Meet Jodi Simmons | Publisher, Author and Dance Studio Owner

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

Hi Jodi, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I am a Black Owned Publisher and Dance Studio owner who caters to the black community and rural areas. With the Publishing Company, I encourage and motivate authors of all genres that their stories need to be told rather fiction or non-fiction; all stories are valid! And, with the Dance Studio, which is my passion, I can truly say that I have birthed my heart and soul into the young ladies of the community. I motivate, encourage, pray, lead, advise, counsel, and ALL OF THE ABOVE. But, out of all of those things listed, I LOVE EACH and every one of them. I have grown so much from day one to now as an individual, as a woman, as a Christian. With both businesses, I am truly blessed beyond measure, and I can say that I am a pillar in the community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Nothing in life is easy. With all things, you have to work hard and have faith. I did not have the silver spoon in my mouth as a kid. So, to get to where I am today, I had to sacrifice, accept criticism and understand that although it may not have worked out how I wanted it to, things in my life still came to pass because it isn’t about me. Our trials are sometimes our testimony for others. If I had the chance to introduce myself to the world and tell them just a little piece about me, I would say that I am just a small-town country girl from Paincourtville, Louisiana, who was raised up in a home with a black strong single woman, like many others, who valued and appreciated the life lessons that mom taught. I can say that through all of the trials, the tribulations, the ups and downs, I stand tall. And although everything does not go my way, I will not give up because nothing stopped that strong single mom that raised me, so of course, nothing will stop me.

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?
Well, I am a Bayou Girl! The first place I would take them is to a little restaurant named Stella’s Kitchen in Napoleonville. We definitely have to eat some fried frog legs and gumbo. Then, I would hop on to I-10 and head to New Orleans. There, the fun is endless! French Quarters, Beignets, Street Cars and the Riverwalk are just a few stops! And we cannot leave without some of Loretta’s Authentic Pralines. Before my friend leaves to go back to wherever she came from, I would plan a ladies night out with some wine, games and painting with Creative Xpressions Artistry, which is a black owned Art Studio in Gonzales, LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my sister Toby. When Toby was 10 years old, I was 4. Our mom was a divorced single parent who, at the time, could not afford for me to go to dance classes. So, it was either our cable television or my dance lessons. Toby made the decision that I could dance. Thanks, Toby, for sacrificing at such a young age and allowing me to start something that has now advanced into more than a career. It is a God given mission. I love you big sister! From cradle to casket….

Website: www.sassystepsdance.com and www.jlashawnpublishing.com

Instagram: thats_jodi

Linkedin: Jodi Simmons

Facebook: Jodi Simmons

Youtube: Tippin On Da Bayou

Image Credits
The Looking Glass Media-Baton Rouge, LA