Today we’d like to introduce you to Janae Robertson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, my story begins in Queens, New York, where I was born and raised. My mother passed away when I was two years old, and my father was in and out of jail and on drugs most of my childhood. My paternal grandmother accepted the responsibility of raising me at the age of 65. I grew up comfortably, but my relationship with my grandmother began to shift when I got to my teen years. I’m sure I did not have the best attitude, but it was then when I started to experience abuse, verbally, and sometimes physically. I knew that my grandmother loved me, but when her anger got the best of her, I would be told how I would never be anything, how no man would ever want me, how stupid I could be, and so on. When I really got her upset, she would slap my face, pull my hair, and scratch me when she could. I say all this not to bash my grandmother because, overall, she was an amazing person. I say it all to say those times were when the seeds of abuse were planted in me.
By the time I turned an adult legally, I had one failed relationship. Unfortunately, I was told, “I told you no one would want you; he was too good for you anyway.” Well, needless to say, I was determined to prove my grandmother wrong and jumped into another relationship, and this is where my life began to go downhill. What first seemed to be a man that cared about me quickly turned abusive (Physically, verbally, sexually, emotionally, and mentally). I was beaten, was threatened to be killed, and was raped, which led to conceiving my first child. Well, it was when my child was born when I said enough is enough and made the steps to escape this relationship.
So why share all this? Well, it wasn’t until I fled to Atlanta, GA, that I discovered my purpose here in life. Many people who heard my story insisted that I put it all down in a book. My good friend at the time and now Pastor really pushed me into getting it done let me know it was something that God needed me to do in order to help other women who may have experienced what I went through. So, I did. I wrote my life story in a book named JEWEL. I thought that was where this journey would end, but then once the book came out, JEWEL INC. was created. There was more that needed to be done. Through JEWEL INC., I’ve used my platform to spread awareness about domestic violence, warning signs about toxic relationships, discuss legislation issues for victims of abuse, provide encouragement, and much more. Whether through workshops, LIVE discussions, YouTube, one-on-ones, my mission is to help alleviate this issue of abuse that many women face each and every day. I truly believe God allowed me to go through what I did in life, knowing I would be strong enough to get through it, so that I could use my story to then help others.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Writing my book and developing a non-profit business was far from easy for me. For years I lived in fear and really was ok with being in the shadows. I feared for my life, as my ex would still threaten to find me and kill me, and I also had a fear of speaking in front of people. I remember first being asked to speak and share my story, and it was the most terrifying thing I ever had to do. When I first was asked to do an interview, I literally ran out of the room to throw up. Anything out of my comfort zone had me shaking in my boots. My fear of God was greater than all. I promised I would do it, so even if I have to do it afraid than I did. Step by step, task after task, the more I continued to be obedient and kept it moving, everything that had a stronghold over me fell off. Now, do I still get nervous before speaking? Oh absolutely! But it keeps me humble and knowing I could have done none of this without my faith.
Oh, did I mention I have 4 kids going on 5? Yea, we all know that comes with a whole other category of challenges.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jewel Inc. – what should we know?
Though I am currently a one-woman show, I am so excited to continue to grow my business. JEWEL stands for Justice, Empowerment, Wisdom, Education, and Love.
Jewel Inc.’s vision is to become a world leader in preventing and reducing the cycle of domestic violence, sexual assault, and overall abuse through advocating the importance of healthy relationships.
The mission is to uphold the JUSTICE of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse with a preventative intent by tackling the underlying social and economic issues. Jewel EMPOWERS females to overcome social and economic barriers stifling success through shared WISDOM, experience, EDIFICATION, and LOVE.
I currently advocate for victims through speaking engagements, on my YouTube channel, and on other social media platforms. I specialize in interactive workshops that teach on various topics surrounding toxic relationships. As a company, I am most proud of getting out of the shadows and now being recognized as a help service for the community.
What separates JEWEL INC. from others is the combination of the natural and spiritual. As a licensed Minister, I make sure to include a different aspect to everything that I do which aligns with my faith. I lived it, I survived it, and I grew from it and the experience gives me a level of passion for the work that others may not have.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
After such a bad experience with relationships, I never saw myself capable of finding true love, but I’ve been blessed to do so! With that being said, one person I want to credit for my success is my husband. He saw the potential in me before I ever could. He knew I was destined for greater, and to this day, has never stopped pushing me to be better and do better. From late-night conversations, encouragement, and honest feedback, my husband has been such a huge support in not only starting my business but growing it as well.
Another person I give credit to is my Pastor, Rachel Senior. She has been a tremendous support and an amazing mentor, sister, and leader throughout this journey. She pushes out every hidden potential inside of me, she keeps me on a straight path spiritually, and she is truly an inspiration all around the board. She made me realize that my God-given gifts are not just to have and burry, and has been an example of how your gifts will make room for you and put you before great men.
My supporters consist of family, friends, and even people I don’t even know. I am grateful for them all and would not be where I am be without them.
Lastly, ALL the credit and ALL the glory goes to God! I would truly be nothing without Him.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (678)310-5696
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/jewelby_j
- Facebook: facebook.com/JewelbyJ1
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCymMKN-Et1EA_ABchYVW-Qw

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Mareshah Grogan
November 21, 2020 at 12:10 am
Wow I cannot believe this! This is a huge testimony and it just so beautiful to watch your grow and all of the many obstacles you have overecomed! I’m literally in awe right now Thank You Lord! This is amazing❤️