Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jalila Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jalila, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my children’s picture book, Grandma What ‘Cha Cookin’? I created it as both a love letter to my family and a way to preserve the warmth of the kitchen moments I grew up with—where food wasn’t just food, it was comfort, tradition, and togetherness. The backstory is simple but powerful: I wanted to capture that everyday magic of a curious grandchild watching Grandma cook, learning recipes, stories, and values at the same time, and I realized how many families share those same memories but don’t always see them reflected in books. What makes it meaningful is that it’s deeply personal—I wrote and illustrated it from my own heart—and it’s also bigger than me because it celebrates generational love, culture, and family connection. Seeing it become a real, published book—and watching people support it, order it, and ask for signings, has been emotional because it reminds me that the “little moments” we sometimes take for granted are exactly what people are hungry to hold onto.

Jalila, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Jalila Jones is a professional artist, storyteller, and proud grandma based in sunny Arizona. Whether she’s in her studio or in the kitchen, Jalila is guided by a love for family, culture, and the small moments that become treasured memories. She creates vibrant, warm artwork that celebrates life, connection, and the joy of togetherness, especially when generations gather around food and stories.

Jalila has shown her paintings and wood burning in numerous galleries, art fairs and shops throughout the valley. You can find her art in the Heritage Square gift shop in downtown Phoenix.

Now, Jalila brings that same heart to the pages of her debut children’s picture book Grandma What ‘Cha Cookin?

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist and creative is knowing my work can make people feel seen, comforted, and connected. Whether I’m painting in my studio or telling a story on the page, I love taking everyday moments, family, culture, food, laughter and turning them into something people can hold onto. With *Grandma, What’cha Cookin’?*, that reward has deepened because I’m not only creating art, I’m preserving tradition and love for the next generation, especially for children who deserve to see themselves and their families reflected in a beautiful way. Nothing tops hearing that a family read the book together, a child smiled at the illustrations, or someone was reminded of their own grandma’s kitchen. That’s when I know the creativity is doing what it’s meant to do, bringing warmth, joy, and belonging.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Two resources that have genuinely shaped my entrepreneurial mindset are ***In Her Studio: Spaces and Stories of Creative Women*** and ***What Women Create: Inspiration for Your Imagination***.

They’ve impacted how I think about business because they don’t just showcase art, they highlight the creative process, consistency, and the real life routines behind building a sustainable creative life. Seeing how other women shape their studios, protect their time, and stay connected to their “why” reinforces my belief that inspiration is important, but structure and environment are what turn inspiration into output. Most of all, these books keep my passion lit, they remind me that creativity is worth investing in, and that storytelling, community, and authenticity are powerful business advantages.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.artbyjalilajones.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalilajart?igsh=OGZ2c3k3NWo0anI2
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/Artbyjalilajones

Image Credits

Brooklyn Roeder
Owner and photographer
Framed By Brooklyn

Destiny Gonzalez