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| Jo-Na Williams: founder, The Artist Empowerment Firm |
But she didn't stop there... (Click here for our video interview)
Though she was fielding offers from numerous reputable firms after graduating law school, Jo-Na's passion to protect artists, and ensure they knew their options, motivated her to go into business for herself. In 2011 she began J.A. Williams Law - Artist Empowerment Firm. The firm focuses on Business Law, Contract Drafting & Reviews, and International and US Trademark Law. Clients are also provided with hour long "Blueprint" Strategy sessions where artists gain a clear, full plan of action by learning the necessary legal business steps they need to take.
Aside from her heartfelt commitment to helping artists and nurturing their growth, another unique aspect of Williams' work is the firm's business model. The increasing technological communication of our times enables The Artist Empowerment Firm to operate virtually. What's remarkable about this - from an entrepreneurial perspective - is that it keeps overhead down while allowing clients access to their files from anywhere there's an Internet connection. But Jo-Na isn't opposed to meeting in person if, and when, necessary.
On Thursday June 14, I met with her at her office on Avenue of The Americas in New York City. Our Q&A below:
Ruth Nineke - Tell me about J.A. Williams. Where are you from originally?Jo-Na Williams - I am from Michigan originally but I partially grew up down south in Texas and Georgia.
RN - What are your creative passions?
J.A. - Wow sooo many. Actually, I really love to write! That’s always been a huge creative outlet for me even as a child. Also, a little known fact is that I love making collages. I haven’t done it in years but I remember seeing a Romare Bearden exhibit once while I was in college and from that moment I was hooked. What I do now is a HUGE creative passion as well. The law itself can be really creative because it causes you to use your analytic skills to get your adversary to see a point the way you do and think of ways to find a beneficial compromise for everyone. Also, the WAY that I am choosing to practice law is creative because I am figuring out ways to serve the artistic community and meet them where they are. It’s a challenge to figure out how to wrap brussel sprouts in chocolate! :-)
RN - When did you start singing?
J.A. - I started singing around 5 years old. I loved music and being able to use sound to make people happy. I remember my family first recognizing my vocal ability around 8 years old. My grandfather would hear me and say to me “SANG GIRL SANG!” LOL. These are my happiest memories as a vocalist.
RN - Have you released anything?
J.A. - No I unfortunately never got that far. I was always a background vocalist for other people so anything that’s been recorded was other people’s work.
RN - Do you perform?
J.A. - No. At this point, I feel more alive than I’ve ever felt doing what I do now. I think that my story was God’s way of prepping me for what I am doing now and gives me a way to have more compassion for this community than someone from outside the community.
RN - Where did you study? J.A. - I went to the University of Michigan- Flint for undergrad and Suffolk University Law School in Beantown aka Boston.
RN - Where is your current base of operations?
J.A. - New York City BABY!!!
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| (Click here for our video interview) |
J.A. - When I entered law school I knew I wanted to be in the area of entertainment law. It was inevitable because most of my background is in entertainment, but I knew the part that fed me wasn't the shiny lights or celebrities, it was the injustice and lack of legal knowledge and protection of artists. Based on the fact that when I spoke to artists about copyright or trademark law or setting up a business, they were really open and inquisitive, I knew it was a myth that artists didn’t want to know anything about business. I then realized I wanted to put my focus there so artists felt on an equal playing field with companies and businesses that want to use their services.
RN - When and why did you begin your own firm?
J.A. - I started my firm last year in 2011 out of necessity. I received offers to join other firms as ‘of counsel’ but those firms weren't focused specifically on the goals I had. I knew that if I really wanted to blaze a new path in the entertainment industry, I would need to start my own firm. I didn’t see any other firms focused on this work.
RN - What is the Artist Empowerment Firm?
J.A. - It’s my solo firm that focuses on entertainment business law and empowering artists to become effective entrepreneurs. We help artists increase their professional visibility by equipping them with the business arsenal they need to create sustainable careers and businesses within the world of art and entertainment. We help artists that struggle with clarity around legal and business matters, or their next career steps so they are on track to manifest their dream career.
RN - What kinds of artists do you represent?
J.A. - We work with artists from every medium because the information that you need to be an entrepreneur is generally the same. Whether you’re an artist with a job and ready to make the transition to being a full-time artistpreneur, an artist that’s already an entrepreneur but “spinning your wheels” because you're unclear on how to take your career to the next level, or you’re a creative entrepreneur but unsure how to make your business legal and FINALLY create a consistent income, we can empower you.
RN - When and how should artists reach out to you?
J.A. - Artists can reach out ANYTIME! They can check out my website and if they feel like I can help them just register in my office portal and I will be in contact! There are links all over the site. They can also go to my services page and click on my free 30 minute “get to know each other session” and we both can determine if they are a good fit to join our empowered roster! (www.jawilliamslaw.com)
RN - Were you nervous going into practice for yourself?
J.A. - LOL YES absolutely! I think the unknown ALWAYS makes [people] a little nervous. I struggled with the fears most of us have about making sure our message is well-received, necessary in the world and TRULY helps people. But the minute I put it out there the response was soooo incredible it definitely eased any nervous energy I initially had. I think nerves and fears can be great motivators if used in the right way.
RN - What’s the hardest part of running your own firm?
J.A. - [Being] an entrepreneur CAN be a lonely road at times. We are innovators with an almost maniacal sense of drive and ambition.It can be hard when your friends don’t understand why you’re working insane hours on the weekend or leaving events because all of a sudden you got a burst of creative energy that you have to get down on paper. Also, you have to MAKE time to do things unrelated to work to feed your soul and nurture your relationships.
RN - What’s one of the biggest highlights?
J.A. - I have two so far - My launch party because the creative, beautiful, and supportive energy in the room was INCREDIBLE. It was a perfect space that fostered and supported creative freedom, all the acts that performed were amazing, and we were raising money for the Ali Forney Center so adding the giving element made it really special to me. The other was when one of the artists I work with said to me, “Thank you for saving my dream.” That really touched my heart and soul. That’s the reason I do this work.
RN - What advice and encouragement would you give to new entrepreneurs, specifically entertainment lawyers?
J.A. - Don’t ever give up on or stop pursuing your dream. Even when you don’t know how it’s all going to come together or things look bleak, keep going. Despite your fear or anxiety, your dreams are on the other side.
RN - What is your greatest hope for The Artist Empowerment Firm?
J.A. - That this message of empowering artists and creative entrepreneurs shift the energy in this industry. I want to make exploitation of artists and undervaluing their contributions in the world a shameful part of our PAST. Coming to a place of equality [among] artists and those who need and want to support art (like record labels or galleries) would be my ultimate hope and evidence that I left this world a little better than when I got here.
Please show your love for Female Business owners and those who help independent artists by liking The Artist Empowerment Firm on Facebook!
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