We caught up with the brilliant and insightful J’Quay Gibbs a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi J’Quay, thanks for joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Ever since I started my training to go into this craft as a career, I’ve heard the same phrase over and over, “If you have any interest in doing anything else, do that instead.” They were implying on how incredibly difficult this industry is. I didn’t want to believe it, but it’s very much true. Which is why I’ve had to learn, and am still woking on, to invest in myself. That means doing whatever I can do, day by day, to infuse in my daily routine, the factors of living the life that I deserve. For example, putting money aside from paychecks to go towards lessons (voice, dance, etc.). Always stretching and warming up the voice, every morning, taking the necessary vitamins, allowing myself to get proper sleep, eating whatever I damn well please, allowing myself to go out and have experiences, saying what I want out loud, and the list goes on. You have to be your biggest advocate in this field. You are your own entrepreneur. You are the business owner and the business. The more people invest in you, the easier it is to reach your goals. But why should someone believe in you if you don’t believe in your entire self?

J’Quay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and bred in Pittsburgh, PA. My love of the arts started very early due to coming from an artistic family. Almost everyone in my family were singers, artists or designers. My introduction came from musical movies that my uncle would introduce me to where we would end up singing along together. I went through the phases of wanting to be a drawing artist to a graphic designer (however far a 90’s Toshiba laptop could get me on WordArt), to wanting to be a television actor. Then I discovered the possibility of musical theatre. Started in my community theatre, which then led to high school and college (being a musical theatre major in both) and then regional theatre. I consider myself extremely lucky that I’ve known what I’ve wanted to do with my life since I was a young child. Having that goal allowed me to start my determination early. Thankfully I’ve always had people on my side who have been able to give me really great and sound advice on how to navigate this career. Lately I’ve been pondering the idea of offering audition classes for middle/high schoolers, because one thing we’re not doing is gatekeeping information that can help all of us. I also love working with that age because I’m not far from it and I feel like I know how to communicate in a way to where the advice resonates.

With the time I’ve had so far in this career, I consider myself extremely lucky and blessed to have had the opportunities that I have. Where I’m from, most people don’t leave town, yet alone, try to pursue a career in the arts outside of Pittsburgh. And the odds were heavily against me from the start medically, financially, statistically and so on. So to be someone that has had the constant support from friends and family without any lick of doubt, I truly count my blessings everyday.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’m actually displaying my resilience right now as I’m typing this. I’m currently at an EPA (Equity Principal Audition) and as someone who is currently not yet in the Equity union, us non-union performers were released from the audition today, without being seen. I could just leave my headshot and resume, but I’m deciding to stick around for the hope that there will be a lull in auditioners and they will have time to see me. The odds are against me, but again, it’s about being an advocate for yourself. To not deprive yourself of a potential opportunity. I know a goal for myself is to constantly show up so to not have to ask myself, “What if?” I don’t get the job if I don’t show up and I owe it to myself to give myself my best chance every time.

How did you build your audience on social media?

This is a great question that I wish I knew the answer to. I’ve been told that my personality is energetic and humorous, and I think that’s what draws people into my videos. After trials of doing the latest trends and trying to be like other creatives, it really is the age old lessons of having to be yourself. Being yourself, believe it our not, draws in the right audience that is into what you’re giving. I’ve had many of great opportunities of certain videos being popular, but the hard lesson is that you have to be consistent and continuously creative. People don’t want the same thing all the time – you have to spruce it up. And that’s the creative challenge that I yearn for.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jquaygibbs
• Other: TikTok: @jquaygibbs