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Dawanna Jones
A Lady With Many Hats
Empowering Boss Life
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Dawanna Jones: Dawanna Jones was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. After attending local schools, she graduated from Central Senior High School. She then went on to obtain an associate’s degree in Management Development from Lamar Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in Public Administration from Arkansas State University, a bachelor’s degree in majoring in business, and a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Lamar University. Dawanna has a servant attitude and loves helping others achieve their personal and professional goals. She has been a high school business and financial educator for 12 years. Motivating, inspiring, and teaching others financial literacy and entrepreneurship is her passion. With a passion and gift to help others succeed, she has found that developing leaders and individuals is what she loves most. A woman of many hats, she has founded several small businesses including, a craft business, personal & business consulting, financial consulting, bookkeeping, website and social media management, photography, editorial services, tax preparation, and educational consulting. Dawanna loves serving the Lord and is an active member of her church. She is a member of several organizations and enjoys giving back to the community. She also has a commitment to life-long learning and takes pleasure in reading and learning new things. In her free time, she enjoys being a crafter, cooking, and the outdoors.
Empowering Boss Life
HOW WOULD YOU TURN A NEGATIVE SITUATION INTO SOMETHING POSITIVE?
Dawanna Jones: I believe in God and that everything happens for a reason. Genesis 50:20 says, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good..." I try to keep this scripture close to my heart whenever faced with a challenging situation. I remember that God sees and hears everything and ask Him to help me to navigate through the situation so that I can see the positive. It is major to look for good or potentially positive when faced with negative people or situations. There is going to be a bright side to the situation; even if you do not see it at first. I turn negative situations into positive by remembering that we are human, we make mistakes, but we must continue to move forward. I tell myself to do what you can, focus on what you can control and let go of what you can't!
Empowering Boss Life
WHO INSPIRED YOU TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAM?
Dawanna Jones: My mother is my biggest inspiration. I am inspired by her forgiving heart, the heart of love, wisdom, and her words: you can be anything that you want to be!
Empowering Boss Life
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.
Dawanna Jones: The 25th Hour Co. founded in 2011. I created the business to follow my passion of being an entrepreneur. The 25th Hour Co. offered that extra time, or hand that you need in a day. I initially provided errand services, then focused more on my love of crafting and began to offer unique gifts such as wreaths, vinyl & embroidery, etched, glitter glasses, gift bags, and more. Plus, we assist with Gourmet dessert services for requests from chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered apples, cake balls, and more. Senoj Professional Business Services originally founded as a requirement for teaching Quickbooks classes for the local school district. The business eventually evolved to offering business consulting to start-up and seasoned businesses. We help clients discover their talents and passion and the best way to monetize their gifts. We also assist with business formation, such as creating simple and complex business plans, legal filings (LLC, 501C3), HUB & minority owned certifications, website creation, and maintenance, as well as social media management and more. Black Business Professionals of SETX was founded in 2017 to recognize, support, and provide resources for business owners, aspiring business owners, and professionals in Southeast Texas.
Empowering Boss Life
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE YOURSELF?
Dawanna Jones: I'm often trying to focus on multiple tasks at one time. The best advice that I give to myself is the same advice that others have given me, slow down, and focus on one thing at a time. I'm the type of person that has an interest in a lot of things. I love reading and learning new things. It is my reason why I've started several businesses. I have to remember that God gave me every skill, talent, and desire that is within me. I must keep Him first and always seek Him every morning for direction.
Empowering Boss Life
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN UPCOMING ENTREPRENEUR?
Dawanna Jones: Follow your dream, and don't give up. In the beginning, the road will be rough. There will be several late nights and early mornings. You will face challenges. For example, there may be a lack of support from family and friends. Secondly, You will feel lost some days and want to give up. Lastly, You will make mistakes. All of this is normal. Just don't give up, keep pushing. Remember, IF God put that desire in your heart, you can trust and rely on Him to bring your aspiration to complete. I emphasized if because a lot of times, we jump out and start something without consulting with God. Then, we wonder why things aren't going right. Always ask God first. Don't chase money or people, focus on doing what God put in your heart, and the rest will fall into place.
Empowering Boss Life
WHAT'S YOUR DEFINITION OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT?
Dawanna Jones: Another woman is not my competition. She is my sister. When she wins, I win! I love to see other people succeeding and crushing their goals. I've never understood why people are jealous and envious of others. When I see the success of others, it reminds me that the same God that is guiding them is the same God that will guide me if I stay in His will. Women Empowerment is supporting, encouraging, and showing love to other women. We are all in this together!
Empowering Boss Life
WHAT'S YOUR INGREDIENTS TO A LONG LASTING SISTERHOOD?
Dawanna Jones: Loyalty, respect, support, and love! If you do not have these traits, it will be difficult for a friendship to last. Smiling in my face and talking about me behind my back is not loyalty. You cannot be in the same room with other people who are talking about me and never stand up to defend me and call yourself my friend. You cannot get mad and then repeat to someone else things I shared with you as a friend. Please respect the fact that we are grown and have our own lives to live, separate friends, hobbies, etc. We can agree to disagree on matters but do it with love. Support is a must in this day and age. If you don't support your friend's business, if you're not rooting for her, if she can't count on you, that shows that there may be some hidden jealously and envy, and the friendship cannot last. Most importantly, a long-lasting sisterhood, we must genuinely love each other and want the best for each other. Celebrate each other. Close friends are sisters, and their kids are nieces and nephews.
Empowering Boss Life
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL IN LIFE?
Dawanna Jones: My ultimate goal in life is to fulfill the purpose that God has for me. I believe that my purpose is to be a servant. Jesus was a servant. I love helping people and often do it out of the goodness of my heart, free of charge. Making a difference in the lives of others is my ultimate goal in life and strive to do that every day!
Empowering Boss Life
IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO A PERSON WHO IS STARTING IN YOUR CHOSEN CAREER?
Dawanna Jones: The advice that I give to my high school seniors and clients is to make sure that you love what you are choosing to do. I always say some of the wealthy people in the world are some of the unhappiest people. It doesn't matter how much money you make. If you do not love what you do, the work will make you miserable. Whether you are starting a business or a new job, if you love what you do, it won't feel like work. Also, when you realize that you no longer want to do the work, move on. Life is too short to live unhappily!