Deciding on going to college can be one of the hardest decisions a person must make. Contrary, deciding whether to stay in college or drop out might be even harder. Zjala Phelps, a former student at Florida A&M University, decided that her well-being and happiness was more important than a college degree.
Phelps was born on July 8, 2000, and grew up in Tampa. She moved to Tallahassee in 2018 to pursue her education. Freshman year, she was part of the Housing Step Show, and her group TPS won first place. She also participated in other campus organizations, but soon discovered that she couldn’t keep up with schoolwork while focusing on her true dreams.
After realizing that college isn’t for her, she stopped going to classes and instead spent that time in her Paddyfoote dorm learning about spirituality and tarot reading online.
“I did not know what I was going to do next. I planted my seed, I planted my faith in God, and I moved forward,” Phelps said.
As a sophomore in college, Phelps fully dropped out and redirected her time on discovering herself again. During this time, she did a lot of healing, exercising, making even more music and truly focusing on herself.
A jack of all trades, Phelps is a multi-entrepreneur, a musician, model, and, as of recently, a forex trader. Her business, Risen Beauty, is a hair braiding company based out of Phelps’ home in Tallahassee.
Currently, she is running a $100, any size braid special until the end of September. She is also a freelance tarot reader, offering personal readings through her Instagram page @therisenlightworker.
“I wake up every day and I love doing my tarot readings, I love doing my tarot readings,” said Phelps. “It’s honestly a true blessing. I feel like I found the thing for me.”
Phelps is also a singer and songwriter and has already released multiple projects. Her self-tribute, “Humble,” is about choosing to be true to herself, and not changing for anyone.
Phelps also recently collaborated with another local musician, Angel Elaine. The song, “Space Girl,” can be found on Apple Music along with Phelps’ song “Humble.”
Phelps’ goal for 2020 was to find herself and regroup. On average, her daily routine consists of prayer, working out, doing tarot readings, hair appointments, trading, relaxing and enjoying her time with her plants.
Some goals Phelps is working on this upcoming year are building her brand and growing even more on a personal level. She hopes eventually, she will be known for her different talents.
“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs,” author Farrah Gray said.