Meet Jamie Mayes of Monroe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Mayes.

Hi Jamie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always had ambitions to build my own business, and I knew that writing and speaking would be at the heart of it. After more than a decade in the classroom, I made the decision to leave education full-time and pursue a larger vision for how I could use my skills to serve others. Through **Jamie Mayes Educational Consulting & Literacy Services**, I transformed my passion for writing, speaking, education, and advocacy into a business that allows me to work with schools, families, community organizations, and other partners. My work has grown to include professional training, strategic communication, resource and program development, literacy initiatives, and projects designed to strengthen the systems and relationships that help communities thrive.

As that work grew, so did my desire to make more of these resources and experiences accessible to people who might not otherwise have access to them. That vision led to the creation of **The HEALING Project**, a nonprofit initiative developed as an extension of my broader work through Jamie Mayes Educational Consulting & Literacy Services. Through the project, I have been able to expand our reach by developing community-based programs, educational resources, partnerships, and events offered to families and community members at little to no cost.

Although my work has expanded into entrepreneurship, education, nonprofit leadership, and community development, its foundation remains my journey as a writer and speaker. My ability to communicate ideas, tell meaningful stories, develop engaging content, and connect with diverse audiences gave me the tools to turn my passion into a business and my business into a platform for greater impact. Writing and speaking allowed me to move beyond impacting the students in my classroom to creating resources, programs, and experiences that can reach entire families, schools, organizations, and communities.

As a small-town girl, I grew up in a community where educators, church leaders, and my family saw my potential and encouraged me to use my gifts. My mom was, and continues to be, my biggest cheerleader. Having people who believed in me taught me early that our gifts are not meant to benefit us alone. I want to use what was poured into me to pour into others—to help people recognize their voices, discover their potential, and gain access to opportunities that can change their lives. What began with a pen and a platform has grown into a business, a nonprofit initiative, and, most importantly, a vehicle for creating meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Expanding to full-time entrepreneurship with no start-up funds mid-pandemic was certainly not on my bingo card. As a result, I had to find unique ways to increase brand visibility, create a lasting impression with clients, secure the necessary resources for daily operations, and manage personal responsibilities as well. Considering that I was also recovering from personal health challenges, it was very difficult and has demanded many long work days and nights.

However, I find so much joy and fulfillment in knowing I am doing the work God has called me to do and that such work makes positive contributions to education, communities, and individuals.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While I have earned significant support and recognition for my work in education, my passion as a writer and speaker is what continues to motivate me every day. I have been a professionally trained speaker since I was a teenager, when I began as a competitive public speaker, spoken word artist, and writer. For nearly thirty years, the pen and the platform have brought me tremendous joy and allowed me to build a diverse body of work rooted in creative writing, educational advocacy, and community-based project and program development.

I am best known not only for my ability to create meaningful work, but also for helping others discover, develop, and confidently use their own creative voices. I am especially proud that I have continued to build upon the foundation I established years ago, and this year, I will celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of my first published book, *Tear Stained Dresses & Dusty Shoes*. That milestone represents more than longevity to me; it reflects years of choosing to keep writing, speaking, creating, and using my gifts in service to others.

I believe what sets me apart is my deep commitment to continuing the legacy work begun by the writers, great lecturers, educators, and community advocates who came before me. I feel deeply connected to my roots and identity, and that connection has both grounded and lifted me as I continue this work. I do not simply want to be a successful writer and speaker. I want my words and my work to mean something. I want to help people discover their voices, recognize their purpose, and experience the kind of freedom that can come when we find the courage to tell our stories, share our ideas, and use our gifts to make a difference.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have been a huge fan of Oprah since I was a little girl. Her story, journey, and ability to use her platform to inspire and empower others have always resonated deeply with me. Because of that, I try to tune in whenever she produces something new or appears as a guest speaker.

I also enjoy revisiting lectures, interviews, and conversations featuring writers such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Amy Tan, Alice Walker, and other profound literary voices. Listening to their perspectives helps me continue discovering more about the world around me while also learning more about myself. Their words challenge me to think more deeply, remain curious, and continue developing my own voice. Most importantly, they remind me why writing is such a powerful tool for preserving history, exploring identity, creating understanding, and helping people see themselves and the world differently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jamiemayes.net/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorjamiemayes
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorjamiemayes/