Pretty and Black Owned is a celebration of brilliance, beauty, and bold business moves. This series spotlights Black women who are building powerful brands, creating impact, and owning their lane with confidence and purpose. From passion to profit, these women represent what it looks like to lead, thrive, and win.

Founded by Visionary, Jalia Pettis, 3Jay Productions is a creative agency rooted in real-world production experience and intentional visual storytelling. What began as a beauty-focused production company has evolved into a full-scale creative agency supporting brands, organizations, and production teams across beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and live event spaces.

Unlike agencies built solely from strategy or aesthetics, 3Jay Productions was built from the inside out, shaped by decades of hands-on experience on set, backstage, and in leadership roles where execution matters just as much as vision. That foundation informs the agency’s approach today: creative direction that is both visually compelling and operationally sound.

At the helm is Jalia Pettis, an award-winning hairstylist, makeup artist, and educator whose career spans editorial, commercial, runway, film, and live production environments. Her ability to work seamlessly across all skin tones and hair textures, combined with her leadership on national and international stages, has positioned her as a trusted voice in the industry. Through 3Jay Productions, Pettis brings that experience into a broader agency model, one that values clarity, collaboration, and cultural fluency.

The agency specializes in creative direction, production support, beauty and style leadership, and consulting. Whether guiding a campaign from concept to execution, leading creative teams on set, or supporting brands through strategic visual alignment, 3Jay Productions functions as an extension of its clients’ teams not just a vendor.

As the agency enters its next chapter, 3Jay Productions remains committed to elevating storytelling through thoughtful leadership, inclusive practices, and a deep respect for process. The work is grounded, intentional, and built to last reflecting a belief that the most impactful visuals are created when experience, vision, and execution move in alignment.

What inspired the start of 3Jay Productions?

3Jay Productions was born out of necessity and vision. After years in corporate America, I decided to become an entrepreneur. I wanted to operate from a space of value, which often in the corporate space I felt undervalued. Through that, I recognized a gap between creativity and structure, especially for Black women creatives. I wanted to create a company that honored artistry while also valuing professionalism, preparation, and sustainability. What started as a modeling agency quickly turned into a production company and has evolved into a creative agency rooted in storytelling, strategy, and intentional representation.

What has been the biggest challenge of running a brand like 3Jay Productions?

One of the biggest challenges has been growth without compromise. As a Black woman-owned brand, there’s often pressure to overextend, underprice, or accept opportunities that don’t align simply to stay visible. Learning when to say no, protecting intellectual property, and building at a pace that allows for longevity, not burnout, is both challenging and necessary.

How does 3Jay Productions impact its local community?

Community impact is central to everything we do. From employing local creatives and emerging talent to providing education, mentorship, and access to professional opportunities. 3Jay Productions is intentional about circulating knowledge and resources. We don’t just create content, we create pathways for others to see what’s possible.

How can women in particular benefit from what your brand has to offer?

Women benefit from seeing a model of leadership that doesn’t require shrinking or overexplaining. Through education, collaboration, and representation, we help women understand their value, refine their voice, and move with confidence in both creative and professional spaces.

Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3–5 years?

In the next few years, I see 3Jay Productions fully established as a creative agency working with mid-size and national brands, while also expanding our educational footprint. My goal is sustainability, legacy, and continued impact. We are building something that outlives trends and creates opportunities for the next generation. The next generation is my children, for whom the business is named.

What advice do you have for the next generation of entrepreneurs?

Be patient with your process. Learn the business as deeply as you learn the craft. Protect your ideas, value your time, and understand that success doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. Consistency, integrity, and preparation will take you further than shortcuts ever will.

What does being “Pretty and Black Owned” mean to you?

To me, being Pretty and Black Owned means embracing excellence without apology. It’s about showing up fully: intelligent, creative, prepared, and proud while redefining what ownership, beauty, and leadership look like for Black women.

Socials: @3jayproductions

www.3Jayproductions.com