Today we’d like to introduce you to J.Nicole Jones.
J.Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Unfortunately, my story started after experiencing complicated grief of my own. After the loss of a close friend, my grandmother and my father, I decided to dedicate my life to helping others cope and move through their grief. It was in my experience that there was not enough truly relatable platforms combatting grief.
I’ve published a children’s book in loving memory of my late grandmother, The Adventures of Gram and Lady Bug, in 2018. I then launched my podcast, The Grief Bully Podcast, on her birthday, August 19th of 2019 and in December of the same year, 2019, I published a guided grief journal also dubbed, The Grief Bully.
I guess you can say I’ve always been resilient and approach life with an attack mentality and my grief journey has been no different. I believe it is my purpose to use my voice to deal with hope to the hopeless. I arrived at where I am today by following the nudge I felt on my heart to create a community for the bereaved. I promised myself everyday I will bless someone else; after all, I am a Life Impacting Communicator. I strive to make my loved ones proud. It’s the most genuine conversation I can have with them. I’m just a girl from a small town, Lawnside, NJ leaving my imprint on this world.
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?
It has been a smooth road for the most part. I believe the hardest part has been dealing with my own grief while also helping others with theirs. The responsibility to show up for someone on a day where you are feeling emotionally deficient can be a challenge. I would say because I am aware my purpose is not about me has really given me the fuel I need to keep going through any obstacles.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am, The Grief Bully. The brand’s purpose is to make sure others grievers know that they are not alone in their experience, feelings and emotions. Through my podcast, which is one of the vehicles used to accomplish the goal, we have been able to have a great impact on the lives of so many. We are able to encourage healing and growth for our guests by providing them a platform to share their stories that otherwise may not be heard. In addition, I am able to touch listeners who can see themselves in the stories of our guests and also from my own stories on my solo rounds.
The podcast works in tandem with my social media presence. I post multiple times per day, relatable content via video messages or written quotes. What sets me apart is my genuine, straight to the point perspectives. I pride myself on saying what people might be thinking about grief but won’t say it. I am able to hit home for some many by sharing the truth. I make it a point to engage and interact with almost everyone who comments or DM’s me, that’s very important to me.
After all, I want them to know they are not alone. I’ve fostered a community just by a small blue heart emoji, which you will see as the logo on my line of dad hats that I just released. After every post, I write “drop a (blue heart) if you feel me,” and that small gesture has made many feel seen and that they belong.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The most important characteristic needed for my success is being exactly who I am. Being myself everyday, no facades or “just for the gram” persona at all. I believe that is what makes people feel comfortable listening to me and reaching out for help. Also, possessing the ability to truly empathize is huge.
Contact Info:
- Website: jnicolejones.com
- Email: info@jnicolejones.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_jnicole/
Image Credit:
Jackie Tumaian
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.
