Today we’d like to introduce you to Jovan Paige.
Jovan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I previously served as the Director of Millennial, Youth, and College Engagement for the Stacey Abrams for Governor campaign. I was tasked with identifying, creating, and managing events that target the millennial, college, and youth constituencies in all 12 regions of the state of Georgia. I serve as the liaison between voters, and the Democratic nominee for Governor, Leader Stacey Abrams. However, my 24/7 job is as a motivational speaker.
When my Grandfather, the man that raised me was diagnosed with cancer in January of 2015, he made me promise me that I would be the man of the house. More specifically, he made me say the words, “Papa, I got you…” When he passed away in April of 2015, I began to internalize what his charge for me was; to be able to say “I got you” to any and everyone from 1-100. To be able to unequivocally say that I did everything In my power to assist every person I encountered in realizing the superhero that within. I began focusing on being the voice for children and young adults who possessed a dream, without the confidence that they would have the resources, support, and ability to realize them.
In January of 2017, I founded Stay Jotivated LLC, a motivational speaking business predicated on the pursuit of dreams, and the conquering of obstacles that stand in the way of youth and young adults. To date, I have spoken at nearly 30 schools, ranging from elementary to university.
God delivered me from circumstances that many uses as an excuse to not pursue their dreams. What I define as success may be different from the next person, but no reaches their breakthrough comes without first being broken.
I have been in seven car accidents, resulting in seven totaled vehicles. I have walked away from each without a single injury, or medical bill to show for them. God has had a grasp on my life even in the times of my strongest defiance. He has given me the ability to orate and motivate.
I am an addict. I am addicted to the euphoric feeling that motivating other people to exude. I am an enthusiast of the aroma that a dream realized gives off. No matter what your previous, present, or future circumstances are, there is not one peg one life’s ladder that is unattainable. Stay Jotivated!
Great, 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?
As I previously mentioned, I am a product of God’s grace. Throughout my life, I have encountered circumstances that can prove to be hindrances to one achieving their goals. These circumstances although unique to my life, are representative of the many obstacles that we all experience in our journey through life. The death of my Father (Grandfather) happened at a time that left me questioning my ability to fit into his shoes. A man that forewent a well-deserved opportunity to enjoy his post-retirement golden years his beautiful soul-mate to raise two children to adulthood. After we moved from Chicago, Papa went from being retired to working part-time, then full-time armed security to ensure my sister and I were put through college. His sacrifices came without a single second of complaint. My encounter with a living, breathing superhero that was never tired, never discouraged, and always the rock of the family came to a screeching halt when cancer laid claim to the first chink in his armor.
I had never seen my grandfather cry until the day he told me he didn’t have much longer on this earth. This Lion King like narrative left a 21-year-old man in the mental and emotional limbo it left Simba. My expected graduation was pushed back a year, as I was thrust into the position of “Man of the House.” I accepted an INROADS Summer internship in Talent Acquisition at Kay Jewelers in Akron, Ohio to find out who Jovan Marques Paige was. It was during this time of isolation that I discovered I was so much more than, “Mr. Georgia State University, Homecoming Prince or an Alpha Man. I was put on earth to assist those who appear to be lost, that the glimmer of hope; the guiding flicker at the end of the tunnel, will reveal itself if we pick our head up and look toward the light.
When I returned to Atlanta for my final year, I dedicated every waking moment to be the kind of leader, encourager, and motivator to my community that Papa was for me for 21 years of my life. At 25, I come to realize that boiling water softens the potato and hardens the egg. It is not what you go through, but how you interpret it and how you handle it. YOU control what YOU become.
Stay Jotivated – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Stay Jotivated LLC specializing in Motivational, Inspirational, and Public Speaking, but also includes hosting/emcee services, clothing merchandise, and One on One life coaching. I am most proud of the impact I have been able to have on the youth and young adults. What sets Stay Jotivated apart from other motivational speaking services, is that most motivational speakers attain their fame, recognition, and wealth before they begin the tasks of inspiring others to achieve their dreams. As an individual that is currently in the “fire”, I possess a relatability with the younger demographic. Instead of “I did this, so you can too”, the narrative is, “we are both lumps of coal becoming diamonds. Let’s achieve our dreams TOGETHER.”
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career was contributing to the largest Millennial turn out in the history of Georgia in the 2018 Gubernatorial election. My desire to genuinely build relationships with every single person I encountered, led to the empowerment of an age group that typically feels marginalized and ostracized from the political process. The position of Director of Youth, Millennial, and College Engagement for the Democratic Party of Georgia allowed me to align my passion with a community effort that I am confident will positively affect the mindset of young voters as important and vital agents of community change and activism.
Pricing:
- Motivational Speaking- $150/2 hour
- Hosting/Emcee- $150/2 hour
- Stay Jotivated T-Shirts- $15
- Stay Jotivated Crew Neck/Hoodie- $20
- Stay Jotivated Dad Cap- $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stayjotivated.com
- Phone: 678-364-2410
- Email: jovanpaige1@gmail.com
- Instagram: @notyo_averagejo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stayjotivated/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARDANfaskk1d9uj40lZGSy1Wqea4k0RNAiV2LI4HxguRDAtjboHWCQLd__YgFZGJUkS0sXqyyWWGPZIL
- Twitter: notyo_averagejo
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovan-paige-807a1192/
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