We were lucky to catch up with Jonell Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jonell, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
At the tender age of eight, I was thrust into the competitive world of track and field. Although I was terrified to race among the likes of record holders at the USATF Junior Olympics, I did my best to show up every time. As soon as the gun sounded off, I had no choice but to sprint as fast as I could. Kneeling over and panting for air, I was confident that I had put my best foot forward. Two decades later, I apply the same rationale to every move I make. Whether it is in front of the mirror as I flaunt a new look or during a writer’s meeting I facilitated as the editor of a digital magazine, I exude a high level of confidence. Despite my personal confidence boosts, I have moments of self-doubt. I have to remind myself that it is normal to have occasional setbacks, and honestly, my strength is what keeps me going.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a writer by trade and passion. People often ask me what I do, and I always respond, “I’m a writer, but I also write for fun and have a great love for words.” I am a former editor of a digital hip-hop and culture magazine based in Philadelphia. I was a ghostwriter for several projects. I have written a screenplay that is currently in post-production. Stay tuned, as this is my first supporting role. Currently, I am in the process of ghostwriting a children’s book, which has been an exciting process because it is preparing for the next stage of my writing journey.
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?
As I look back, I think the three qualities that were the most impactful in my journey include my ability to maintain a strong system of communication, my ability to connect well with others, and my resilience. I am proud that I have honed in on my written and oral communication skills over the last decade. I am also an empath who feels deeply; I am greatly moved by the experiences of others. I use that energy as fuel to catapult me forward on a daily basis. And as I build off of positive energy and remind myself of what I have endured, I am confident that I will achieve my goals.
I advise others to resort to their faith and values when times get tough. The universe often returns the energy we put into it, and God only gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. As long as one is persistent in perfecting her craft, eager to learn from seasoned professionals in her respective field, and continues to remind herself of her purpose, she will find success on her journey. The greatest lesson I have learned is that setbacks are not an endgame. It is a chance to pivot and continue on the path of being great.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am absolutely open to collaborating with other writers. I have a desire to write poetry more consistently, write screenplays, and draft other creative projects. In addition, I would love to collaborate with other models and photographers to bring some fun photo shoot ideas I have to life. I am also extremely dramatic; thus, I would enjoy writing a play, casting some theater folks, and possibly starring in the play.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesby_jo/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1805477907
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonellbrown
Image Credits
Dillon Carmichael, Shyan Murphy
