Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauraette Jones.
Lauraette Jones was born in Shelby, Mississippi and raised partially in Saginaw, Michigan where she attended Saginaw High School. Upon graduation she joined the United States Army and served her country honorably. She endeavored to pursue a career in Information Technology, which led her to the University of Phoenix and the University of Maryland. She majored in Science in Computer Information Systems and has worked for the Federal Government in key areas, creating the Federal government’s first Usability Lab at the National Center for Telehealth and Technology which led her team to being featured in Computer World Magazine and being nominated for a Laureate award in the Emerging Technology field. Her work with the government also consisted of preventing Federal technology crimes associated with security breaches foreign and domestic to databases and user security within the Defense Health Agency.
Lauraette began advocating for victims and survivors of domestic violence at an early age by promoting self-awareness, helping to rebuild self-esteem, and partnering with local resources. She has established herself as a respected member of her community. As a survivor of domestic violence, Lauraette holds this mission dear to her heart; prompting her to take action! She established Kroun2Kroun (2019), a non-profit organization to develop programs and initiatives geared towards helping, educating, and supporting individuals who have been affected by Sexual Abuse and Violence.
Lauraette has recently become a self-published author of the book titled “Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself: 7 Keys to Rebuilding Self-Esteem for a Happier Life”. This book was birthed out of a deep desire to help heal women from the inside out. Lauraette provides a snippet of her personal journey with domestic violence and sexual abuse but her goal is to provide tools to the reader that will help them to overcome low self-esteem. Lauraette believes that increasing self-awareness and eliminating self-criticism lays a strong foundation to rebuilding one’s confidence and belief in yourself.
In addition to her impactful community outreach, Lauraette is also positioning herself to be a mogul in the hair and beauty industry. She owns and operates an online hair store, KrounKare that sets itself apart from its competitors by providing premium, virgin hair, from a single source donor. Proceeds from the purchase of KrounKare hair products are directed back into the community to support agencies that advocate for victims and survivors of Sexual Assault and Abuse, because she believes, “Every Woman Should Feel Like a Queen.”
She also owns and operates an online clothing boutique, Her Achilles Heels (HAH) that is distinguished by its affordable trendy and stylish clothing and shoe items. This store was birthed to help all women “Bridge the Gap Between Luxury & Affordability.” Part of the proceeds from HAH sales are funneled back into local agencies to assist with back to work programs where clothes are provided at no cost.
Though she has traveled the world, Lauraette is proud to once again call MI home. Her life’s mantra is, “Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. – Louis “Lou” Holtz.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The challenges I faced along the way were mostly internal. I had to change my mindset! My perception of success was distorted. I wore a mask because my inside did not reflect my outside and I wanted freedom from my past hurts. I didn’t know how to achieve this freedom but I always had a strong faith in God so I finally surrendered.
I had to embrace my past and learn that it did not define my future. I begin to seek counseling, retraining my thoughts towards myself. I created daily affirmations and strengthened my relationship with God. I dug deep and pulled up those decayed cankerous impediments that built a wall of protection from others and even from myself.
I wrote a letter of apology to the little girl inside, which was one of the biggest challenges I had to face. The letter brought up some unresolved issues and left the adult in me vulnerable but allowed the little girl in me to find her voice!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Her Achilles Heels – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
All of my companies are designed to help women heal, inside and out. I believe in removing the masks, getting to root of one’s issues, and providing the tools to help you to do so. Once we heal the inside, we can begin to work on the outside which will also promote higher self-esteem and boosting your confidence.
I believe I’m best known for my philanthropy. I’ve become known for my giveaways at Christmas to the local children. I usually coordinate with a local Walmart who dedicates a register to me for the children on the day of the giveaway. I go live on Facebook 1 hour prior to the giveaway indicating that I will announce my location and the first number of parents with their children who show up to the location is allowed to shop for clothes, shoes or toys at no cost to them. I believe in giving and not just financially but by encouraging others to be better.
As a company we are most proud of the fact that we give back to others which sets us apart. All of my companies allow our clients to be a part of something bigger. Through their purchases, part of the proceeds are dedicated to programs that assist both victims and survivors in overcoming abuse and allow for a second chance at life! Clothes and hair bundles are being donated to local back to work programs to aid those in preparation for their job interviews. In addition, we support local agencies/shelters by providing health and hygienic products to those in need through our clients and the K2K organization. Each business functions as a unit to support the other, ultimately providing support to our local communities.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I would like to continue to increase the awareness of domestic violence for both victims and survivors through giving.
Her Achilles Heels
1. We just launched our app on both the iOS & Android platforms.
2. We are looking to explore one on one sessions for individualized styling guides offering a VIP service.
3. Expand our giving by partnering with other cities offering a back to work program.
I have just started to write my second book which will detail more of my journey in an effort to help those in need but this book will lead to working sessions for those individuals.
Kroun2Kroun
1. We want to launch an app that will provide access to immediate resources across the U.S.
2. We want to expand our efforts to other cities allowing us to partner on a larger scale.
Pricing:
- Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself: 7 Keys to Rebuilding Self-Esteem for a Happier Life (www.reintromyself.com) – $19.99
- Her Achilles Heels – www.haheels.com – various pricing
- KrounKare – www.krounkare.com – various pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: www.haheels.com
- Phone: 866.5-HA-HEEL (866.542.4335)
- Email: info@haheels.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/herachillesheels
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/herachillesheels
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/haheels
- Other: https://lauraettejones.com
Image Credit:
Clarence Raynard Massy, Byron Poindexter
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