2012: A Year For Success

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2012, About Me, Goals, Inspiration, Los Angeles, Motivation, Thanks | 2 Comments

If you are reading this post, be thankful that you not only woke up to see another day, but you also lived to see another year. This past year was one of the best years of my life for many reasons, but mainly because it was a year of risk, change, and transition. Hopefully 2012 will be even more memorable and life-changing.

Below are some of the countless memories formed in 2011 that will remain with me forever:

- Celebrated my 21st Birthday!

- Graduated from college in the top of my class, and was chosen to speak at commencement.

- Resigned from AT&T after 2.5 years.

- Relocated from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

- Was re-hired at MRB Productions.

- Auditioned for NBC’s The Voice.

- Moved into my first apartment.

- Worked a second job overnight at Target for a little over a month and quit after realizing that it was ruining my life.

- Made it into a paparazzi pic with Matthew McConaughey.

- Created new business opportunities.

As you can see, 2011 was definitely a year that won’t easily be forgotten, but a new year is here for me to conquer. Unless this is your first time visiting, I’m sure you noticed that my whole website has been redesigned and updated for the new year. I’m focused and ready to take things to the next level. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to me, I’ve started to pave my own path to success with the help of other like-minded individuals. This will be a year for success if my motivation and persistence continue to push me towards reaching my goals.

Unfortunately, people use the new year as a time to make resolutions that they will try to keep, but never do. Instead of making resolutions, my year starts with prayer and living life day by day. Of course there are things that need to be accomplished this year, but writing it down or creating reminders in my smartphone is not going to make a difference in my life. However, as long as I’m truly motivated and willing to put forth all my effort to reach my goals, then that’s all that I need. I understand that this may not work for everyone, but remember that sometimes the only thing stopping you from accomplishing your goal is YOU. Make this your year to succeed. Don’t let the reports about the world ending deter you from what you need to do. You will regret it when we are all still here in 2013 and you accomplished nothing. In 2012, continue to pave your path to success and drive straight towards it.

Before I let you go, just wanted you to know that I’m going to update the site at least once a week. It made me sick to know that the last post was in September. While you are on the site, make sure you explore and check out everything. Also, there is a new Giveaways page where I will be periodically giving away prizes to my readers. Check out the Chasing L.A. New Year’s Giveaway!Thank you all so much for the support and please be sure to let me know what you think of the new site in the comment section. Make this your year to succeed and keep chasing your dreams!

Let’s Catch Up!

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2011, About Me, Goals, Inspiration, Los Angeles, Motivation, The Voice, Video | 1 Comment

Where have you guys been? You’ve missed so much in the past couple of weeks. Ok, I know it’s my fault since the last update was before my auditions for The Voice, but the world doesn’t stop going because one person needs to update their blog. So, I had to prioritize and unfortunately my blog didn’t make it into the top 10 most important things. However, I’m now ready to update you on what’ you’ve missed.

#1: In case you haven’t heard, I didn’t make it pass the audition rounds for The Voice, but I did make it onto the news. See me on the news in the clip below.

#2: Although I didn’t make it onto the show, my audition was great. We went into the room in groups of 10, and one of the girls in my group had a voice that could match Adele’s. It didn’t help that she was only 17. I’m sure she will get on the show. However, there was no hope for the rest of us after her performance.

#3: Had the pleasure of doing another photoshoot with photographer and friend, Genna Sandler. Check out the awesome pics HERE.

#4: Moved into my new apartment right off of Sunset Boulevard! I guess I’m really growing up. Wait, too many bills. Is it too late to go back to middle school?

#5: Learned that I never want to build furniture for a living. EVER! Thanks IKEA.

#6: Organized my goals and created plans to reach them by July of next year.

#7: Slowly learned how to live without cable thanks to Hulu & Netflix.

#8: Confirmed that I really don’t enjoy cooking because fast food is, well, FAST. Speaking of fast food, Chick-Fil-A just opened right down the street on Sunset Blvd! It’s great to know that my favorite fast food restaurant opened a location in Hollywood to make sure that I didn’t starve. I knew all my business over the years would pay off.

#9: It doesn’t ever rain. It’s always sunny and perfect, but I’m starting to long for a nice rainy night with some Musiq Soulchild playing on my iHome to put me to sleep.

#10: I’m working extremely hard and I’ve accepted the fact that the road to success will not be easy. It will take a long time to become the great producer that I know I will be. However, I’m convinced that my persistence and determination will take me a long way. I’m sure of it.

Every single day is an opportunity to learn and grow from your experiences. Don’t let a failed opportunity or negative surroundings bring you down. If you stay focused on what you are trying to achieve, then hopefully one day it will become a reality. Anyway, the good news is that I’m blogging again. I’ve missed it more than anything. Blogging is a way for me to not only release my thoughts, but to inspire others. It feels good to be back. Until next time, be blessed!

Chasing The Voice: Part 2

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2011, About Me, Goals, Inspiration, Los Angeles, Motivation, Television, The Voice | Leave a comment

Hello everyone! Hope you are doing well this Sunday. Just wanted to let you all know that you are great and so supportive of my journey to NBC’s “The Voice”. For those who don’t know, I haven’t been blogging as much because I have been vlogging via YouTube. Here is the link to my vlogs about the show: Emile’s Vlogs. Also, one of my good friends, Silke, created a fanpage for me on Facebook, and I have been keeping people updated there too: http://www.facebook.com/emileennisjr. Anyway, the audition is in 2 days on Aug 30th at 7:00 AM. I probably wont actually audition until later that morning, but it says be there at 7. I had a photoshoot yesterday with an amazing photographer and one of my closest friends, Genna Sandler, at Smashbox Studios. She wanted to do a photoshoot before the auditions and those pictures will be posted soon. Alright, I am headed to church. Keep me in your prayers on Tuesday and the night before. I appreciate all the support. I’ve been preparing for this audition for a little over two months, but this is my first real audition. Hopefully, all my preparation is not in vain. I love you guys.

Sincerely,

Emile Ennis Jr.

Chasing The Voice: Part 1

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2011, About Me, Advice, Goals, Inspiration, Los Angeles, Motivation, The Voice, Video | 4 Comments

In case you haven’t heard I will be auditioning for NBC’s “The Voice” on August 30th. Yes, you read correctly. In my last post I talked about taking a risk and not letting fear stop you from chasing your dreams. What kind of person would I be if I gave you advice every week and didn’t even take my own advice? Anyway, my preparation started weeks ago, but my audition time is almost here. I’m having a blast learning new songs, strengthening my voice, and just getting ready for this competition. Those who know me, know that I love to perform. However, there’s only a few people who know my true passion for singing and performing. This will be an experience I won’t forget regardless of the outcome. Less than 24 days to go! Please keep me in your prayers and continue to support me on my journey. Enjoy some clips of me singing and performing below. Now, where are those old home movies of me singing as a child? I’ll find them eventually. Until next time, be blessed. Don’t forget to leave a comment!

Take a Risk

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2011, Advice, Goals, Inspiration, Los Angeles, Motivation | Leave a comment

Believe in yourself because you have no idea what all you’re capable of. Until you have confidence in yourself and in your work, no one else can truly believe in you. Of course your family and friends will be there to encourage you, but there’s not much they can do if you don’t even believe in yourself. This is why many people end up unhappy with their lives, and unfortunately remain in their current situations for quite some time. However, if I could get out of my situation and chase my dreams, then so can you.

People ask me all the time how I managed to get where I am today. However, they say this as if I am at the top of my career. The truth is, I’m nowhere near where I want to be because I’m actually at the bottom of the totem pole right now. Although I’m just a production assistant, at least I’m in the field that I love. I know that I wouldn’t be here without a lot of faith and a big risk. When people asked me what I would be doing after graduation, my answer (which I said with extreme confidence) was, “I will be moving to Los Angeles in June, and hopefully I will get a job in my field”. This had to be a slight shock to people since I was graduating from a small University in Waleska, Ga; however, if I managed to get an internship the previous summer in Los Angeles without any connections, then I would figure out a way to move there and acquire employment in my field.

As graduation came closer, fear and stress began to eat away at my confidence. If no job was available at the internship site, and there was no other work available in my field, then I would have to move back home. Success, for me, was and still is not an option. It will happen. I ignored the fact that we are in a recession. I ignored the fact that the unemployment rates are steadily rising. I ignored the fact that I would not be able to survive in Los Angeles if I couldn’t find work. I ignored the fact that my current job at AT&T was stable and paid extremely well. Instead, I focused on what my goals really were. I focused on what few connections I did have in Los Angeles. I chose to embrace my flaws and flaunt my many strengths. I tried to save as much money as possible. I requested encouragement from family and friends. I strengthened my faith. I exuded confidence even when I was at my lowest point. Finally, I told myself that no goal or task was too great for me to accomplish. The move was expensive, stressful, and tiring, but I’m glad I didn’t settle for my current situation and took the risk.

Of all the people I have ever known, those who have pursued their dreams and failed have lived a much more fulfilling life than those who have put their dreams on a shelf for fear of failure. – Unknown

You won’t know what will happen until you try. So do it! Consider me as one of your many friends encouraging you to chase your dreams. How can you expect to accomplish your goal if you never take a risk? Stop letting fear hold you back. Run towards your dreams, and you will be there soon enough. Until next time, be blessed.

Reality Check

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2011, About Me, Advice, Goals, Inspiration, Los Angeles, Motivation, Thanks | Leave a comment

One of the reasons why blogging has become a main part of my life is because of the inspirational messages that I receive from my faithful readers. You may not know this, but YOU ARE MY MOTIVATION. I don’t have millions, thousands or even hundreds of readers, but I am overjoyed as long as each post impacts one person. It’s with your support that I’m able to continue inspiring and motivating you to chase your dreams. Now that I’ve made you feel special, let’s get real.

If there was an easy way to turn your dreams and goals into a reality without hard work, then life wouldn’t be as fun. Don’t you love starting at the bottom of the chain and working your way up? Isn’t it fulfilling to have to climb over obstacles and barriers to get to whatever it is that you desire? You can’t tell me you don’t like seeing how success seems to just fall into some people’s lap. Alright, I’ll quit with the satire. The point is that, as Forrest Gump once said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get”. Life is full of surprises, good and bad, just waiting around the corner. You should know by now that there’s not always a magical ending like in Disney movies, and life can be horribly challenging sometimes. Instead of wallowing in a pit of sadness, depression, and resentment because success seems to always avoid your path, reflect on the positive things going on in your life. Positive energy will get you much further in life than negative.

Unfortunately, unless you are part of the upper elite, know people in high places, are extremely lucky, or try to acquire success in scandalous ways, it will take time to climb the ladder. Don’t lose hope though because there are also people, like me, who choose to stay focused, motivated, and persevere when times are rough. People will notice your persistence and admire your tenacity.

“No matter how much you plan, it is tenacity, unyielding desire to succeed, and the ability to cope with change that will eventually prevail.” -Perry Payne

Remember that life is short, so don’t rush it. Enjoy every moment like it’s your last. Sometimes the rewards of success will creep up on you when you least expect it. As you will see, there will be many rewards as you travel on the road to success, but don’t bask in those rewards for too long. Focus on what your ultimate goal is, and when you reach that one, set an even greater goal. It’s a long road, but we will travel it together. I’m here to support you. You can support me by liking my Facebook page http://tiny.cc/6aggb, sharing the blog with your friends on Facebook & Twitter, subscribing to the blog & with your emails, messages, and comments. Until next time, be blessed!

Another Day in LaLa Land!

Posted on July 23, 2011 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2011, About Me, Advice, Goals, Inspiration, Laughter, Los Angeles, Motivation | Leave a comment

Just in case you were wondering, I’m still out here surviving in the land of people who can sometimes be slightly out of touch with reality. As time continues to go by, the realization that my life will be completely different than what it was in the south is slowly setting in. People move to Los Angeles everyday with hopes and dreams they think will be fulfilled immediately because they are “special.” It is okay to believe that as long as you also understand that Los Angeles is saturated with people who are thinking the exact same thing as you. Everyone thinks they have that one thing that will set them apart from the rest; however, unless you have magic powers, can glamour people like a vampire on “True Blood”, or just happen to know somebody who knows somebody, then expect to work hard for many years. This is not an easy industry or city to break into.

Besides dealing with the fact that there is no Southern hospitality and a major lack of fried food, Los Angeles is also lacking affordable living. It’s no wonder that there are so many homeless people in this city. Seeing the homeless on a daily basis helps me to appreciate my blessings and accept the fact that I will have to cut down on some of my unnecessary expenses until I have an income that complements a more lavish lifestyle. I’m not going to go broke trying to live up to a certain standard, but I will make sure that I still enjoy some of the finer things in life. That’s okay, right? Anyway, I’m still in the process of looking for my own apartment right now, but I’ll be content with my current situation until the perfect apartment in my budget comes along. At least I’m with a family member who supports my endeavors.

One thing that is important to remember is that the only person that you should worry about when it comes to your career is you. Focus on how you are going to get to where you want to be because that’s exactly what everybody else is doing. It’s every man for himself out here. There are associates, friends, and frenemies who will smile in your face and drag your name under the rug as soon as you are not around. It’s not surprising that some people will do anything and hurt anybody in order to get to the top, but that’s not the way I want to get there. Excuse me for having a conscience and some integrity. Instead, I’ll learn what I can from the people around me and continue to educate myself with one of the many books that I’ve purchased in the past year. Also, remember that you can’t do everything by yourself. A good production can’t happen without a crew. If anyone is planning on moving to Los Angeles and particularly entering the entertainment industry, I highly recommend “The Hollywood Assistants Handbook: 86 Rules for Aspiring Power Players.” It’s not only a fun read, but it’s actually a highly informative book with great insight about the industry. Trust me, you need to be prepared for what you are about to deal with in this industry.

If you haven’t noticed already, moving up in the industry is my main goal (which means I don’t have a social life right now). So, my posts will mostly be centered around what I’m doing to reach that goal. Sorry if I painted a negative picture of L.A. It’s still one of the greatest cities on earth, but I just don’t want people to think that everything is picture perfect in LaLa land because that is definitely the opposite of reality. If everything was perfect, then I wouldn’t be Chasing L.A. Everything would just fall in my lap. Well, time to read the latest issue of “The Hollywood Reporter” & “Daily Variety”. Have to keep up with what’s going on in the industry. Just one of the many things I must do to make sure that I continue traveling down the long road to success. Until next time, be blessed.

Chasing My Dreams

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2011, About Me, Goals, Graduate School, Los Angeles, Motivation, School, Thanks | 2 Comments

I did it guys! Some of you didn’t believe it would ever happen, but I’m here to say that I moved to Los Angeles permanently. It’s been a little over three weeks since I made the move, but it feels like I never left. It is wonderful to have such a supportive group of family and friends that believe in me and know that success is in my future. The first week here was great because my two brothers, E.J. and Tim, joined me on my journey to help me get settled. It was a wonderful time that I will forever be thankful for and will cherish. Now that I have left my life in Atlanta behind, it is time for me to begin a new one out here in Los Angeles.

Upon my arrival, I immediately contacted my former boss at my internship site to see if there was any work available for me. Thankfully, there was work available, and I’ve been working steadily since I have arrived. Right now, my job title is Production Assistant, and it is on a day-to-day basis. It may not be the most exciting job or the most glamorous, but it definitely pays the bills. As I analyze my future in the industry, there is still some uncertainty about the career path that I will follow. Sometimes it’s hard to choose one path when there are so many things about the industry that you enjoy. Nevertheless, producing is something that I could honestly see myself doing for the rest of my life. The decision came years ago, but I’ve changed my mind numerous times. However, my mind is pretty much made up. It won’t be easy to move up in the industry, but I’m ready to face the challenges that await me.

Since my contacts out here are limited, I don’t take for granted any person that I come into contact with. Each person that I meet has knowledge and experience that I can learn from and use to grow. As many of you know, my dream of going to USC for graduate school was one of the main motivations for starting this blog. After my internship last year, I determined that maybe I didn’t want to go to grad school because of the success I had last summer. Once again I’ve changed my mind about graduate school. How could I give up on something that I wanted so bad just because I saw a taste of success? Am I afraid that maybe I won’t be selected for admission into the program? Maybe I am slightly nervous, but nerves are not going to stop me from reaching my goals. So, the preparation has begun. I will continue to study, as well as work, network, and gain experience over the next year, and hopefully I will be able to call myself a graduate student at USC in the coming year. The competition will be intense, but I am ready to show USC and Los Angeles who Emile Ennis Jr. is. Keep me in your prayers and please subscribe because I accidentally deleted my subscribers a while back. I love you all and thanks for your support. Until next time, be blessed.

The Next Chapter

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2011, About Me, Goals, Graduate School, Inspiration, Los Angeles, Motivation, School, Thanks | Leave a comment

It is now officially over. On April 30, 2011, I graduated from Reinhardt University as a Magna Cum Laude Honors Program graduate. After four successful years, it was surreal to finally walk across the stage and receive my degree. The fact that I had the opportunity to speak at the Commencement was even more surreal. Within these past four years, there were times when I felt as I would not make it because of the many duties that I committed myself to. One of those duties was my job with AT&T where I have worked since September 30, 2008. Trying to balance 30 hours a week with AT&T, a full course-load at Reinhardt, an on-campus job with the marketing department, and a social life was beyond difficult. However, I took on the challenges that I faced and always did my best. Today another chapter of my life has closed. After two years and seven months with AT&T as a Sales Support Representative, my time with AT&T has ended. As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I will not forget the experiences and lessons that I have learned while working for such a great company. Although it is relieving to be done with school and temporarily done with work, I must now get ready for the “real” world. Am I ready to face it? I sure hope so or my chasing will be in vain.

You obviously know what I’m chasing. I’m chasing Los Angeles with all of my might. Now that there are not any distractions in my path, my main focus is to continue to prepare for my permanent move to Los Angeles in June. Am I scared? Nervous? Anxious? These are the questions that keep popping up from my family, peers, and mentors. Honestly, I can’t really describe how I feel. There are so many emotions that are constantly running through my mind. Some people think I am crazy for resigning from a great job, leaving a city that I have spent twenty-one years growing up in, and pursuing my dream despite the state of the economy. Those that really know me are sure that I will be successful because of my creativity, persistence, and desire to be the best at everything I do. My faith is what motivates me to continue. So keep me in your prayers as I enter this next chapter of my life. I am ready for the rude awakening because I know that it won’t be easy, cheap, or glamorous. I am willing to work hard to get to the top until I am no longer chasing L.A., but conquering it.

I’ve been preparing to move for months, but there’s still so much for me to do and to prepare for. I am going down my checklist day by day to make sure that this is a smooth move and I’m so thankful for the support that I have from my parents and friends. I know that I have been neglecting my blog, but I’m back! I will keep you all updated as always. Until Next Time, Be Blessed.

Past, Present, & Future…

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Emile Ennis Jr. Posted in 2011, About Me, Advice, Goals, Inspiration, Love, Motivation, Thanks | Leave a comment

Well, I got an overwhelming response of positive emails, Facebook messages, and texts from readers that were appreciative of the advice that was given in the previous post, Everybody Dies, But Not Everybody Lives. Hopefully this post will inspire you all as well. Instead of writing everyday, I am going back to letting my current situations inspire my writing. This means that there will no longer be meaningless posts, but rather posts that motivate, inspire, and encourage. As always, I write this for my readers, and I truly appreciate all of the feedback and support that I receive. I can’t thank you all enough. Please share with your family and friends. Also, if there is anything you want me to talk about specifically, feel free to shoot me an email at emileennisjr@yahoo.com or send me a message via Facebook.

Before I begin, consider this, if you let negative experiences from your past impact your experiences in the present, then your future won’t be YOUR future. It will instead be a future that is negatively influenced by things you can’t let go. Sometimes it’s hard for you to let go of the past because of the moments that brought joy, but if the past is preventing you from having a future then you have to move on. It’s so easy to want to go back to things that are familiar because you feel safe and secure in that place, but you can’t forget the reasons why you left that place. There is something better in YOUR future that you may be missing out on. You cannot continue to be hindered by the demons of your past because this will only prevent you from seeing all the positive elements in your life that are all around you. Once you truly let go, your life will change for the better.

By now you are probably saying, “Emile that is easier said than done!” I completely agree, and I don’t know how this may apply to your situation; however, I do know that it will be hard to let go. Here’s some advice:

#1 – Don’t let others control your life.

Sometimes we let others advice or opinions prevent us from pursuing what we really want. It’s okay to show that you respect their opinion, but at the same time it’s your life. You are the one who knows the mistakes you have made in the past. You are the only one who truly understands the different situations you are currently dealing with. You are the one who has to deal with the decisions you make. Live YOUR life and learn from it.

#2 – Only God Can Judge You!

I must keep emphasizing this. Don’t let others judgment of you affect how you live your life. Accept when you are wrong. Learn from your mistakes. Apologize when necessary, and move on. If people are so concerned about things that you have done, then let them dwell on your past mistakes. However, while they are dwelling on your past mistakes, make sure you are on a private jet towards the bright future ahead of you. Don’t let anyone bring you down. No human should ever have more control over your life than you do.

#3 – Embrace your flaws.

Sometimes we don’t want to accept our shortcomings and flaws because we are afraid of how people will perceive us. Remember what I said in my last post? Quit caring what other people think. If you can’t accept yourself, then how can you possibly expect others to accept the true you. Furthermore, you may not realize that what you see as flaws actually may be reasons why people love being around you. For example, my big feet, goofy laugh, and lanky body make me who I am. I’ve accepted this. If you can’t accept yourself the way you are, then that is just one more thing preventing you from positively moving forward in the future.

#4 – Tomorrow is not promised.

Life is too short. Why should you dwell on the past in the present? Every minute you spend thinking about negative experiences from the past, it takes away from moments that you could be enjoying in the present.

#5 – Don’t bottle it up inside.

When we hold our pain and anguish inside, it’s just like constantly shaking a bottle of soda. Eventually it’s going to explode. When it finally does explode it’s not going to end well. Find a way to let your thoughts out when times aren’t going the best for you. Talking to yourself won’t help because you will find a way to get even more upset, depressed, sad, or whatever feeling has overcome you. Also, be careful about the company that you keep. Sometimes that person whispering in your ear is only helping bury you further into the hole you can’t get out of.

#6 – Let Go & Let God.

Sometimes God puts us through things so we can find our way back to him. It is during this time that we have to accept that maybe we have neglected our spiritual life, and need to reconnect. Once we put it in God’s hands, how can we not move positively into the future.

Those were just some general tips that may help you get through your individual situations. I really hope that something out of this post helped you out. I would like to leave you with a song that helps get me through my toughest times, and continues to motivate me to focus on the bright future that tomorrow has in store. Please listen to the lyrics, and you will understand why. Until next time, be safe.