Deserea Jones shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Deserea, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day consist of me waking up, making a cup of tea, and reading a book. I then make a small breakfast, shower and get ready for work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an author, educator, and motivational speaker, committed to helping individuals reach their full potential. With over a decade of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each speaking engagement. Specializing in serving teenagers, young adults, and people of color, I address their unique challenges and experiences with pride and empathy. My latest book, “Feeling Myself,” is a comprehensive guide to self-love and self-acceptance, offering readers the tools they need to cultivate self-confidence and recognize their self-worth. Through personalized and impactful talks, I plan to inspire everyone to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was during my first basketball game in elementary school. I was in the 4th grade and the starting point guard for my team. Because I was the point guard, the ball was in my hands for every play, and I was responsible for making all of the decisions for the team. That game made me realize that I am the one with the power. The team relied on me and my decision-making. I was essentially the most important factor in determining whether we would win or lose a game. That to me was power. Especially when you are in a packed-out gym with people criticizing your every decision.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to myself I would say, ” You don’t have to hold everything together to be worthy. One day, you will take all the pain, the doubt, the searching, and turn it into power. Keep loving yourself through the hard parts.”
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say showing up for the people who are most important to me really matters the most. You listen. You celebrate them. You honor the people you love with your presence and your truth.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I could give everything my best, even if no one praised me for it, because my heart is guided by purpose and not applause. The most powerful work we do often happens in silence, before anyone claps, notices, or reposts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.desereajones.com
- Instagram: @desereajones
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/deserea-jones-a7814a32
- Twitter: @desereajones
Image Credits
Nicolette Stanton (photographer)
