Meet Jayla Whitfield: Journalist & Business Owner

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

Hi Jayla, what is the most important factor behind your success?
If you are reading this, you should know that Stories that Matter was created with YOU in mind. The brand was created to empower storytellers to go above and beyond on every story they create. I am the creator of Stories that Matter, but I am also a storyteller. I majored in journalism at the University of Mississippi and I’m currently working to receive my master’s in journalism as well. I have a passion for telling stories and reminding others that their story is powerful. As a result, following the launch of Stories that Matter, I decided to create headliner shirts that represent impactful stories in our communities. In 2020 we have witnessed several stories that matter – including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Vanessa Guillen, and many more. These are all individuals whose lives were lost in 2020 but their stories should never be forgotten. As a company, I am so proud of how many people have supported, uplifted, and joined the Stories that Matter family. From the individuals that follow us on Instagram or those that have purchased our merchandise – they have all joined a family. We hope that you join this journey and become a part of the Stories that Matter family because your story matters. 

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?
For nearly five years, I have been honored to share stories to the world from the University of Mississippi Journalism program, a local TV news station in Macon, Ga. and now based in Atlanta, Ga. There are millions of stories out there just waiting to be told. My goal is to always share ‘Stories that Matter’ no matter the obstacle. Stories that Matter, LLC was an idea that was birthed during my first job in local television news. However, I didn’t put the idea into action until a year later. My goal was to create a place that reminded storytellers to get back to the root of their communities by sharing stories that truly make a difference. Stories that Matter, hopes to remind people worldwide that their voices can be heard across the world. Regardless of how small or how big the story is, it matters. Today, Stories that Matter has reached dozens of people across the country and we know that this is just the beginning.

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?
God is the only reason that Stories that Matter exists today. I truly believe he gave me the idea to create this brand over a year ago and he gave me the strength to put his plan into action. Stories that Matter was not created to produce a second income for me, it was created to impact the lives of others. I can only hope that our merchandise and inspirational messages influence you to never forget the importance of your story and those in your community. However, my family and friends have also motivated me to turn my vision into a reality. The brand would not be successful without them and those that support Stories that Matter each and everyday.

Website: https://storiesthatmatterllc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesthatmatter.llc/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaylaowhitfield/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfLArLu1FwgCJB-wZAcouJg

Image Credits
Mackenzie Engram