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

Hi Sakiyna, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks is something that is a ‘gamble’, however, I strongly believe in gambling on myself. Faith in God and my work ethic is the only reason that I am comfortable with being a risk taker. I have taken many risks. Just an example – dumping my savings to start my business because I truly believe the outcome will be something great. I’ve taken risks with making business decisions – which did not always lead to the best decision long-term, but its a learning lesson. I’m not really afraid of “failure” (however one defines that), because it’s truly not an option for me. The only way that I could fail, is by not doing/starting something that drives my passion. The result doesn’t consider me a ‘failure’ — just learning from mistakes and trying again. I have never been the type to conform or remain stagnant – so taking risks is just something that comes with me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I grew up not believing in myself – not feeling that I was good enough and constantly being told that… so I believed it. After college, when entering the workforce, I noticed something very powerful. Every job I acquired, I always received a promotion within 4-6 months, and whenever I decided to leave that company, it was not an easy process because I was constantly told to “rethink my decision and told how much I was needed”. I’ve never left a job with an ease, it was always sadness. I have never been fired from a job and when I began to lose interest, jobs began to create positions for me – to keep me happy. After learning how much of an advantage I am to these companies (and how much money I was making them), I began to learn my worth and gain confidence within the work place. It was not easy by any means necessary and included ALOT of uncomfortable situations, but I always made it a priority that whichever job I had, that I give 200% and go over and beyond. After working for many entrepreneurs, I learned the gaps – the failures and successes. So, when it was time to start my business, I felt knowledgeable to know the risk and expectations. That was the biggest gift.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friends are my family, so I never use the term “best friend” – and they all live in close proximity to me, However, in a case that is not – I am not sure that I can entertain someone for a week due to time. But, I would take them to brunch – maybe Flying Biscuit or find a new place for us both to try. We would definitely have to squeeze in a yoga class and spa session. I am the complete worst at this.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a lot of people that have paved the way for me. However, I want to shoutout my Professor from college – Professor Wallace at Georgia Southern University. She was someone that I needed in my life at that time and did not even know. She gave me the drive, constantly pushed me and truly believed in me. When I get to the stature in which I want to become, she will always be the #1 person that I’ll thank. When someone sees something in us that we may not see in ourselves — pushing that out of us is exactly what we need and that is exactly what she did. Once I was able to see my power and talent, it was on from there.

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