Comm Moms PRofile: Jocelyn Chavis of The J Agency Inc.

While we'd like to think that we our successes are our own, there's always an external resource. Be it family, friends, a mentor, a book you've read, or even social media, we're constantly influenced, which is crucial to PRogression. I started Comm Moms mainly to expand my network of PRofessional mothers in communications, and to gain insight from their experiences. I've been a mother longer than I've been an adult; however, I'm still figuring out how a lot of things - specifically how to advance professionally with a small child. So each week, I'll profile mothers at varying career levels making strides in the industry, in hopes that their personal accounts will encourage and inspire myself and others.

First up, we have Jocelyn Chavis. She started out with an internship at Radio-One Raleigh, and quickly advanced to on-air personality and journalist. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications/English from Shaw University and a Masters in Multi-cultural Education from Eastern University, she began building her brand as a freelance pr rep.  Since then, Chavis has established The J Agency Lifestyle Group and non-profit organization M.O.R.E.E. Inc. (Motivation Others to Reach Excellence Through Education). Jocelyn Chavis Age: 34 Q. Agency, In-House, or Self-Employed? Self-Employed Q. Area of Expertise: I have a degree in Mass Communications/English; and Masters in Education. I have worked in radio, television, journalist, and now I have a small public relations company catering to the entertainment community. I’m also a contributing writer to allhiphop.com and Urban Celebrity Magazine. Q. # of Kids: 2 girls (11, 1) Q. Which came first: Kids or Career? It kind of came simultaneously. My oldest I had at 24, right when things were coming together. Q. How do you balance the PRofession with family? It’s hard, but I definitely have a no business on Sunday rule to make sure I purge myself from social media and all the other distractions and I can focus on my family. Q. Hands on or nanny? Hands on Q. What is the biggest PRofessional sacrifice you've made to accommodate your family? I have not quit my full-time job yet, to make sure everyone stays on my health plan. The way the economy is right now every penny helps so if I don’t have to pay for it for the benefit of my children, so be it. I would love to make The J Agency Lifestyle Group my fulltime job, but having two young children to consider, I have to sacrifice until the opportunity presents itself to make this full-time. Q. Describe a time when work came before family? There are times when my clients have appearances or shoots that I must attend, and my daughter may have a recital or a concert. Since she is older, she is a little more understanding, but she understands that this is work and sometimes we have to make hard choices. I always send someone instead if I can’t make it, but it's hard telling your baby I can’t come AGAIN. Q. Is your family supportive of your career? I have a husband who doesn’t really understand what I do, and when I explain it he just turns says whatever and goes about his business (Lol, same here). He supports me, but he's not understanding when I have events and I don’t get home until 4 in the morning, or I have a shoot that lasts all day. It does cause conflict, but we make it work somehow. My parents love that I still have the same zeal for the industry that I did when I was applying to college, and now I can truly say I am living in my purpose. Q. What are your Comm Mom essentials? A huge bag that can hold everything! Phone charger, laptop, hand sanitizers, napkins, phones, flat shoes, tablet, toys, crackers or some kind of snack, always have water and pen and paper to occupy the kiddies. Q. Biggest PRofessional accomplishment? Stepping out on faith to go into business for myself was the scariest and most rewarding decision I have made. My first month in business, I landed 3 clients, and the business has continued to grow. I teamed up with Tray Chaney “Poot” of HBO’s The Wire and helped get placement for his video “Live” Black Worlds Aids Anthem and things have been on the up and up since. I’ve been working with various artists in hip-hop doing public relations and it feels good to be recognized by my peers in the industry. To learn more about Jocelyn and The J Agency, you can follow her on Twitter @JoceBrownSugar215 and on Facebook @JAgencyLLC.