We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Phyllis Wong-Ellis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Phyllis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I am happy with being an artist. I often times wonder what it’s like to have a regular job. Crazy enough, I applied for numerous jobs and did not get hired. My husband can tell you how many times I applied and how many times I got rejected. One day, I was at home balling my eyes out because I just received another rejection email and I didn’t know how I was going to fund the trips I have coming up and he says to me, “You know babe, maybe this is God way of saying this season is not for you to get a job. If it’s God’s will, he’ll make a way.” and at the time I couldn’t get that because I felt the pressure of my reality but when it’s a faith walk, you just walk; trusting that God will work it out and that everything I need and more will come to past. My family isn’t in lack, my needs are met, and it really is a God thing.

Phyllis, 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?

HI! My name is Phyllis Wong-Ellis. I am a wife to a wonderful husband and a mother to our beautiful children. I am a full-time gospel recording artist. I started singing before I could speak at the age of three. I have been classically trained, getting superior ratings throughout my public school educational career. I didn’t start singing in the gospel industry until I was 11 years old, being a part of local and national award-winning ministries, shaping and assisting my gift to advance the kingdom of God. In 2012, I stepped out on faith, and “Phyllis Wong Ministries” was birth. Since then, I have released three singles – the award-nominated “Our God” reaching 101 on the iTunes charts, the highly energic single award-nominated “My Soul Says Yes” and the comedic hit “Mind Your Business.”

Throughout the years I have been in the industry, I have shared the stage with artists such as Bishop William Murphy III, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Pastor John P. Kee, and Pastor Eddie James, to name a few. I have had the opportunity to travel across the United States, ministering in several states such as California, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Delaware, Michigan, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

I had the pleasure and honor of auditioning for several local and national singing competitions such as American Idol (one of the few winners of The Tampa Bay Idol), America’s Got Talent, and Sunday’s Best.

I have been nominated for various awards including the 2021 GX Awards in London, UK for “International Artist of The Year.” I have won the 2019 “True Praise Radio Honors” Award for “Praise and Worship Artist of the Year.”, the 2020 “True Praise Radio Honors” Award for “Female Artist of The Year”, the 2021 Tampa Bay Gospel Award for “TBGA Artist of The Year,” and recently won the 2022 Texas Gospel Music Excellence Award for “National Praise and Worship Artist of The Year.”

People can expect consistency from me. I said something at the 2021 Music Love Awards in Little Rock, Arkansas that has stuck with me. “My Holla Is Consistent.” It simply means that no matter where I go, I’m going to holla or scream or yell. Yes, it’s going to annoy some people, but that’s to be expected. (laughs). What you see is what you get!

The proudest moment for me is not on stage. It’s not even how many awards I won. It’s when I can go home to my family and my daughter says, “Mommy, you did good.” or when my husband hugs me and says, “I am proud of you.” It’s in those moments that make my heart sing because all of the glory goes to God and my prayer has always been “If I touch one person with my gift then I have effectively done my job.”

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The pivoting point for me is learning the art of “No.” I thank my husband for that. I was always on the go – never resting; always saying “Yes” and always being tired and not getting the compensation I deserved but it wasn’t until recently that I had to take my health seriously. I remember I was singing somewhere and my body was screaming in pain but I was determined to stick it out because I gave my word. For a person who was taught that your word is your bond, I take my word very seriously. As I hit the last note, I grabbed my husband’s hand, and as soon as I hit the back of the pavilion, my body shut down. I realize that if I’m not at my best, then people won’t receive me at my best so for the betterment of the bigger picture, I had to stop saying “Yes.” to everything. I had to stop agreeing to be seen and start enjoying Phyllis Wong-Ellis and what that journey looks like.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is to see who I inspire. For example, I had the extreme pleasure of singing in front of 8,000 young people in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 2022 Smokey Mountain Winterfest with recording artist Eddie James. That was in February and people are still reaching out to me to say how much I blessed them or encouraged them. Another example is when other artists are inspired by what I do. To know that little old me can encourage someone else to advance their goals and dreams encourages me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/iamphylliswong
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamphylliswong
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamPhyllisWong/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamphylliswong/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iamphylliswong/
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC-hUDB8Rf8OAIxByOXT_aLw

Image Credits
Jorad L. Holmes Samantha White