Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Watkins.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jay. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a native of Salisbury, NC which is a small city located halfway between Greensboro, NC and Charlotte, NC. After four roller-coaster-like years, I graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where I earned a B.A in Criminal Justice, minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. While in undergrad, I met amazing people, built a decent network, and gained lifelong mentors. The major issue with me was that I began exploring and truly taking advantage of what life had to offer much too late, causing me to miss out on countless opportunities and experiences. This tardiness helped me realize a negative pattern I had continuously lived in my entire life. The simple fact was that I wasn’t capitalizing. As a person who has given back in a myriad of ways my entire life, I felt it was my duty to correct my behavior and place others in the position to do the same. As Co-director of Life After Loss nonprofit and host of the Stay Up podcast, I have taken a hold of my life and encouraged others to do the same.
Has it been a smooth road?
I can say this has not been the easiest road at all. There have been so many dark days; some I have forgotten but so many lay fresh in my memories. The truth is that oftentimes life will get in the way of a dream or goal we have and we must discover a way to overcome. For me, losing both of my Godparents was an extremely difficult experience and, quite frankly, still is. Both deaths hit me at critical times in my life and it felt so unfair. I felt as though life had betrayed me in some way; I had felt this pain twice before I was even able to recover from it once. Over time through prayer, meditation and mental health practices, I emerged with a shifted mindset and a refreshed focus. I felt as though I had realigned with the path I was supposed to be on because a lesson that was forged from these tragedies showed me beauty; “Try to make a life… anyone can make a living”. This is the quote I now live by.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Life After Loss – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Life After Loss was created to provide resources, guidance, and support to those looking to create a new life for themselves, whether in the direction of personal or business development. We have all experienced some level of loss whether that’s a loved one, lost dream, or loss in hope. Life After Loss aims to encourage, motivate, and support others through their personal testimony. We do this through group coaching sessions geared towards providing access, tailored content, and accountability to the goals set for themselves. Additionally, we host several events, workshops, and conferences all planned with the intent on providing a blueprint for success. As a company we are most proud about a fact that also sets us apart from others; we are genuine and intentional like a small business, but we operate with the professional nature of a mega-company. All products and services are delivered with attention to the finest of details, and we truly do put our hearts and ears into listening and meeting needs.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The best thing about Atlanta is the access to Black culture, food, and the ability to network with people who look like you and work in your “arena”. I strongly dislike the amount of traffic in the city.
Pricing:
- FREE virtual workshops (via Zoom) each month (except September)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifeafterloss.me/
- Email: admin@NicolesNetwork.net
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifeafterlossnonprofit?igshid=ul1yh1i7q0io
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