Today we’d like to introduce you to Jolene Key.
Hi Jolene, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
What’s my story? Well… once upon a time—just kidding!
I’m a proud and lucky mom to three amazing sons: Isaiah, Jaylen, and Eli. I’m also the wife of my best friend, Vincent Samuels. And last but definitely not least, I’m So Jolene — creator, connector, and heart behind The SoJo Companies.
Like many people, my story includes chapters where I was living according to the expectations of others — where my life didn’t fully feel like my own. There have been moments of overwhelming joy, moments so painful it felt hard to breathe, and everything in between. But the most defining part of my journey has been the process of self-discovery — learning to seek out what truly fills my soul: music, writing, fitness, and most importantly, serving others.
I’ve experienced losses that forced me to dig deep and find tools to navigate the hard times. Journaling became that lifeline for me. It gave me space to process my emotions, gain perspective, and recognize the growth I needed to heal and move forward. It’s been a game-changer, especially as someone who’s often seen as “the strong one” — the one who doesn’t ask for help, even when I need it.
That personal journey inspired me to launch The SoJo Companies, a reflection of all the things I love and believe in. Through SoJo, I lead community service initiatives like care packages and winter drives for the unhoused, and youth mentoring partnerships that pour into the next generation. I also perform with SoJo ATL, my local band that brings good vibes to Atlanta venues with a mix of covers and original music. And I created SoJournal — a line of guided journals designed for mindfulness and self-reflection, especially for people who want to journal but don’t know where to start, and beautifully designed notebooks.
At the end of the day, I believe the world needs more compassion, empathy, and self-awareness. Through SoJo, I get the privilege of helping others tap into those things — and that’s the heart of my story.
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?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been learning to invest in myself the same way I show up for others. I’ve always been the type to believe deeply in the people around me — cheering them on, helping them map out their goals, and celebrating their wins. But when it came to my own dreams, self-doubt would always sneak in. It took a lot of self-reflection, intentional planning, and a steady stream of positive self-talk to shift that narrative. I had to get really clear on what I wanted, align it with my purpose and passions, and most importantly — trust myself. Once I did, everything started to click. Now I’m building something I truly love, and that sense of purpose makes the work feel incredibly fulfilling.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a blend of artist, creative, and professional — and while that might seem like an unexpected mix, it’s exactly what makes me SoJo (So. Jolene)! I don’t fit neatly into one box, and I’ve learned to embrace that fully. My work is rooted in passion, purpose, and creativity, and it spans across several meaningful areas:
Founder of The SoJo Companies – a hub for all things creative, community-driven, and purpose-filled.
Creator of SoJournal – a line of guided and themed journals (available on Amazon) designed to help people tap into mindfulness, reflection, and personal growth as well as a series of notebooks and sketchbooks I have designed. I inlcude a personal note from me in all of my journals and sketchbooks, sharing a piece of myself in my works.
Program Coordinator for Mission Love CDC Youth Programs – where I help lead mentoring and youth camps through this incredible Atlanta-based nonprofit.
Founder of The Compassion Pack Project – a grassroots initiative made up of friends and community partners who assemble and distribute backpacks filled with non-perishable food, winter clothing, and essentials for the unhoused in Atlanta during the cold months.
5K Run Coordinator-Whine Walk Run 5K. Where a fun run meets Caribbean culture with vendors, performers, international food experiences and dancing…lots of dancing in the heart of Atlanta, GA at Piedmont Park on the first Saturday in May each year.
Ally in the fight against cancer: Find the Cure!
Everything I do is fueled by a deep love for people, storytelling, creativity, and community service — and that’s what makes the work so fulfilling.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I do my best to live what I call the “love” life.
To me, part of everyone’s purpose lives in service to others. We often hear the saying, “It takes a village,” in reference to raising children — but I believe that idea applies to all of us, at every stage of life. When we show up as a village, a true community — rooted in compassion, consideration, and care — we create a more inclusive world. One where people feel seen, valued, and supported.
In a time when so many feel invisible, overwhelmed, or isolated, I believe the answer lies in shifting our focus outward. When we see life through a community-centered lens, we realize that we’re not alone in our struggles. It just takes a little courage to share our stories — and in doing so, we might help someone else find hope, healing, or the strength to keep going.
At the end of the day, if any song I write, journal I create, or project I pour into can touch even one life — if it encourages someone or helps them succeed — then to me, that’s a life well lived.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheSoJoCompanies.com
- Instagram: @so.jolene
- Youtube: @SoJoATLLive
