We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine T. Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine T., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I need money! *giggles* Just kidding! Paradise Park Cowork Space was created out of a need. I own a business consulting firm and the number one concern for the majority of my small business owners was gaining affordable office space. They wanted a fairly quiet and professional place where they can conduct business.
I helped a client start their staffing company and her business exploded! She needed to hire staff ASAP but could not find an affordable office space. She ended up conducting interviews in a Mall Food Court. THE FOOD COURT! I understand that as entrepreneurs we have to work with what we have but no ma’am! As an avid traveler, I was introduced to the cowork business model years ago. I loved the idea and with modifications, it could be the direct solution to my clients’ needs. In the middle of a pandemic, I opened up Paradise Park Cowork with creative professionals and business owners in mind.


Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the founder and owner of J Jones Enterprises and I help businesses find their business style through the application of knowledge, support, and understanding of practical business principles. I focus on the 6 stages of ideation, business organization, and the incorporation of social and sustainable practices. My newest venture focuses on the “support” of business by providing a cowork space geared towards creative professionals and business owners. I became the first Black woman in Gainesville, Fl to own a cowork space, affectionately named Paradise Park. Paradise Park was a “colored-only” beach in the ’50s in north-central Florida. Black citizens around the eastern coast flocked to Paradise Park to experience a slice of paradise even in unimaginable times. I want Paradise Park Cowork Space to be a slice of paradise for our members in a world that may not support them.

My journey to “entrepreneurship” was anything but glorious! I thought I was going to be a lawyer! I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit but did not recognize it until recently. I thought the side hustles I created were only born to help me pay my bills or give me extra money for a trip. The entire time I was honing my skills. Along the way, I never forgot that supporting my community was the ultimate success. I want the world to know that running a business is one thing, but creating a legacy through a business takes additional tasks. The clients I work with are focused on legacy and wealth building. That takes time, perseverance, and a lot of faith!


Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, this is great! We would first start with a day trip to the springs. There are more than 10 springs located less than 30 minutes from Gainesville. My favorite spring is Poe Springs in High Springs, Fl. The spring water stays 72 degrees year-round! I would invite my friends and we would bar-b-que until the sun goes down! We would end the night with a kickback with drinks and plenty of laughter. The next day we will have brunch at Peach Valley, a local favorite! We will order piping hot apple fritters made fresh and dusted with cinnamon sugar and dipped with strawberry yogurt on the side. OMG, they are amazing!

After brunch, we would head to the University of Florida Harn Museum, a West African sculpture exhibit. I have seen the exhibit and it is a sight to see! The state-of-the-art museum has an audible self-walking tour available. Next, we would walk next door to the indoor Butterfly Garden. We would walk around and hear about the rare butterfly species flying around us as we walked through a rainforest-like atmosphere. We would end the night at Fluid, a local lounge that serves craft drinks. On the last day, we would sleep in then catch lunch at Tropical Eatz, a local food trailer the fuzes Haitian and Caribbean eats. My best friend lives 5 hours away and she would be leaving after this! LOL, My very last event would be a SUNDAY NAP!


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many! I will stick with my family. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. My grandfather owned one of the only Black masonry companies. I grew up watching my grandfather create a business that sewed into the community. He taught me the strongest part of a business is the people and without the people, there is no business. I have several aunts, uncles, and cousins that are business owners, writers, and more. Some of my biggest supporters are my family and that is irreplaceable.

Website: www.paradiseparkcowork.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradiseparkgnv/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-t-jones-0a750017/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/staysinbusiness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paradiseparkgnv

Other: https://www.instagram.com/msstaysinbusiness/

Image Credits
Photographers: Ashley Canay & Rebecca Goodman

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