We recently connected with Teia Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Teia , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’m often asked that question and my response remains the same, my purpose found me. The notion that “purpose found me” is a perspective embraced by many individuals who feel that their life’s calling or mission wasn’t something they actively sought out but rather revealed itself over time. This discovery happened through my experiences, my exposures, and my perspective.
Here are a few of my experiences that helped me through this discovery:
1. Self-Exploration: Many people start by exploring their interests, passions, and values. I started engaging in activities, hobbies, and work that resonated with me. This exploration led to a deeper understanding of what brought me fulfillment and satisfaction.
2. Life Experiences: Life’s journey is filled with experiences, both positive and challenging. These experiences often played a pivotal role in shaping my purpose. Many of my personal struggles and transformative events triggered a desire in me to make a positive impact in specific areas of my life. When I started the nonprofit DFW Kids On The Move, it was because of an experience that caused me to pivot.
3. Inner Reflection: Oftentimes, purpose is discovered through introspection. Asking questions like “What truly matters to me?” and “What impact did I want to make in the world?” helped guide me toward my calling. I always knew that I wanted to help people find solutions to the problems that were causing them to not walk in their true calling. I’d experienced the confusion and paralysis of not moving forward in life. I figured that if these were major stumbling blocks for me, possibly they were the same for others.
3. Alignment with Values: Many people find their purpose when they align their actions and goals with their core values. For me, when what I did began to resonate with my beliefs, a sense of purpose naturally began to emerge in my life. I knew that the nonprofit had to be bigger than me. It had to impact the teenage girls who were joining me on this path.
4. Seeking Opportunities: Purpose may reveal itself as individuals actively seek opportunities to contribute to something meaningful. Whether it’s through volunteering, work, or personal projects, I actively pursued avenues that aligned with my passion for helping others find solutions and it led to me finding my own purpose. As the leader of the nonprofit, I created a platform that would allow the teens to share their creative and fine arts skills through a monthly newsletter.
5. Impact on Others: For some, their purpose is tied to the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Acts of kindness, mentorship, or advocacy led me to discover my purpose in uplifting and supporting others. When I decided to coach others, I realized that I’d actually been coaching for years. I was always the problem solver. I was the one who instinctively had life-changing ideas. DFW Kids On The Move has helped teen girls find and build confidence in a nonjudgmental zone. From day one, they’ve been encouraged to express themselves freely.
6. Continual Growth: Purpose can evolve over time. What resonated as a purpose in one phase of my life changed in another. It was important for me to remain open to growth and adaptation in my own sense of purpose. I’m also committed to helping every team member in the nonprofit learn the important skills needed for leadership in the next century.
7. Listening to Intuition: Many people describe a sense of intuition or inner calling that guides them toward their purpose. They simply feel a strong pull towards a particular path. I felt called to coach families and to be a leader of the nonprofit for teen girls.
Ultimately, finding one’s purpose is a deeply personal and individual journey. It doesn’t always happen in a linear or predictable way. It often unfolds gradually, influenced by a combination of inner reflection, life experiences, and personal values. For some, it may indeed feel as though their purpose found them, emerging from within as they navigated their unique life path.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Teia Jones, also recognized as Coach Teia, a dedicated Certified Christian Family Life Coach at Family Vision 20/20 LLC with over three decades of experience in the fields of human development, family psychology, and early childhood development. Over the course of my journey, I have attained extensive education in these disciplines and refined my skills as a strengths-based coach, enabling me to empower individuals and families to lead their most fulfilling lives.
As a mom, serial entrepreneur, podcast host of Family Seasons Podcast, and founder of the nonprofit organization, DFW Kids On The Move, I bring a unique blend of personal and professional experiences to doing what I absolutely love..empowering people. I’m a creative, a trailblazer and a woman who believes in creating opportunities. That’s exactly how the nonprofit DFW Kids On The Move was birthed.
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand the roots of DFW Kids On The Move and the motivations behind our mission. Over a span of seven years, I held the dual roles of Editor and Publisher for two remarkable family-oriented newsletters catering to the vibrant community of the DFW metroplex. However, the landscape dramatically shifted in the wake of the tragic George Floyd murder in 2020. The once harmonious publishing community became fraught with escalating racial tensions, prompting uncomfortable but necessary conversations.
The shifting atmosphere witnessed peers grappling with a desire to better comprehend the African American communities they served. Simultaneously, there were those who responded with anger, avoidance, defensiveness, and a reluctance to address their privilege. Amidst the turmoil both within my professional circle and the global landscape, the need for change became evident. I yearned to provide a platform for our youth to express their thoughts on the pressing issues surrounding them. I envisioned a safe space for African American teenage girls, convinced that given the opportunity, they had important stories to share. Thus, DFW Kids On The Move, a nonprofit organization, was born.
My fundamental goal as the founder is to create an environment that fosters creativity and self-expression among young writers and creative artists. We aim to provide African American teen girls with opportunities to make a significant impact in today’s world. Our mission is to inspire this often overlooked group of teens to work diligently, commit to a purpose, and dare to dream big. We strive to establish a space where they can craft narratives, author scripts, develop businesses, write books, experiment with recipes, network with people, explore exciting career paths, and explore everything in between.
Moreover, we are dedicated to shining a spotlight on other exceptional youth in our community whose remarkable achievements often go unnoticed and uncelebrated. We believe in showcasing their talents and contributions to inspire others.
At DFW Kids On The Move, we also seek meaningful partnerships with individuals and businesses that share our vision and values, as we understand that collective efforts are essential to realizing our goals.
In summary, the driving force behind our work is simple but profound – it’s all about the youth. Keep an eye out for the remarkable initiatives and endeavors of DFW Kids On The Move, as we continue to uplift, empower, and celebrate the promising potential of our young African American leaders.
Teia. Jones, MS,CFLC
CEO & Editor In Chief
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Continuous Learning: In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is crucial. I am a self-proclaimed continuous learner. I’m constantly looking for ways to learn more about my craft and my niches. I encourage others to cultivate a growth mindset and a passion for lifelong learning. Embrace new technologies, concepts, and ideas. Read books, take online courses, attend workshops, and seek mentorship. Having a mentor is probably one of the most important moves that I ever made in my career. I specifically looked for another woman already doing what I wanted to do in my career. I wanted someone who could help me navigate the path that was necessary for me. Finally, staying curious and open to new information will help you remain relevant and adaptable. That’s one of the reasons that I absolutely love working with children and teens. They often have fresh ideas and new ways of doing things.
Advice: Develop a habit of setting aside time for learning. Whether it’s reading for an hour every day or taking an online course regularly, commit to expanding your knowledge. I recently completed a 12-week course that Cornell University was offering for women entrepreneurs that helped me finish the work of one of my newest ventures.
2. Effective Communication: Strong communication skills are invaluable. Being able to express your ideas clearly, whether in writing or speaking, can make a significant difference in your personal and professional life. This includes active listening, empathy, and the ability to tailor your communication to your audience. As a Family Life Coach, I encourage families to learn how to communicate with one another effectively. I teach them how to listen attentively and respond appropriately.
Advice: Practice writing and speaking regularly. Stand in the mirror and practice your speaking skills. It’s also a great idea to record yourself to help work on the areas that are weak and need extra work. Seek feedback from others and work on improving your ability to convey your thoughts and ideas. Join public speaking clubs, take writing classes, and engage in discussions and debates.
3. Resilience and Problem-Solving: Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of any journey. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, and problem-solving skills are essential. Too often people want to quit and give up. I encourage myself daily to stay committed to getting better and finishing the tasks. Learn to embrace failures as learning opportunities, develop a systematic approach to solving problems, and stay persistent in the face of obstacles. Realize that practice makes improvement, not perfection.
Advice: Develop a support network of friends, mentors, or peers who can provide encouragement and advice when you face difficulties. I specifically pray for others who can support me in my journey. I also work on being a support for others. Practice problem-solving by tackling complex issues, breaking them down into smaller parts, and finding creative solutions.
In addition to these three qualities, adaptability, empathy, and creativity are also highly valuable attributes. Remember that personal development is a continuous process, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your journey will be unique, and the qualities and skills you need might vary depending on your goals. It’s essential to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses and work on areas that will have the most impact on your journey.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Instilled Kindness and Empathy: Teaching you to be kind, loving, and concerned for others is a fundamental foundation for building strong relationships and making a positive impact in the world.
Emphasized Forgiveness and Grace: Learning to be forgiving and gracious can lead to healthier relationships and help you let go of grudges, promoting emotional well-being.
Spiritual Guidance: Encouraging you to keep God first and pray about your decisions instills a sense of faith and spirituality that can provide guidance and a sense of purpose in life.
Commitment and Integrity: Instilling a strong sense of commitment, integrity, and good character can help you navigate life’s challenges with honor and credibility.
Resourcefulness: Teaching you to create opportunities when they aren’t presented is a valuable skill that can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Work Ethic and Perseverance: The importance of hard work and perseverance, especially when you believe in something, is a key driver of personal success and achievement.
My parents have given me a strong foundation for personal growth and success. These lessons are not only valuable in my personal life but can also be applied in my professional and social interactions. It’s a testament to their love and dedication as parents, and I continue to build on these teachings to shape my future in a positive way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coachteia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachteia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familyvision2020
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachteia/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoachTeia
- Other: www.familyseasonspodcast.com
www.childatheartschool.com
www.dfwkidsonthemove.com
