Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanicia Elder.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeanicia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a multi-media artist and fitness rebel always eager to document the stories that unfold before me! I earned a BA in Media Production from the University of Houston but even before floating into photography as a career, taking pictures grew into my life’s work.
From a young age, at every event I took on a role as the butterfly on the wall capturing meticulous details, subtle interactions, and timeless expressions for everyone to treasure for years to come. I chose Media Production as my concentration because I love all aspects of visual presentation. Consequently, in addition to photography, I shoot video, edit video, design graphics, animate graphics, and manage social media accounts for other companies. When I earned my degree, I hoped to find a position working with a news or media company that I could grow with. I honestly wanted to find a place where I could work at for life; I know that sounds unusual and maybe even unrealistic. Moreover, like many I struggled to find a position even after interning at the Houston FOX affiliate during my senior year of college. At the same time, I had a work-study position with Arte Público Press in the marketing department. That all seemed perfect but I was unable to find a position.
During my senior year of college, I also took the GRE and had my scores sent to a few of the schools in the South with good communications departments. Several of the schools contacted me and after about nine months of unsuccessfully attempting to secure a media production position, I accepted an Assistantship at the University of Louisiana where I later earned a Master of Science in Communication while working within the department and teaching a Public Speaking class. I worked within the department and taught that class until it was time to work only exit exam and project. During that time I applied to every news station in the area for any position I was qualified for and was soon hired at the Baton Rouge ABC affiliate as the morning and afternoon graphic designer/operator. I left that company after two years and moved back to Houston.
In Houston, I went back to applying for positions with no luck. I started keeping track of my applications on a spreadsheet; the number of applications got up to about 300 with less than 30 replies and less than ten interviews. It should be noted that from my teenage years forward, I consistently volunteered in media roles at many non-profit organizations and churches; those organizations include Windsor Village UMC, Acadiana Open Channel, The Bridge Ministry of Acadiana, Lakewood Church, and Fashion Group International. I decided that I had the education, the experience, the passion, and the skills to do exactly what I wanted to do so I stopped looking for a position and created my own. I started my company, ByJRochelle in 2011, to do the things I loved.
The name ByJRochelle obviously comes from my name but what makes it more special is that when my husband and I first met during my last year of undergrad, before we were even considering dating he suggested that I start a creative company called ByJRochelle. I’ve had the opportunity to work with churches, non-profit organizations, local icons, and of course private individuals.
When I’m not creating media, you can find me working in my other business, The Fellowship of Fitness, teaching (and taking) group music-focused fitness classes. As a fitness professional, I use my media production skills to promote my classes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I grew up thinking that if I finished school I would be able to just get a job and that’s not even close to the way things have worked out. My company was birthed from a struggle. Since starting my company, I’ve changed cities two times which meant establishing a new clientele and cultivating new relationships. Also, as an introvert, I don’t naturally connect with people so it’s been a struggle to push myself to be more vocal about my goals and ideas.
ByJRochelle – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
ByJRochelle is a full-service media production company that focuses on cultivating relationships. My creative agency specializes in production of video, photography and graphic design from conception to delivery. So, instead of using multiple companies for different aspects of a project, I am a “one-stop-shop”. Whether it’s a sales and marketing video, customer story testimonial, web campaign, commercial, corporate communication, or motion graphics I help other organizations get their message across. Sometimes I help those organizations figure out what they want to say. Even more important than any of that is I want every client to leave feeling like he or she had a good time with a friend. It may sound like an oxymoron, but I work hard to make every session fun. People usually become more relaxed and candid in a fun environment so this simple piece of of the ByJRochelle puzzle ensures the delivery a clear candid message; it’s also a great way to start a relationship between me and my clients. Since I focus on building relationships, I’m often able to connect clients with each other. A while back I was working on a video project and my client wanted to add a voiceover at the last minute. I was able to contact a previous client to specializes in voiceovers and quickly meet my client’s needs while adding experience to my former client’s resume! In short, ByJRochelle offers convenience and connection.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success means that I have something to celebrate and that I did the best I could with what I had. Over the years, I’ve recognized that I might not reach my intended goal but that doesn’t negate the effort that I put in. Though I may not have reached my intended goal, I definitely made progress and learned lessons which are two things worth celebrating.
Contact Info:
- Website: ByJRochelle.com
- Phone: (713) 396-3021
- Email: Information@ByJRochelle.com
- Instagram: ByJRochelle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com//ByJRochelle
- Twitter: ByJRochelle
- Other: TheFellowshipofFitness.com
Image Credit:
C’na Roberts; Manson Floyd
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
