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

Hi Mike, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started the L.U.V. Podcast alongside my good friend Mike Drake. It is based off of my YouTube channel L.U.V. Jones TV. L.U.V. is an acronym for Lifting Up Vibrations. I wanted to have discussions about building up self-love and mental health, while pursuing our life’s purpose. We wanted to highlight our guests’ passions, their roadblocks, how they overcame them, and what is in store for them in the future. This could inspire the viewer to keep pushing, and to not give up while faced with a roadblock.

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.
Over the years, I have tried many different creative ventures such as starting a clothing brand, starting a YouTube channel, photography, starting a podcast, and etc. My willingness to try new things, and not be fearful of rejection is what sets me apart. I’m not afraid of networking and asking questions. This all started during my freshman year of college at NCCU in 2017, when I started my clothing brand @fancymovement. I wasn’t into fashion at all, but I was encouraged to start the brand because the movement was gaining buzz around Durham and Raleigh prior to me started the brand. It wasn’t easy getting started because I did not know what I was doing, but thankfully networking allowed me to find someone to make my shirts and for my manager Marceau Winston to fund my first merch drop. From there I’ve learned how to become better at business and how to carry myself overtime to become the man I am today. I had felt like I was behind because I was comparing myself to other people on social media. I had the wrong mindset starting out, when I should have been enjoying the process and building up on what I have by being consistent. It took a while to get out of that mindset with my different ventures over the years. I am glad I started those different avenues over the years, and educating myself so I am able to pass the game I’ve learned to other people. I want the world to know that you have a purpose and you are here for a reason, so take the step in pursuing your passion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m originally from Nashville, NC right beside Rocky Mount, NC. However, I have made Durham, NC my home since I’ve been to college. First, we would have to go to Pure Soul. They are a vegan soul food restaurant, and they have some of the best food in the south. Next, we would have to visit NCCU of course. Then we could check out places like DriveShack, which is similar to Top Golf, and boxcar which is a bar and arcade. We could go kayaking to finish things off at Lake Crabtree.

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?
I want give a special shout-out to my big brother PJ. Every since we were kids, he seen something great in me when I didn’t see it in myself. No matter how many times I let him and myself down, he never gave up on me. My brother means the world to me, and I appreciate all the game you gave over the years. I love you bro!

Website: Linktr.ee/LUVJONES

Instagram: @LUVJones_1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jones-45038213b

Twitter: @LuvJones_1

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/LUVJonesTV

Other: Instagram: @LiftingUpVibrations @TheLuvPodcast @JonesPropertyGroupLLC @FancyMovement.

Image Credits
Michael Drake, Aidan Tillman, Ramone Jeffers, De’Anthony Foster, Jonathan Trevathan

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