Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamila Surles-Walker.
Hi Jamila, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I came from a single-parent home and was raised by my mother. My father was involved as well. They both made us aware of the realities of life; however, they always told us that with hard work and dedication, we could do anything we put our minds to. Although I sometimes did not make the best decisions, I kept those affirmations close and eventually achieved some of my goals. I dreamed of being a dentist but realized I could not physically handle patient care. This caused me to pivot into the administrative side of healthcare. I ultimately wanted success so that I could positively affect the lives of others on a large scale. When I lost my mother in 2011, it made me want to know what my purpose was. In 2015, I realized that there were significant economic and societal gaps. So, I looked at what most successful people were doing and noticed that, in many cases, most succeed through networking, marketing, and entertainment. What could I do to incorporate these elements to help others? I started my media and marketing company, Epic Entourage, to use media and social media to interview companies that may not have access to major media outlets and share their stories and businesses. As of today, through networking and digital public relations campaigns, we have helped business owners build their brands and even get interviews with media affiliated with OWN Network or the Oprah Winfrey Network. We have also become a place to discuss the issues of economic inequality and lack of resources, as well as discuss solutions. We hope to be a resource to resolve said issues and actively raise awareness.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some obstacles that have been faced are the ability to expand due to economic limitations with the demographics we serve more often than not, as budgets have been strained due to the threat of recession and post-pandemic closures for many businesses. There were also traveling challenges, but we found ways to do remote interviews, increased the use of digital outlets, and expanded our skillset to incorporate social media marketing as a tool for businesses to grow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have taken project management skills from the healthcare industry and utilized them when planning for launches of new ways to use the media, events, and video projects to create content that resonates with our audiences. I am most proud of the ability to pivot despite the constant nuances of the industry and the relationships we have built along the way.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My faith greatly influences the win and keeps me reaching out. My parents continuously poured into me, whether spiritually or financially. Also, my immediate and extended family, including my husband and children, make me want to improve things for them and allow me to travel and make sacrifices for my clients. Nikki Rich, an ambassador for OWN Network, is a massive inspiration to us. The clients that have allowed me to serve them include Kolored on Purpose, the Black Business Directory, and a host of local businesses in Chattanooga that have utilized our videography and social media services.
Contact Info:
- Website: epic-entourage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicentourage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557074202114
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/35580372
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/epicentouragellc
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejamilashow
