Family Business

I wanted to spotlight small, black-owned businesses run by my family members. Birmingham created a #BuyBlackBham campaign, and this inspired me to showcase my family’s black excellence. Support is a verb. Visit their social media pages to like, follow, and share because that’s always free and encouraging!

My sister, Sonja Jones

Before I speak on my brother’s highly successful podcast hosted by him and 3 other Auburn fanatics, Isaac Jones is known as GI Magus in these streets. From establishing a group as teenagers with four friends, Battle CATS (Christian Artists Terrorizing Satan) to becoming a solo artist, GI is a word and analogy assassin. I’m not a hip-hop head, but Isaac is one of the most real out there – bias aside and bias included. He consistently says things that make you run it back to be sure you understand the comparison. You can tell he has fun making rhymes and giving you something to not only think about but, most importantly, something to vibe to. Stream & download his latest Non-Monolithic at https://gimagus.bandcamp.com/album/non-monolithic-unmastered. You can also visit githeartist.com for more of his music and his merch!

Isaac has also chosen to use his voice to express his unyielding enthusiasm for Auburn football. The War Rapport, a podcast, consists of himself, one of his best friends, Bryan Wilson, a friend from middle school, and the Plains, Ceasar Walker, and Michael Gittens, a friend he met through a campus ministry. In the South, football is king. In the state of Alabama, only two teams exist, and you must choose a side, Alabama or Auburn. Knowing our nation’s history, having four educated black gentlemen speak passionately about football in the South is rare. Yes, there are many conversations and debates in the barbershop, church parking lots, watch parties, or FunnyMaine’sYouTube channel that champions the correct team: THE University of Alabama. But creating a recognized and respected platform on sports here in Birmingham, AL, is an accomplishment worthy of praise.

Subscribe and share their YouTube channel, and like and follow @thewarrapport on all social media channels.

My sister, Jacqui Jones

We all know how valuable information is. If anything, this pan-seared pork chop (aka the Pandemic) has taught us that we are capable of doing more ourselves than we imagined. So if you signed up for the Great Resignation of 2021, you learned that making or starting your business or brand is only half the battle. Views, customers, and clients turn into dollars and cents. Marketing boosts sales, increases subscribers, helps you earn sponsorship deals, and teaches you how to structure your business for profitability. Instagram made so many changes this year, several specifically targeted to small business owners, so do yourself a favor and get in the know! The Elevation Academy, created by Jacqui Jones (GI’s wife), is your one-stop marketing resource & community for entrepreneurs ready to ELEVATE. Her intent is to educate and empower all business owners by providing marketing tools geared towards success. There is a book club, in-person and virtual courses, and a community of support included with your monthly or yearly payments, and a library full of free content. This is the time to glean and grow your business to greatness!

My brother, Brian Jones

My cousin, Jocelyn Nelson

My beautifully determined and destined cousin is A Woman of Purpose. Beginning with a blog and moving towards merchandise (she allowed ME to participate in the launch of her t-shirt brand), Jocelyn’smission is to encourage women to walk boldly into their God-given purpose. Her blog peels back the layers of her flesh to reveal the joy, tears, and pain that her purpose requires. She has expanded her brand by releasing a devotional and prayer journal, a juicing recipe book, and so much more. he has taken her spiritual and fitness journey to astounding levels! Follow Jocelyn’s Women of Purpose profiles on your favorite social media platform – @_womenofpurpose.

My cousin, Alexys Treece

Alexys is a testament to turning a passion into profit. Her love for animals birthed The Grooming Gals in Dallas, TX. he, along with her friend and business partner, Hayley, weathered COVID and successfully managed to keep all the doggies looking adorably cute and cuddly. I admire the bravery it took to start a business during the panorama, but by the grace of God, she did it and did it well. At this point, I don’t know which my cousin loves more – tattoos or animals, but are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, look them up and allow your pup to be pampered! See their gallery of grooming on their Instagram page.

My cousin, Anthony Nelson

My cousin, Kari Jones

Knitting and crocheting is a craft that I truly admire because I love working with my hands. Anyone who has mastered this craft gets a round of applause from me. My cousin has used her creativity to craft a variety of crocheted wonders from zipper pouches to soft cuddly toys. Please visit her facebook page to keep up with her creations and to find out which market she will pop up next!

My father, Harvey Jones

I am incredibly grateful that God has allowed my dad, Harvey Jones, to be MY dad. He became a Septuagenarian in 2021, and he is very much of sound mind and body. He has amassed many titles in his lifetime, but who would have thought that author would be one. I am my father’s child in so many ways, so to think I would have gained my writing prowess from him is nothing I could have imagined. Released in 2019, his book Behind the Cross: Is This Christ’s Ministry or Yours? challenges you to consider how you present Christ to the world. My father has worked in various capacities in multiple ministries, so he has the authority to speak on what he has seen, heard, felt, and questioned. e is very passionate about his beliefs. This book should motivate you to do the same. Find him on Facebook and order your copy on Amazon. 

Not satisfied with retirement, he also has a 501c3, The Eagle Foundation, established upon the scripture 1 Peter 4:10 AMP – Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of GGod’smulti-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by GGod’sunmerited favor].

The mission is multifaced:

• Equip the saints for the work of the ministry through The Fisher’s Net Ministries
• Distribute Backpacks for the Homeless filled with toiletries, nonperishable foods, and supplies
• Enhance the self-esteem and self-image of young men by allowing them to become Suited for Success by gifting them a suit and tie and a challenge coin
• Positively influence young boys to become Total Men through educational seminars and workshops
• Host events for Helping Hands & Healing Hearts catered to families, couples, and children that provide joy and counseling to combat loneliness, hopelessness, and despair