Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to MarQueta “M.J.” Pippens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi MJ, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I consider myself a brand as a whole…”MJ’s Brand” . It consists of everything I am made of, me being an artist as a whole, who I am, what I can do, and how I can do it. I sing, act, perform, custom design clothes & have my own beauty/cosmetics brand.

MJ, 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’m originally from St. Louis, MO and moved to L.A. just three days after my 20th birthday to go to Fashion School and to start my career in Modeling & Entertainment not having a clue where it would lead. I just trusted my gut. I always knew I was different. I’m now a Grammy Award Winning Singer/Background Vocalist, an Online Store Owner with my very own fashion & beauty brand selling cosmetics, clothing & accessories. I’m also a Designer, Model/Actress, Stylist & Fashionista… what you really would call a JANE OF ALL TRADES.

I came out to L.A. to go to Fashion School gaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Marketing. But in the process of that, a bunch of other things that came along with who I am sort of fell into my lap, like music, art, custom designing, etc. I started my first fashion company from one of my homework assignments that I was inspired by that I ended up turning into a real live t-shirt business.

At that time, I became an inspirational t-shirt designer at just 24 years old working in all angles of the fashion industry from creative directing, styling, marketing, merchandising, etc. Because of my love for Fashion & having good style with my own originality, it led to me starting my own online store formally selling vintage clothes right out of my closet, and other great thrift finds which has now turned into “MJ’s Closet” (www.MJsCloset.net) & my new beauty & cosmetics line “MJ’s Beauty” (www.MJsBeauty.shop).

With music, I started off singing in church and still love it to this day. In my early age, singing was always a passion I just didn’t realize how much, nor did I ever really know that it would take me this far. I had dreams of being a singer but never thought I’d be blessed to partake in it the way I have. Since moving to Los Angeles, I’ve been tremendously blessed to background sing behind some of the best artists and musicians in the field.

I’ve made many Television appearances such as The Grammys, American Idol, The X Factor, The American Music Awards, The TV Land Awards, James Corden Show, The Late Late Show, Steve Harvey’s Little Big Shots, The BET Awards, Taraji P. Henson’s White Hot Holidays, 2018 Stand Up To Cancer, The Morgan Freeman Tribute, etc. with celebrities and legends like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Chance The Rapper, Snoop, Jordan Sparks, Andra Day, Alicia Keys, Neyo, Garth Brooks, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monae, Amber Riley, Javier, Empire’s Jussie Smollet, Grace Vanderwaal, Little Big Town, and more.

I’ve also been blessed to sing background vocals working with major artists such as Kanye West & winning a grammy with him on his Album “Jesus Is King” released in 2019 & Lukas Graham on his album ‘The Purple Album’ released October 26th, 2018.

When it comes to Fashion, I specialize in creating things and making things beautiful… aka taking old things and making them new again. I can take something really plain or really ugly and turn it into a beautiful masterpiece by reconstructing it. I can look at something at a thrift store on a hanger and instantly know how to re-create it. Most of my re-creations are by hand. I paint on clothing, cut dresses and make them into kimonos, distress and cut up t-shirts, etc. I can pretty much re-make anything by hand.

My online store MJ’s Closet where I sell clothing, & accessories was created 10 years ago while sitting at the desk of my 9-5. I created the entire website myself and came up with the idea. At MJ’s Closet I want to give you the feel of shopping in your stylish best friend’s closet, but at the convenience of your office or home! So no more trips to your friends house raiding her closet! I wanted to make it seem like you were raiding it right at your fingertips! In an industry that is filled with so many fashion choices, I know there is a demand for the latest, hottest trends, vintage garments & jewelry. That is why at MJ’s Closet, I am so aggressive in my pursuit to obtain the hottest items yet just for you! Always being on top of the hottest trends, I go after every possible resource to make sure that my customers agree that my items are a must have. Each item is carefully hand selected for quality, beauty, and to compliment today’s hottest trends and fashion as well. So I make sure you’re getting the best quality for the best prices! I believe any lucky lady…(or guy *shrugs*)… that chooses an item from my store loves the idea of adding GREAT pieces to her already GREAT and stylish wardrobe.

I’ve also always been into beauty and makeup. Fashion & beauty honestly go hand and hand, especially being a model so getting into the beauty & cosmetics industry was inevitable. MJ’s Beauty was created in 2023 just a few months ago. I sell Vegan & Cruelty Free High Quality Cosmetics made from all natural products. It started off as a lip gloss line that has now expanded into a full blown cosmetics line. The colored lip glosses are made from soybean oil and the clear lip glosses are made from coconut oil. All of my products are super HIGH QUALITY, and the lip glosses are non-sticky and best of all LONG LASTING. I’m so proud of what I was able to accomplish in just a short period of time by myself.

When it comes to singing, I’m a soprano that specializes in vocal harmony. I can hear really well, so it’s easy for me to sing with other ppl in a group setting and behind ppl. It pretty much just takes me a couple of minutes to really learn a song. When given a chance, I’m great in group settings which has taken me really far as a background vocalist.

I am most proud of all of my accomplishments and despite what I’ve been through I’ve never given up. Most ppl in my position would have lost their mind a long time ago. But somehow I’m still here, still standing. One major factor that sets me apart from others is that I can do all these things… & and I can do them well. I don’t have just one thing I’m good at… I’m good at all these things, and I’ve been successful doing all these things. For that I’m grateful. They’re not just hobbies, they are me, and they are what makes me… me.

Everything about me speaks creativity. And even when I’ve tried to shut it off, I just can’t be shut off. This is me. This is my life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to make my parents proud. I lost my Father 2.5 years ago and I am determined to still make him proud. My parents have given me the world, and now it’s my turn to give it back. A few months before my Dad passed away he told me how proud of me he was and it meant everything just to hear those words. I feel like apart of my mission was accomplished. Now I have to keep it going for the both of them. God first, my parents, then me. I was created with a purpose. Not to just work anywhere. pay bills then leave this earth. In the process of adulting, I want to fulfill my purpose too. That’s what drives me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Doing what I love. There is nothing more rewarding in this lifetime than doing what you love. It’s rewarding. I was the most unhappiest when I was just doing things, and working jobs to get by without doing what I loved as well. There has to be a balance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/marqueta_p
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.mjsbeauty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopmjsbeauty/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MJ_of_All_Trades
• Other: Personal instagram: @marqueta_p