MY FUTURE ISN'T GUARANTEED

I shared a candid post [caption] to Instagram in December 2024 about spending Christmas alone. I'm not the type of person who feels pressure to share, especially during the festive season. However on that particular occasion I wanted to be open about what that time of years looks like for me in support of so many who [sadly] compare what they have/don't have to the ones who appear [on social media] to enjoy a more elaborate and indulgent Christmas with their family, partner, and/or friends.

I'm not about to state anything revoluntionary here, but I hope that this short article gives you a pre-New-Year pep in your step that you continue to walk with throughout the next 12 months...

You, like myself, have one shot at life. Just one! Try not to compare your life to other people's, try not to keep up with whatever the latest so-called trends are and try not to be about all the things everybody else seems to be about. Try not to flood your social media with filtered posed for pictures just for the sake of 'fitting in online', try not to conform to standards and expectations that do not align with who you truly are at your core. But, do try to stay committed to achieving daily joy and happiness via genuine interests and passions.

Life, your life, is about choice, and nobody will know of your choices if you do not make them public. There is no law that says, "all humans must document their day to day life and lifestyle on social media, so we can all see who has what and who is doing what in comparison to the rest". A private life truly is a more peaceful, fulfilling and happy one!

I'm just 5 years shy of age 50, god willing; my future isn't guaranteed! With that in mind, I stopped giving a lolly what people might think about me, who I am, what I do, how much money I have, whether my home decor is Instagram-worthy or not, my relationship status, what I have or don't have, etc., etc. Instead, I put some boundaries in place and have stuck with them; my overall health and well-being are what I focus on and pay attention to. 

Those following me on social media do not pay my bills, they do not line my tummy with food, they are not there when I am unwell, they don't check-in to see how I'm doing... So, why would I care what they may or may not think about the choices I make in my life [e.g. how I spend Christmas]? LOL! Even if they did do all of those things, I am not obligated to do/be anything I don't want for myself and neither are you.

Do yourself a favour in the New Year: before you sleep each night, ask yourself two questions: "what did I do for myself today to maintain my happiness?" and "how did I contribute to somebody else's happiness today?". A person's legacy is about how they made others feel not what they did or didn't post to social media when they were alive, or the material things they acquired during their lifetime.

May the next year be your happiest and most successful to date!

God bless x

Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

"ARE YOU STILL ATTRACTED TO MEN, CHARLEY?"

The occasional audacity of so-called friends is an interesting experience to navigate, irrespective of age and the length of the friendship. In my opinion, there are just some questions you should never ask, or you should ask in a gentle voice. No sarcasm, or a tone that aims to embarrass or cause upset.

Here's the thing, it's not so much the idea that I am perhaps now a lesbian because I've been single for so long but it's the fact that sexuality is NOT a choice and the fact that my sexuality is actually nobody's rarted business. Not even my 'friends'! 

I have always been bothered by the belief of some that to be anything other than straight (heterosexual/cis) is a choice. I once asked a fellow straight person who openly shared homophobic views, when they had decided to be straight. They replied, "I've always been straight; I was born this way". To which I responded, "so, sexual preference is not a choice for you but it is a choice for others? Meaning, there are people who, for some unknown reason, are choosing a sexual identity that they already know will see them face discrimination, abuse and in some cases death?". No reply.

Feeling uncomfortable around people or things that you do not understand is okay. Going out of your way to hurt or bully someone who is different to you based entirely on that difference will always be wrong. You do not need to stay where you feel 'off'. Nor are you made to continue looking in a direction that is unpleasing to your eyes. Simply avert your gaze!

Yes, we have come such a long way with general attitudes and tolerance however there is still so much ground to cover. We all acknowledge the fact, and regularly make the statement, that "no-one is perfect, we're all flawed, some of us are trying to heal from severe hardship", etc., etc. Yet I've never heard anyone say (in relation to a non-cis person), "nobody is perfect, they are who they are because that's how they were made in the same way I am who I am because, this is how I was made".

Look, I am attracted to men (black and brown men, specifically, the darker the better) but, I don't particularly like/trust men at the moment. The struggle to meet a man of substance in this day and age is so real. That doesn't automatically mean I now 'fancy' women. I do not! In recent years I have chosen to do what many choose not to do: stay single and abstinent to focus on my health, my home, my career, etc., in an effort to 'tidy up' those areas of my life; to cultivate a peaceful, happy, blessed life before looking to enter into a solid with a man (who has hopefully done the necessary work on himself too). I'll not race to find somebody and settle just to satisfy the expectations others have. To settle is to eventually lose, I think... 

Any who, my sexuality confirmed (*rolls eyes*), it's about time we were more acquiescent towards all things and all people (within reason). There's a huge difference between people who deliberately commit heinous crimes versus people who happen to be LGBTQIA+.

Love is love, real talk.

Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

BEHIND THE INDUSTRY TEA

Founded by Presenter, Voice Talent and Young Person's Guidance Coach, Charley Jai, The Industry Tea is an events brand on a positively driven mission to help make dreams come true.

During secondary school, Charley would assist with coordinating and directing school plays. Following her time studying at college, she volunteered as an events coordinator/assistant. In 2011 she began to freelance as an Events Manager and by 2016 had made the decision to start her own events brand/business.

Charley has a strong sense of community and a passion for providing opportunities to those who can miss out due to their background, race, economic status, environment and the alike. It was a goal of Charley's to one day launch a non-for-profit initiative of which its purpose would be to support the personal and professional endeavours of others.

In June 2023, after many years of research and planning, Charley launched The Industry Tea with a sold out event aimed at artists and talents in the creative fields of acting, music, dance, writing, etc. On the panel was Songwriter and Producer Dantae Johnson, Casting Director and Founder of Levile Ola Christian, Talent and Acquisition Outreach Manager (BBC) Rozana Green and Actress, Model and Presenter Eve-Yasmine Saoud-Easton.

Since its launch, The Industry Tea has curated and produced a handful of successful events securing partnerships with Theatre Deli in London, the ERIC APP, and has been sponsored by The Flixters podcast, E11 Studios, and Flex FM radio, to name a few.

At the time of this article being published, The Industry Tea, now heading into its second year, is preparing for its first mini expo event! The Industry Tea presents: SHOW & TELL will take place on Wednesday the 27th of November 2024. Showcasing a select number of businesses, the event will also host a panel of highly experienced and accomplished individuals to offer insight and knowledge on how to improve growth, sales and more! This is a super affordable, one-off event.

With thanks to all who continue to support the events brand, it is hoped that The Industry Tea will continue to be an affordable, inclusive and accessible hub of tangible opportunities to help those who attend navigate their life and career goals.

For more about the events and brand, follow @theindustrytea_

Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing

TOP 10 REVEAL - RADIO STAR

In August I shared with you my entry into the Radio Star 2024 search where, gratefully, I was chosen as one of the top 25 following hundreds of entries! That in itself felt like a huge achievement and I have been so proud of the recognition for my skills and talent as a radio presenter and producer.

I was sent the challenge to create a one minute sample of a factual radio documentary of my choice. It was key that I injected my personality in addition to demonstrating my creative abilities, editing, production talents and on-air skills! I was immediately chuffed, because I love documentaries, but then panic set in when it suddenly dawned on me just how difficult it might be to create within one minute, just one! Eek!

I asked myself "how would I describe a radio documentary to someone?".... That gave me my idea and also the title of what I would create - a one minute radio documentary on the very subject! I, myself, wasn't aware of how radio documentaries began, but I knew they paved the way for podcasts.

Following a week of research and taking notes, I wrote a script and practiced articulation, energy in my voice, a natural and fun, albeit authentic, delivery with a suitable pace that fell within the time frame. Once achieved, I took a break from the script and started on the visual.

Again, I delved into some research and learning which took a few days or so. Putting my notes to one side, I recorded the voice over [several times, the first one was good I thought but you could hear my nerves] and then began the video structure and editing. Over the coming days I would be deep in the visuals which gave my ears a break from hearing the voice over. When it came to adding the audio, it felt like I was hearing it for the first time, which was good, as well as listening to it flow over the video sequence. I made a few tweaks and, with days until the deadline for submission, I sent my completed challenge.

September 8th, via a LIVE YouTube reveal, I learned that I did not score high enough for a place in the top 10. As the scoring, which, in all honesty, I didn't entirely understand, rolled out before our eyes, I went from 16th place, to 10th place and then 15th before being knocked out of the contest completely. WILD! LOL! 

I'm happy I entered Radio Star 2024, zero regrets. I remain proud of putting myself forward, of the effort put in my entry for challenge 1 and I know that if [radio and TV] presenting is for me, a great opportunity will come my way when the time is right that will give me that all important break!

Thank you to everyone who supported me and sent messages of praise and encouragement, especially my girl Eve-Yasmine and my friend Laiba. 

Once again, I take this recognition as a nod to my talents and creative skills. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be seen by leading professionals in the broadcasting industry worldwide. Thank you to Nails and Tracey for their guidance.

 

Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing

I'M A RADIO STAR!

July 31st 2024, I was announced as one of the RadioStar'24 Top 25 via a LIVE stream on YouTube which completely shocked me. Radio Star is an international on-air talent search. Although I entered, I did not think for one second that I'd be chosen because, the industry is oversaturated with great talent. Standing out is not easy. Proud of myself for such an amazing and public recognition of my skills as a radio presenter and producer.

It was in 2012 that I was approached by my good friend, who has since passed away sadly, DJ Joe Grime, to co-host a radio show with him, and in 2013 I soon realised that I was good at the job and week by week the listeners grew. They have followed me from station to station as I have progressed which I am so thankful for.

After many years of hard graft, I am excited to learn and excel through my RadioStar'24 entry and see where the experience takes me. This recognition itself is a win, anything else will be a welcomed bonus! Rest when you need to but, try not to quit on your dreams. Your next opportunity might just come after your next BIG effort! Keep striving.

Written by Charley - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing

BASHY MAKES A POWERFUL RETURN TO MUSIC

On a day during a week where the London weather was doing its usual July summer madness, flitting between all seasons in one day then 'surprising' Brits with a consistent pouring of intense heat the next, I stayed home and listened to the Being Poor is Expensive album by Bashy and had it on repeat for some time.

I went through a range of emotions; took me a minute to process the lyrics, melodies, beats, overall production and the messages throughout that were clear but not necessarily what my ears were ready to receive, some of which my heart even tried to reject. I just wasn't prepared for what Bashy delivers on this highly anticipated project following a 10-year hiatus.

Each track is so beautifully layered and incredibly thought-provoking.

Some lyrics made me laugh, some almost made my tough clart cry. Others had me reflect, deeply. I was questioning the woman I've become, how I show up for others, if I'm always positively impacting with my own work/art and the subsequent impact returned to me. I found myself thinking about my professional moves, my relationship with money, who I was in past romantic relationships and of any harm potentially caused by certain behaviours or words I may have used.... My entire existence basically, real talk! In a very welcomed way, I must add.

Being Poor Is Expensive is littered with storytelling about the creator himself which had me begin to think that I know Ashley Thomas, the man behind the artist known as Bashy. I don't. Well, I do, but not very well.... Despite his busy schedule, we had a brief conversation about the album and it is clear that he has been happily overwhelmed by the positive reception. He told me, "this album really feels special" and when I shared with him the impact the album has had on me personally, he said, "this is the impact I'd hoped for".

I cannot imagine for one second that you've not heard of Bashy however, I think this statement taken from his 2007 interview with British Hip Hop tells you all you need to know about his music - "I just talk about life, and many other different things, scenarios, situations, topics, dreams..... and talk about it over different styles of music; whether that be hip hop, grime, dubstep – whatever. It’s like a puzzle. I got the pieces then I got to find the track. I talk about life, about situations that people can relate to… I’m tryna ask questions all the time. That’s my subject matter. Vast. I’m Ashley, Bashy’s just an extension of me".

Since his Chupa Chups album (2007), albeit far more cheeky back then, Bashy has been a driving force for encouraging deep personal reflection and a voice calling for significant change in society as a whole as well as within ones self. His 2024 album, Being Poor is Expensive, as is the standard with everything he does, is astonishing. He truly is something special. Beyond!

Follow/Connect with Bashy and buy his new album here:

X | YouTube | Instagram | - WEBSITE - 

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

Being Poor is Expensive artwork - Bashy.

Black and white photography - Joseph Sinclair for 1883 Magazine.

 All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

A SOVEREIGN WIN FOR EVE-YASMINE!

The last time I published here was in 2020. After 10 consistent years, I was done with blogging; feeling I had nothing more to offer my readers and supporters. I bid you all farewell and moved on to other creative passions in radio, a personal project, specialised youth workshops and I launched my own events brand. 

So, what am I doing here? Am I back? Er....., I'm not entirely certain about that but what I have always been certain about is the rise of a talent named Eve-Yasmine Saoud-Easton - the sensational artist I first introduced to you in 2015 followed by the sharing of her inspirational self-penned track Glow Up in 2020.

Affectionately referred to as "Eve", once a girl with stars in her eyes, she is now established across music, acting and entertainment, and is well on her way to becoming a Hollywood star having signed with Sovereign Talent Group inc. in July 2024! The agency is considered one of Hollywood's leading global talent agencies, and I can already see Eve's name in lights which is exactly what she deserves having worked her toosh off to achieve this remarkable and significant milestone in her career.

Originally from North-West London, since childhood, Eve has relentlessly pursued her passions - singing, songwriting, presenting, acting and voice overs. Two of her biggest life/career goals was to move to L.A. and to land an elite management team to help her further see success, and I could not be more proud of her and inspired to see (between April 2024 and at the time of publishing this article) that she has done just that!

An incredible example of what it means to not quit on your dreams.

You can find Eve-Yasmine on

X

TikTok

YouTube

Soundcloud

Instagram

Facebook

- WEBSITE -

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All images supplied by Eve-Yasmine.

Image 1 credits - @headshotsbymatt @sarahfaubertartistry

Images 3 and 4 credits - @renat.production @layeskabeauty 

 All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.