Meet Joanne Jones

We recently connected with Joanne Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanne, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My upbringing, personal values, and life experiences shape my work ethic. My dedication to projects such as Amber Skies Funding Solutions, a grant writing company, reflects my commitment to my clients in helping them raise funds for their missions. Additionally, my involvement with initiatives like Nightingale Place, which offers an affordable camping experience for seniors, demonstrates my strong desire to create, contribute, and support others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As I embark on my journey as an entrepreneur, I am committed to building businesses that uplift our communities. From my earlier ventures to my current successes, every step I take is driven by a deep passion for helping others.
My entrepreneurial spirit was evident long before I formally entered the business world. Growing up, I was surrounded by people who valued hard work and community. This instilled in me the belief that business can be a force for good—a way to address real needs and make a lasting impact.
The first significant leap I took into entrepreneurship was founding Amber Skies Funding Solutions, a grant-writing company built from the ground up. With six years of grant-writing experience and a unique background in the medical field, I combined my skills to support small businesses and nonprofit organizations in securing vital funding. Over the years, I have raised over $375,000 for various nonprofits empowering adult learners. This milestone was a professional achievement and a profoundly personal victory, aligning with my mission to make education more accessible, particularly for immigrant learners and those with learning disabilities.
Amber Skies Funding Solutions offers more than grant writing. I assist organizations by providing strategic guidance, helping them clarify their missions and refine their goals. My educational background in anthropology gives me a unique perspective on understanding diverse communities, allowing me to craft compelling narratives that resonate with funders. Each grant proposal is more than just a request for money; it tells a story of hope, resilience, and the promise of a better future.
Because of my healthcare background working with seniors living on fixed incomes, I also ventured into hospitality and tourism by establishing Nightingale Place, a campground nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Terlingua Ranch in West Texas. This endeavor has been a dream realized, blending my love for nature with a desire to create spaces where retirees can connect with the outdoors and recharge. Nightingale Place is not just a business; it’s a sanctuary for travelers, offering them a chance to experience the region’s beauty while supporting a locally owned enterprise that values sustainability and community engagement.
Throughout this entrepreneurial journey, I have faced numerous challenges. Building businesses from scratch requires resilience, adaptability, and an unshakable belief in one’s vision. There have been times when resources were scarce, and the path forward seemed uncertain. Nevertheless, my commitment to these missions has never wavered. I have approached every obstacle with creativity and determination, often finding innovative solutions that strengthened my business and deepened my impact on the communities I serve.
Today, I continue to expand my vision. I aspire to grow Amber Skies Funding Solutions by establishing an office and building a dedicated team, enabling me to support even more organizations. I also envision Nightingale Place as a hub for cultural and educational events, further enriching the community in Terlingua Ranch.
This journey represents purpose-driven entrepreneurship. My businesses are not merely about profits; they are focused on people. They reflect my belief that success is measured not by what you gain but by what you give. Through hard work, I have demonstrated that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for creating positive change, inspiring others to dream big and act boldly to improve their communities.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on impactful qualities, skills, and knowledge that shaped my journey, these three stand out the most:
1. Strategic Communication: The ability to communicate effectively and persuasively has been invaluable, especially in grant writing and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Clear communication builds trust, conveys value, and aligns teams toward a common goal.
2. Empathy and Cultural Awareness: Working and supporting nonprofits required me to deeply understand and respect different perspectives and experiences. Empathy drives meaningful relationships and ensures that programs or solutions address real needs.
3. Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Challenges are inevitable, whether due to a tight deadline, limited resources, or unforeseen obstacles. My ability to think on my feet and approach problems creatively has allowed me to thrive in dynamic environments.
4. Mentorship: Seek mentors or role models in your field. Their guidance can help you refine these qualities and skills while offering a roadmap for your personal growth.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One challenge I’m facing with Amber Skies Funding Solutions is not having enough clients, which impacts my business expansion goals. I’ve been leveraging my existing network by contacting past clients and collaborators for referrals to overcome this. Working on enhancing an online presence with a professional website to showcase successes, like raising over $375,000 for nonprofit organizations. Additionally, I will target nonprofits and small businesses with personalized outreach, offer introductory consultations to build trust, and attend local networking events to connect with potential clients. I am positioning Amber Skies as a go-to resource for funding solutions by highlighting unique education and healthcare support expertise and developing partnerships with complementary businesses.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amberskiesfundingsolutions.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570241544111

Image Credits

The image is a logo created by Taylor Cotton and me.