Meet J’lan Oliver | Singer & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with J’lan Oliver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J’lan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
One would define the term risk, as a situation involving exposure to danger. As a Black man living in America every time I step outside I’m risking my life. As an individual pursuing a career in something I’m a passionate about, I think that’s the biggest risk anyone could take. Risks are an essential part of growth, without them we wouldn’t know what we are truly capable of. Through out my life and career I’ve taken a lot of risks, some situations turned out to be better than I could’ve imagined, and some not so much. Each time allowed myself to be uncomfortable, the progress was exponential. The biggest risk I’ve taken recently was going to Africa to record an album. I saw this as an opportunity for me to push myself as an artist and as a person. I knew I was risking a lot by moving to another country, but I couldn’t have predicted what was to come. I left for Ghana in February of 2020, with the hope of traveling to other countries while recording my album. By the time March came, the world changed as we knew when the pandemic hit. Everything came to an abrupt holt, and what was supposed to be a 2 month trip ended up being a 6 month odyssey. I was stranded in alone in a foreign country, durning a global pandemic. Through all of the adversity I managed to produce some of the best music I’ve ever made. If I didn’t take that risk I wouldn’t be the artist or person I am today. The bigger the risk, the greater potential of danger, but that also means the greater the reward. It’s all about what you’re willing to sacrifice for what you want. Overall, I can say taking risks plays a gargantuan role in my life and career. I took a leap of faith when I chose to be an artist. I not the safest career, when it comes to stability, and income, but sometimes the biggest risks you take are the ones you don’t.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my ability to navigate though multiple fields seamlessly. I’m excited to expand my reach to the fashion, fitness, and food industries. I attended and graduated a culinary program, built a modeling portfolio, and am currently working on my CPT certification. Juggling multiple endeavors definitely comes with challenges. I’ve struggled with finding the time to do everything. I learned to be more organized and make a detailed schedule to make sure I’m dedication enough time to each of the things I’m doing. I hasn’t been easy and it still isn’t. The lessons I’ve learned in doing all if this is to really fall in love with the process. We’re often so consumed with where we want to be that we often forget where we are. Great things take time to build. I want the world to know that you can be as many things as you want. You don’t have to limit yourself to one career field or one dream. Thats what my brand is about to keep moving forward discovering new things as we move through life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First things first were going to “Bossa Nova” their food is so good. If it’s their first time in LA, I’d take them to all of the touristy stuff. They’d have to see Santa Monica, Hollywood, and shop on melrose.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friends and family are integral part of my success. My family always keeps me grounded and motivated. When I get down or too am hard on myself they’re there to remind me of the work I’ve put in and how far I’ve come. My friends who I work with on a daily basis push me and hold be accountable. They dedicate time and energy to ensure I stay focused and on the right path, there simply is no me without them.

Website: https://linktr.ee/jlanoliver

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlanoliver/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/jlanoliver

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jlanolivermusic

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/JlanOliver

Image Credits
Antonio Martinez Gianni Legrand