Today we’d like to introduce you to Jia Manning.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Jia Nicole Manning. I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, along with four siblings. Being the middle of five children was fun, but I decided to leave the nest at 18 years old. I moved to Tampa, FL to attend HCC to pursue a career in opticianry but soon realized that was not my passion. I guess you can say I didn’t “see” that coming (Optical joke). While living in Tampa, I picked up a job at a juice bar and fell in love with delicious, nutritious food! I enjoyed expressing my creativity through the orders I prepared, and in my spare time, I also enjoyed exercising my singing and writing skills. I would share my songs with friends to bond and pass the time.
I also used writing as a coping method to deal with the struggles of my young adult, working college student life. Eventually, I ended up working three jobs while attending school full time, fell in and out of love, partied, studied, and wondered where God was in the midst of it all. After a while, I slipped into a deep depression. I didn’t know what I really wanted out of life or why anything mattered. This ordeal almost ended fatally – but it didn’t. I went through many phases after this, really lost myself, but something kept me grounded, preventing me from straying away too far. My life, like everyone else’s, has been full of peaks and valleys, but my unique experiences allowed me to grow in ways I would have never imagined. Today I am a disciple of Yahshua HaMashiach. I’m happily married, a published songwriter, founder of the budding health-conscious brand Sacred Cravings, and I’m a painter! My life didn’t always go as planned, and I wouldn’t change a single thing. I thought I wanted the things that shimmered, but all I ever needed was love and peace. I have that now and I am eternally grateful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I had to overcome was getting through a serious mental breakdown. I was in and out of multiple hospitals and was on and off several medications. I knew I didn’t want to stay in that position forever so I willed myself off of the medications, focused on self-development, and gradually discovered my purpose in life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a multifaceted creator. I’m a singer-songwriter, painter, cook, poet, rapper, producer, creative director, and more. I have a very imaginative mind and truly feel as if it is ever-flowing with ideas. I am passionate about my creations, and I’m especially passionate about using what I create to inspire, help, encourage, and empower others. I specialize in songwriting. I’m a self-proclaimed wordsmith and truly enjoy releasing emotion through the written word. I’m most proud of my single ‘The Search.’ It’s a great accomplishment for me because I’m an independent artist who used to be to shy to sing for my own friends. Now I’m doing open mics, paid shows, I’m in a singing duo called Formosa Ave, and I’m creating music that I’m proud of. My willingness to be authentic in my music really sets me apart. Most artists follow trends of the world. There is nothing wrong with being inspired but I am particular about choosing who/what inspires me. I am dedicated to spreading truth and love through music. My style is not always the most popular, but it’s me and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
During the Covid epidemic, I learned the most valuable lesson a human being can learn in this lifetime. Yahweh loves each and every one of us and wants us to come home. We are gifted with free will and can decide our fate, but we were also blessed with intuition so we know when we’re in alignment with the spirit or with flesh. Having talents, popularity, and material things can be nice on the surface, but the intangible gifts of love and grace are the true prize. Seek first the Kingdom of Yahweh and everything else will be added on to you. Realizing this has brought so much peace, clarity, relief, and understanding in my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jianicoleofficial@gmail.com
- Website: Jianicole.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/jianicole
- Facebook: Facebook.com/JiaNicolemusic
- Twitter: Twitter.com/JiaNicolemusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCWaaejd5XBqoPJFsBSpbqVQ
- SoundCloud: Soundcloud.com/jianicolemusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/track/66E6kZBAz5GJhASBU1z8KY?si=MWZkydBnTQqKjCVhLrO66Q&utm_source=copy-link
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