Women at Work: Philadelphia’s FlyGirrl Around Town
I hope you’ve been enjoying the “Women at Work” Series as much as I have. We’ve had some pretty sweet interviews … and as you can tell … they’re just gonna keep coming! And why not?! I love the ladies I get to work with … they’ve become some of my favorite people and dearest friends.
This week, I’d like to introduce you to one of my favorite Philly folks, Stacey FlyGirrl Wilson! Some of you may be familiar with her design work, or her events, or her promotion work, or Tasty Treats (Philly’s longest running party … 10 years+) … and some of you are going to want to get familiar after reading. Either way, I’ll stop gushing now and let her talk!
1. What is your dream job?
– Tough question, I have such passion for a number of things – I’m not quite sure I can decide. I think if I had to choose – if I was able to financially be happy doing it alone, I would just paint.
2.What industry is most of your work concentrated in?
– I would say Event Production and Promotion. I’m also a Graphic Designer and Visual Artist.
3. Got a side hustle? How does it affect your daily schedule?
– My whole life is a side hustle, lol. I’m always taking on a new gig or pursuing a new opportunity. I don’t feel bound to the things I’m known for. I tend to enjoy the juggling of gigs. I took a real job once and it lasted maybe 10 days lol. I absolutely hated it and the structure. I feel I’m meant to be doing some form of what I’m doing now. I’m sure the levels of it will grow but I don’t feel i’m meant to be in a 9-5 structured setting. So, side hustles are a way of life at this point. And I kind of like that. It keep life fresh.
4. Discuss your path to where you are now in your career? Has it been planned? Were there unexpected turns?
– Well, back in 1995 I went to Hussian School of Art for Design & illustration. From there I didn’t do much art but was freelance designing for alot of the promoters of that time while working at the Bynum Brothers restaurant, Zanzibar Blue. They opened a nightclub called Brave New World and I began to be both the manager and graphic designer for the club. That brings us to 2001, I then met Yameen and Questlove of The Roots. This is also the year that I exhibited my first art exhibit and sold 3 pieces. The guys and myself created a party called, Tastytreats. It’s a dance party that has stood the test of time. 10 years later, we’re still throwing the party. It consists of great music – classic hip-hop, reggae, classics, funk, soul. And mix that with the worlds greatest DJ’s – Questlove, Mike Nyce, Dj Jazzy jeff, Dj Cash Money, Q-Tip, Biz Markie, Premier, Tony Touch and more. I’m now 10 years into my art career, with accolades of televised pieces and published artwork and more upcoming exhibits and projects.
Most of my journey was not planned. That’s what’s so interesting about doing different things and working for yourself. You’re constantly creating something which is always a unique experience. Many, many unexpected turns but I like where I am. I’m no where near where i want to be but I’m happy with where i am.
5. What have you discovered about yourself along the journey?
– That I am a hustler. That I’m resilient. I’ve had quite a journey working for myself for more than 10 years. I’ve learned that I can do anything I set my mind to… I just have to learn to not get caught up in the downs of the journey which I tend to do some times.
6. If you knew in the beginning what you know now, would you have done anything differently?
– Probably. there are always decisions you wish you could take back or change. I’m not really mad at the decisions I’ve made, I maybe wish I was as wise as I am now at those times. But I truly am blessed to have had the experiences and the lessons and the journey that I’ve had.
7. Describe a day in your life.
– Honestly, every day is different. I work for myself so my schedule is pretty much how I make it. It sometimes is a struggle to stay focused and disciplined but I find some balance that makes it work for me. I can tell you that no matter how my day ends up flowing – it ALWAYS consists of designing, planning, promoting, drawing and cooking!
8. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 10 years?
– Happy. Because I have a few avenues of work that I enjoy doing, I honestly couldn’t tell you where I want to be because every day takes me somewhere new. I’m not quite sure if that’s good or bad but I can tell you that it’s gotten me this far and I think it’s been a pretty dope ride. I know it makes me interested in my future in art and business.
Do we see any common themes? I’m always trying to teach!
Ok, whether you’re learning or not, you need to keep up with Flygirrl … and she’s made it easy for you: http://www.itsmyurls
Got it? GOOD!
you stay cool. i’ll stay khoLi. <3
Tags: business, life and writing, stacey flygirrl wilson, the personal is political, there is no such thing as small change, when all you wanna do is live smart, women at work
