Rozina Negusei, the business mogul intentional about owning her own
Rozina (“Rozy”) Negusei is a serial entrepreneur. She is the President/ceo, Zanar Entertainment, Entreeg Records & Entreeg Investment Group.
Having previously founded successful ventures in the entertainment and fashion industries, with a drive to succeed and an ambitious personality, Rozina got her foot in the music industry while still attending college, first as a Casting Director then Producer for music videos, collaborating with well-known artists like Akon, Usher, P. Diddy, and many more. Rozina decided to combine her passions for entertainment and business by founding her first company, Zanar Entertainment. Rozina has been running Zanar Ent. for over a decade now, producing several award-winning videos, TV shows, and even a full feature film (Chocolate City, 2015).
Her eye for design and passion for fashion, particularly in hip hop culture, led her to co-founding Rasjudah Clothing in 2006. Manufacturing and selling a tangible product (both online and in stores) was a new experience for Rozy, but she mastered the skills needed to succeed very quickly. To give her music business its own path for growth, Rozy established Entreeg Records in 2009, with distribution through Konlive Universal. And to further diversify her business interests, Rozy established Entreeg Investment Group in 2013, focusing on commodities trading (and proving that she has the smarts to cross into unrelated industries seamlessly). As the “Ro” in “JS&RO,” Rozy’s entrepreneurial spirit, diverse skills set, and first-degree connections to various celebrities and prominent figureheads around the world (including top government officials) will all play an important role in the establishment and growth of a new global enterprise.
Growing up
Iam so blessed and thankful to have the environment I had growing up because I was raised by my grandparents. My parents had me when they were super young. My mum is almost like my sister because my grandma raised both of us at the same time. My grandma has so much wisdom. I watched how kind and nice she behaved. She was a giver and both my grandparents were amazing. I come from an orthodox Christian background, my grandpa was a priest so we have to put God first. They put so much values in me to love Africa, who I am and my culture. When you’re raised by your grandparents, they just put the best in you. So, I cherish what my grandparents gave me.
I came to America when I was 11, but since then, Africa is home. I have this crazy attachment to home. I’m so proud of my grandparents and my parents. Both of my parents are in America. They were very successful and when I came to America, I took after my dad. I watched him and he’s actually my idol.
Getting into the music industry
It happened accidentally. When I was in college, when we used to go to Miami and every rapper wanted me to be in their video. I actually went to another casting and I looked around and there weren’t many girls out there who fitted what they wanted. I told the casting director, ‘hey, I’m a casting director. How many girls do
you need?’ he said “five”. I was like ‘I have it’ and he said ‘oh, you got the job’. I told the casting director, “let’s combine efforts. You do the paperwork and I’ll just bring the girls”. That’s how it started. I got busy, and then I started producing. I told one of the directors: ‘hey, teach me everything you know, and I’ll just charge you half.’ So, he taught me how to do production management, casting and producing. I would sit next to him, more like assisting him and the next thing was video production, then I took over.
Starting Entreeg Record Label
During casting, I saw the way they treated the models, the female artistes taken advantage of by the guys. I wondered why they have to do that just to live their dream. So, one day, I said I’m so sick and tired of all these guys taking advantage of these beautiful girls and why do we have to do so many things to be successful? I just had this epiphany and said I was going to start my own label and sign females and give them the opportunity that they deserve without the need to sleep with anyone to be successful. That’s how we started the record label and like they say, the rest is history.
Owning a record label as a woman
This business is a man’s world. So, you will be discriminated against among some men. They don’t care how hard you work or how many values you have because in their mind is ‘oh because she’s pretty’. They just do not give you the respect that you deserve. But when they respect you, it’s a different story. They all want favour from you.
It is hard for the females but you just have to ignore. Sometimes, you just have to let it pass and concentrate on your goals. You can’t just pick everything they say or do. You just have to be focused. It’s all about focus.
Upcoming project
Yes! Soon! I’m working on a TV show like The Voice and American Idol. So, we want to give an opportunity to everybody and once we choose them, they come to America, record, shoot the film, release and go for a tour. So, that’s what I’m working on but it’s not complete, but as soon as we’re done, I’ll let you know.
I think this is going to be amazing because I think Africa has a lot of talents. It’s going to be for artistes to put their music online and then we pick them and bring them to do their music. You have to be highly talented to participate.
How important is it for a woman to own her own?
I do not believe in working for somebody. The same amount of energy you put into someone else’s business, build your own. It might take months, but at least you work for yourself. When it comes to women owning their own businesses, I think it’s amazing because you know we know how to multitask. We’re natural born multitaskers. We can do kids and business while we also have friends and family to support us when needed. So, we are able to be successful owning our own businesses because we know how to juggle from A to B. Do not slave yourself for somebody, put that time and energy on your own.
To every young lady out there
I say to her that what she thinks she has is nothing compared to what God has in store for her. When we lose everything around us, it is not the end of the world. Everything has to fall apart for you to rebuild your purpose. I keep saying “purpose” because every one of us has his or her own purpose. She’s supposed be a person that would change a million people versus working for a million people. So, when she loses everything, she should get on her knees and say “Thank you Lord, this is just the beginning of the greatness that is coming”
She has to open up her heart and be thankful to God, because everything she lost was a lesson learnt. Some of us need a wakeup call. That incident is your wake up call. Do what you love doing because what you love doing is not work, it is your passion. Don’t let anyone distract you. Just believe in yourself and focus on what you love to do.
Do what makes you happy. Put yourself with people like you. You have to be around people that motivate you. Don’t waste your time with people who don’t understand your life. Don’t waste your time trying to get a job because they pay you, you can get it but when it is time to do you, to do that which you love and that which makes you happy, go get it!”