategy accordingly. You’ve got this!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Building a strong bond with your clients is like nurturing a friendship. Personalization is key—address them by name, remember their preferences, and show genuine interest in their journey with your brand. Regular check-ins, beyond the sale, demonstrate that their satisfaction matters to you. Offer value beyond your products or services; share insights, tips, or useful content that align with their interests. Expressing gratitude goes a long way—say “thank you” genuinely and reward their loyalty. Always ask for feedback, listen attentively, and act on it to improve. Aim to exceed their expectations at every turn. Surprise them with unexpected delights—a small gift or a personalized discount can make their day. Consistent branding and messaging across all channels solidify their trust in your brand. Consider loyalty programs to show appreciation for their continued business. Engage with them on social media, respond to their comments, and share their experiences. Request testimonials and reviews to boost your credibility. Together, let’s build not just a client base, but a community of brand enthusiasts who can’t wait to spread the word about your incredible business!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abovenewmedians.com
• Instagram: quettashabam1
• Youtube: Above New Medians
• Yelp: Above New Medians
• Tiktok: Quettashabam1 (Most of my engagement/followers)

Image Credits
Dimitri Hale – ExDeo Films Jerel Hunter – FiltoFilms TopDawg Entertainment