Meet Marissa Jones | Founder & Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marissa Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Tea and Girl Talk (TAGT) was a vision that God placed on my heart many years ago as a young woman navigating life. With time, dedication and diligence, that vision was executed when TAGT emerged as a life group through, The Outlet Community church. Through this partnership, TAGT is able to offer an opportunity for women of all walks of life to have a safe place to converse, network, inspire others and walk away feeling empowered to serve our families and communities. Each month, TAGT is able to reach on average 25-30 women, ranging in age from 18-40 through our various outlets of communication (i.e. TAGT newsletter, social media IG: @TeaAndGirlTalk, and our popular monthly events). The unique quality that TAGT brings is that, we offer a cost-free creative event for each month, with past themes such as “Vision Boards and SMART Goals” “I’m Every Woman “and our fan favorite, “The Talk” A Co-Ed event. As experienced licensed clinical social workers, our agenda utilizes a strengths-based model in which icebreakers, conversation starters, and our healing sections are all derived from. TAGT’s success has advanced into new arenas as we are moving into expansion efforts to connect with more women. The founding principles of TAGT will always be at the forefront of our brand, where we are committed to choosing collaboration over competition and remaining authentic to sharing our stories of resiliency, resources, and connections. The excitement our events bring along with discussing trending topics, spotlighting women businesses, and healing through uplifting prayers and celebrating each other, TAGT is a unique phenomenon that has been widely praised for impacting the lives of women.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a licensed Social Worker at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Like most things in life, it comes with it’s challenges but the reward of helping others outweigh the “bad.” My family, mentor, friends and colleagues all help me push through challenging times or when I am not feeling my best.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have always enjoyed things outside the city. I would take them on a mini road trip to surrounding cities. For example, I would take them to different vineyards, restaurants, etc.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Tea & Girl Talk would not be possible without my right-hand woman, Angela Caldwell-Lawson. She is the brains behind a lot of our events and activities. I love that we are living out the mission of TAGT through our sisterhood and partnership. I am forever thankful for our divine connection.

Instagram: @TeaAndGirlTalk