Meet JoNesha Aiken of Vessell, Inc. in East Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to JoNesha Aiken.

JoNesha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After graduating from Oral Roberts University Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration, I begin the job cycle just like every other fresh graduate on the scene. Eventually, a position in which I wasn’t embarrassed to speak in public came thru. I began work at a Prestigious, Buckhead law firm as a multi-processor paralegal in Atlanta, Georgia. My expertise was multifaceted and my skills varied ranging from new employee training to leading on various functions in the foreclosure drafting process. It was a job and like any job, it had its cons. I never sought to be a paralegal, I really was searching for a way to appear as if I were moving on up in life, but I was unhappy living in Buckhead with a roommate and bills that were barely getting paid. I originally attended university for Business Administration with a minor in Theatre in hopes to put them both to use. It was the vision to become an actress and entrepreneur but I got caught between society push into the workforce in corporate after graduation and the starving artist mentality. I decided to leave the firm abruptly after spending the weekend in New York for my brother’s graduation. Speaking to one of his associates at a gathering, I found myself encouraging her not to get swiped into the whole “society says go to corporate and choose an entry-level position” rhetoric. She would then ask me how’s that working for me, and challenge the fact that I have yet to live my own advice. I left the following week. Vowing not to EVER be a starving artist, I can still afford meals, things and cover responsibilities, but it definitely had its moments.

See, I had to move back home with my mother and sister. And there’s no shame, we millennial’s are now encouraged and open to do so. The roommate and I no longer in sync, moved our separate ways. At the time, I had taken gigs as a model around Atlanta and on set to stay sharp as an actress. And once I saw the grit of the business, and felt the heat of the modeling life, I felt like I was back at square one, but there was no way I was going back to corporate and rot my dreams away. Nothing against making a living at all. It’s just the entire economic setup of 40 hours a week, paycheck to paycheck at a place people seem miserable doesn’t sit well with a true artist at heart. I made a decision, to push on! Home life came with its own pressures certainly missed the independence and freedom of being on my own but understood the pitstop was a setup for a greater comeback!

It’s been two years since I’ve been home. And I’m finally at a place of self-awareness and consistent quality work. Im not only moving into a new phase life of manifestation but also back on my own on the home front. I’m excited and I believe in my vision for my life! The vision board will come to pass and the future is bright because I’m creating to be and not waiting on anyone else to make it for me!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to success and influence is never the smoothest road, and the smoothest road is never the most rewarding. The road I choose goes thru it. I was told there’s no other way but to go thru it to get the top. Things happened relationally between my family and I that I would have never imagined but we are better stronger and more open because of it. If I had not chosen this route, it’s probable I may not be the power I am today.

My consequences came with every decision. I was leaving a financially secured environment, that no matter if I attended work or not a direct deposit was guaranteed. The world of the entertainment industry is not so reliable. You don’t know the next time you’ll work, you know what you would like to do but there’s still the grey area of the unknown. I have a better understanding of what I desire my career to look like, but it’s still up in the air on HOW this will transpire.

Also, being at home under someone else’s microscope wasn’t the easiest, for a free bird like myself. ha! Over time people have the privilege to grow and develop into their own, and I had done just that! My mother and I had our disagreements from the way I dressed down to my new views on life. It comes to the territory of wanting to reach greatness. No longer was I the same Christian girl who went off to University. I was Queen Jo`( B.K.A JoNesha Aiken) and I had my own mind and voice meant to be respected.

Not only we’re the forces at be testing me financially and relationally but personally as well. Here I am coming into myself, thinking I already know myself while learning about my higher self! It was indeed a transition. I’m a work in progress and a masterpiece all in one! And it’s not over, I have new business ventures and scripts, we’ve only just begun!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Vessell, Inc. story. Tell us more about it.
Vessell, Inc. is a conglomerate of business ventures in 2019. Its an umbrella for a restaurant and online store launching within the last quarter of the year, but not limited to operating as crowdfunding for local business in opportunity zones. I’m proud of the creation of Vessell Inc, it’s definitely necessary for the advancement of my people economically. Every sector of the business is to ensure we build generational wealth for our future communities.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe in the law of attraction. I believe you get out of a situation what you intend. Our intentions are powerful. The mind is powerful, our greatest asset in life starts within our imagination. Karma is the greatest form manifestation and we must be cautious on the energy we put into the universe. Ultimately, in Yahweh, I have all my hope and only God has the power to deliver my fate. There’s been a spiked blessing in my life from being chosen as a leading lady to work with Marvel and overlooked as a paralegal at the law firm. One couldn’t happen if the other went thru, at times, we have frustration with rejection, but at most times, it’s redirecting us to our dreams and destiny.

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