Meet Janea’ Harris | Non-Profit Founder, Speaker, & Author

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

Hi Janea’, what is the most important factor behind your success?
It is so easy to give up when you have doors closed, you’re overlooked, and the support from those you love is absent.

However, resiliency, persevering and being able to effectively execute the mission of O.N.F.I.Y.A. is the most important factors behind the success of O.N.F.I.Y.A. brand.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have a non profit organization that provides early intervention and prevention services for at -risk youth and young adults between the ages of 13-25 to reduce teenage pregnancy, domestic violence, homelessness, incarceration and/or any grief due to loss of a loved one. My organization is in the direct response to the growing number of youth and young adults that are falling through the cracks at school, already in the judicial system, or succumbing to negative influences within their communities. We take pride in inspiring youth and young adults to achieve successful careers or entrepreneurship by empowering them with educational and vocational resources, and life skills to become self- sufficient adults.

What sets us apart from others is our S.T.A.M.P. (Standing Tall And Manifesting Purpose) Mentoring Program. that focuses on Faith, Self-Confidence, Trust, Respect, Integrity, and relationships to empower participants with important life skills. The youth and mentors portray soft skills and participate in a structured program of support that includes 1-1 Mentoring, monthly team-building initiatives, exposure field trips and group activities.

I am most proud of O.N.F.I.Y.A.’s growth and the impact we have had in communities this last year in several counties within the state of GA. I am super excited about the healthy relationships that are being built on a consistent basis with our mentees, their families, and within their community.

I got to where I am today with a phenomenal executive team, my mentors, my bonus family and business friends supporting me with the utmost pure intentions to see myself and O.N.F.I.Y.A. succeed. Due to everyone having my best interest at heart, it has kept me motivated and given me the ability to stand firm and touch nations not just communities. I will be celebrating 10 years of operation Nov 26, 2022 and the road to get here was not easy.

I overcame many challenges by having mentors, a therapist, unwavering faith and unconditional love from my bonus family. When my mental health tried to tear me down over a year ago and depression was trying to lead me to the road to self-destruct. I made up my mind to never let anyone or anything put me back in a position to where I couldn’t bring hope to the hopeless or live out my purpose free from generational curses.

Along the way I have learned that life is about understanding the system to live successfully and freely. I had to accept the reality of the seasons that I encountered rather they were good, bad, or ugly. Realizing that eventually following those lessons will be test. The hardest thing for me was being ok with accepting that my suffering and sacrificing was part of the test to get me to my blessings because I didn’t give up. The greatest reward is that I understand now it’s my resiliency and being steadfast that got me to the next level of my career with the acknowledgement of every season was necessary.

I want the world to know that everyday my feet hit the floor. I am grateful to be able to provide services and programs to the disadvantaged communities without hesitation. My life is truly a testament of a young girl becoming a mom at the age of 15, being homeless several times, a survivor of domestic violence and a victim of a murdered sibling by becoming one of the most influential women in the non-profit sector. O.N.F.I.Y.A. brand is built off of my own personal story that reflects purpose, passion, and perseverance.

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?
If I wanted to show my best friend a good time, we would have to do the following

Eat Breakfast at- Breakfast at Barney’s (Any day of the week)

The perfect brunch experience – Garden Parc Atl

The best Cinnabon’s in town- Cinnaholic

The best food- The real Milk and Honey, JJ Fish & Chicken

The best place to hang out- The Cigar bar

The best place to enjoy friends- Fins & Feathers

The coolest place to take family – Botanical Gardens

The best place to eat and chill- Boogalou Restaurant and lounge

The best Seafood and drinks- Blu Seafood house

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize and dedicate this shoutout to one of my mentors Tommie Womack. He deserves to be recognized for my most recent success. Mr. Womack came into my life since moving to Atlanta 2 years ago and he has helped me grow in every area of my life spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Let’s just say he taught me how to become the best version of myself in spite of all the hell I’ve been through my whole entire life!

Website: www.onfiyaagency.org

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Image Credits
Austin Best Reginal Goggins