Photo by Elias Zamudio | Creative Directed by Adonis Thrax
Paige, raised in Lithonia, Georgia, grew her roots and built her foundation as a “cool kid” with social skills making a path to popularity.
After building her brand by throwing parties, Paige expanded her network with a big move to Miami, Florida. “Miami is not the place you send your 18-year-old. Though it was challenging, she appreciated the experience because it pushed her out of her comfort zone.
Photo by Elias Zamudio | Creative Directed by Adonis Thrax
"I didn’t want to host by just going out and sitting on a couch and looking pretty."
Miami gave Paige her first real taste at hosting, however it was not what she’d hoped for. Throughout the years, hosting in the entertainment industry has evolved into many different things. “I didn’t want to host by just going out and sitting on a couch and looking pretty. I wanted to MC because I enjoy being the life of the party, and I have a bunch of things to say,” she explained.
Photo by Elias Zamudio | Creative Directed by Adonis Thrax
After getting her degree and relocating back to Atlanta, Paige found herself having to learn how to renavigate the city. She found more hosting opportunities that fit her personality and goals and began a career in the music industry.
Paige explained the challenges she faces in the music industry. "Being a woman in a male-dominated industry places you in an arena where respect must be demanded," she explained.
"A lot of people don't know that they're going to accomplish great things, so they just sit there not knowing it."
Regardless of the challenge or adversity, Paige finds a way to shine by continuing to walk in her purpose. “A lot of people don’t know that they are going to accomplish great things, so they just sit there not knowing it.”
She explained the importance of knowing who you are and believing in yourself, especially young entrepreneurs.
From hosting her first showcase to piecing together EPs, all the way to hosting her first music festival, Paige's story is a reminder to continue to push forward.
Photo by Elias Zamudio | Creative Directed by Adonis Thrax
Read below to check out some of the top moments from our conversation with her:
Where are you from? Did you go to College?
Paige: I'm from Atlanta. Lithonia, Georgia to be exact. I went to North Atlanta High, but my parents always had a house in Dekalb County. I went to college in Miami at FIU (Florida International University). It gave me some harsh realities, but it did help me because I used to hate change and my experience there helped me get out of my comfort zone.
What are you passionate about the most? Where do you think that passion comes from?
Paige: I’m passionate about self-discipline, and that comes from my family and the women [grandmother, my god-mom, my mother] that were before me that had the ability to make a lot of change within their communities.
Their work ethic has rubbed off on me and I wanted to get to a point where they could see what they instilled in me. I found myself in a continuous fight to make sure that the light they gave me never went dim. That passion has become integral in everything I do.
As a young black woman, what are some challenges you face? How do you overcome those challenges?
Paige: Being a woman in male-dominated industries puts you at a place where there is a certain respect that you have to earn and work harder for than any man. On top of that, being a black woman makes it ten times harder. Then you put the current societal norms for both men and women in the equation, and it is very difficult.
Many women are throwing their dignity out the window o get to where they want to be because they are scared they won’t find that certain book that's written for them. I've been let down by men in general based on how some of them approach me or not knowing why I'm in certain rooms, so I often have to demand my respect.
When did you first get into hosting and what has that experience been like for you?
Paige: Hosting is a hobby for me. My dad went to school to be a dentist but he loved to sing. It was a weird combination. I saw my dad flourish in his hobby and make major strides and just seeing how anything he put his mind to inspired me to do the same.
I used to throw parties at my dad’s house in high school and kind of began being a hostess. Also watched a lot of my friends turn into stars which inspired me to follow my heart for my own fulfillment. I also realized that hosting in Miami wasn't the kind of hosting I liked, so I started planning for when I was going to go somewhere else.
I didn’t want to host by just going out and sitting on a couch and looking pretty. I wanted to MC because I enjoy being the life of the party, and I have a bunch of things to say.
I enjoy interacting with the people and being able to say “yo what’s up / how are y’all feeling tonight.” I started taking steps into curating alongside hosting to create the entire vibe I was looking for.
What is the one thing you wanted to accomplish by the time it’s all said and done?
Paige: Paige: Seeing my work come full circle. You have to believe it because you are the first to know it since God gave it specifically to you. Once it happens that’s the best feeling in the world. I am planting and watering so many seeds so I can’t really sit and wait for just one to happen. I continue to work on new things every day.
Level Up Development
Level Up Development is the professional development division of Level Up Solutions, equipping young professionals with the information, relationships, and experience they need to navigate their professional journey.
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