Today we’d like to introduce you to Deserea Jones.
Hi Deserea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be impactful. I really had no choice because I am the oldest of seven and all eyes were on me. I had to be the one to leave the blueprint. I knew I wanted to leave something behind that shined brighter than I could. I was reading one day and I saw this quote, “Your life is your message to the world; make sure it’s inspiring,” which changed the way I looked at life. From that moment, everything I did was with intent. It was my life, my message.
I created my own non-profit that help build leadership skills with C average students, I became a high school Spanish teacher, a basketball coach, and author, a screenwriter, a life coach, and a business owner all within the last ten years of my life. Because of the people in my life that continuously poured into me and supported me through my entire journey, I knew how to be there to support the ones that I helped pull up along my journey. I decided to create things that I knew could survive in the world without me, like my books. I am the author of 3 books, with my most recent one being “Things Grandmas Say.” I write books because I know that my words will live on forever. I recently became a business owner of a woman-owned and operated company called Lilac and Co, where we create and make hand-poured candles, room sprays, and incense. I also recently became a life coach because I know it is my purpose in life to help other people recognize and get clarity on what their purpose is in life. I have a drive and purpose inside of me that is relentless because I realize that I can offer can help change the world.
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?
No road to success is smooth. When I first started my non-profit and tried to get it in the school systems and school after school told me know. It was discouraging and disappointed but the people in my front row kept pushing me to keep trying. After the 5th school told me no, I finally got my yes. Teaching was whole other beast. I had no idea what I was doing the first day I walked in the classroom. I had may challenges but they all taught me how to adjust and be better. In the process of creating our candles, we went through a series of trial and error. We spent a lot of money on different kinds of waxes, different wicks, different formulas, and finally, after so many failures, we found our recipe.
In the midst of teaching, coach, writing, and creating my business, three of my students were killed. In the five years that I had been teaching, I have never experienced anything like this. Because I am heavily involved at my school and closely connected to my students, this created and sadness and depression that I didn’t know how to handle. I couldn’t even go inside my classroom for days, let alone stand up there and teach. With prayer, therapy, and the love from my students and staff, I was able to gain my strength back. All the of the obstacles that I have faced only helped me realize that I am stronger than I realize.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a teacher, life coach, writer, and business owner. I am most proud of being and author and business owner. So far, I have written curriculum, three books, two scripts, and many poems. Writing helps release the stress and allows me to pull from my creative side. Writing helps me leave my mark in the world because I get to leave my words behind. I have written everything from fiction to non-fiction, to inspirational, to comical. I love to create characters from scratch and create worlds that can reach far into my imagination. My business is another thing I am most proud of.
For years one of my closest friend and I wanted to create something together and because we really like candles and smell goods, we decided to start our own candle company. Neither one of us had no idea what we here doing because we had never made a candle or ever started a business. We started doing a lot of research. With a lot of trial and error and plenty money spent, we formed our company. Lilac and Co stands for love is like a candle. We create hand-poured candles with specialized scents. I am so proud because what started from an idea turned out to be a company that now has a consistent customer base. What sets me apart from others is my ability to make myself comfortable in uncomfortable situations. This allows me to be successful no matter what room I walk into or what obstacles get thrown at me.
How do you define success?
I would define success as achieving all the goals that you set out for yourself. Success to me is never disappointing yourself. Doing and achieving what you said you would no matter how hard things get. Never letting yourself down.
Pricing:
- 11.99 for my current book
- $75 and hour for life coaching
- $300 for motivational speaking
Contact Info:
- Email: desereajones@gmail.com
- Website: www.desereajones.com
- Instagram: @desereajones
- Twitter: @desereajones
Image Credits
Nicolette Stanton
