Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulette Jones.
Paulette, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. I grew up as an only child in a single-parent home. I watched my mother work two jobs at a time to keep a roof over our heads, food on our table and clothes on our back. My mother, LeRhonda Carter, instilled in me through leadership that the grind never stops. Our family is extremely close, almost inseparable. I grew up watching the beautiful, strong black women in my family; my mother, my nana Brenda Lewis, my aunty Irene Green and my aunt Katherine Carter provide, lead, and overcome and I had a strong black male figure, my Uncle AJ who is like a father to me, to set the standard of knowing my worth when it came to men. My heart belongs to music and my passion is helping others. I didn’t have a dream occupation; I wasn’t planning out my future like most of my peers. I live for spontaneity. I operate on the fly! With that being said, creating a magazine had NEVER even been a thought for me. Starting out, I was working as a writer for another online magazine called B Social and even this position was spontaneous.
I wanted to try and pursue a career in modeling. My aunt booked me a photoshoot for my birthday with a photographer she was familiar with by the name of Tonnines Elliott. At the end of my shoot, somehow, we got on the topic of school and I informed him that at that time, I was a freshman at Clark Atlanta University and I kept blabbering about all of the many things I was a part of in GA. During my first year of college, I also randomly stubbled upon an internship at Disturbing Tha Peace “DTP” Record Label. From him learning all of this about me, he asked if I would be interested in writing for his magazine, BSocial. For me it sounded like a cool new experience. It would give me a reason to be even more verbal at my internship and try to interview celebrities and all that good stuff from this point on an everlasting supportive relationship formed between Tonnines “T,” his wife Wanda, and I.
As my internship progressed and more opportunities began to open up for me, I decided I wanted to try my own thing. T was extremely understanding and supportive and because of his assistance and graphic design experience, Talk of Fame 101 was born! During my matriculation at CAU, I had a few AMAZING people consistently supporting me as well to include my history teacher Dr. Georgianne Thomas, the school President at the time, Dr. Carlton Brown, and my Business and Professional Development professor, Dr. Linda “Pearl” Fils-Aime, along with several very supportive peers. Fast forward to today, 2021, I took the leap of Faith and registered my business! It feels great to be able to say I own something, especially something I truly enjoy. I am forever grateful for T giving me an opportunity and allowing me to learn and grow under his business. I am a firm believer in following your dreams, going against the odds, creating your own path, building a legacy and not allowing anything or anybody to deter you from accomplishing your goals. Therefore, I live by this!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a smooth struggle, lol. I know you’re wondering what does that even mean? Starting out, I was blessed to have so many people who believed in me and helped to make my entrance into the business world very smooth. Once I ventured out on my own, I struggled a bit because I no longer had anybody to hold my hand and do things for me. I had to learn how to operate on my own. I had to become a videographer, a graphic designer, learn to be a better writer, interviewer, juggle administrative tasks, and so much more. Not only did I have to become my own team, I had to learn how to even go about starting my business and understanding every aspect of operating a legal entity. Although I am a quick learner, it was a lot to handle all at once.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the proud founder of Talk of Fame 101, which I created at the age of 19 and operated as an online magazine from 2011 – 2014. Talk of Fame was created to provide support through promotional services for the “little people.” I chose the name Talk of Fame 101 because I wanted to provide a comfort zone to those who were undiscovered, new, aspiring and/or up and coming in a one-on-one setting to truly grasp who they are and highlight what they had to offer to inform others of these hidden gems. I specialize in people, the community and support. I provide a platform for anyone with a dream and passion for providing any talent, service or product. I am most proud of taking the leap of faith and becoming a business owner. What sets me apart from others is that I am a one-woman show. Aside from sharing a new business and/or talent reference I take the time to actually get to know the person behind the name and share a side of them most people won’t get to see!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I am all for taking a risk. The only way to know if you are good at something or if something may be a good fit for you is by taking a chance and it out. I took a major risk in January of 2019, I quit my full-time, benefit-inclusive state job, where I had been employed for three years to pursue my desire to become a business owner. Not only had I just reduced the monthly income coming in to our three-person household but on my second day home after quitting, I found out I was pregnant.
Contact Info:
- Email: Paulette@talkoffame101.com
- Website: talkoffame101.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tof101/
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/Tof1o1/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkOfFame101?s=09
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/TalkOfFame101
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tof1o1
Image Credits
Zina Franklin
