We were lucky to catch up with Chardae Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chardae thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is to leave the world better than I found it. I grew up with that ingrained in me. If I can help I try to without expecting anything in return. Everything I do has to feed my soul or curiosity, even if it means standing alone or being scared.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is and I’m from Braddock, PA, and grew up in The Braddock Library where I received my library card before I could scribble my name. In 2007 I graduated from Woodland Hills High School. In 2011, I received my BA in Professional Writing from Carlow University where I discovered my passion for serving my community.

Since graduating I volunteered with AmeriCorps mentoring teens in Braddock where I aided in the creation of a 2014 summer lunch program tied to The Braddock Youth Project. As an advocate for people in my community, I’ve mentored kids at the Downtown Carnegie Library as I know that books are the very thing that inspired me to become a writer. I’ve chaired the local Nation Council for Negro Women Luncheon to aid in bridging the communication gap between the younger women and older women in the community. As the former Mayor of Braddock I’m the youngest in Braddock’s History. I’ve helped set up Covid-19 vaccination clinics and coordinated food drop-offs for people in need in the area.

I ran four municipal campaigns in 2021, sit on the board of Sustainable Pittsburgh, am a board member of Braddock Economic Development Corporation, Za’Kiyah House, The Braddock Carnegie Library Association, Civically Inc, Get Involved, and Reading Ready Pittsburgh Early Literacy Committee, and is constantly looking for ways to connect the community.

When not volunteering, I eat my way around the city on Instagram and writes about it for Soul Pitt Quartley am the community Liason for the country’s first Black Beer Festival, Barrel and Flow. I work full-time as an IT Business Analyst and frequently PLAY kickball and dodgeball in the Pittsburgh Sports League. I have published 16 books on behalf of myself and others. I help writers publish books and find their voice as it’s important for people to own their work.

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

The idea of sharing my stories with others creates a sense of vulnerability that’s super rewarding that creates a trusting environment. Also, allowing others to share their stories with me when I’m wearing my freelance writer hat allows them to be vulnerable and build trust. Building community is about vulnerability and trust. Without that its easy to build a business but it’s hard to build community and I pride myself in that.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Be authentic. I don’t like to over think it. Social media is full of people pretending to be something else. Be you rather it’s for you or your business. Don’t be afraid to broadcast your failures as that makes you human. Right now and probably forever audiences appreciate relatable people.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.omgitsjustdae.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justdae
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cdjones1

Image Credits
Photo Credit Pittsburgh Magazine 2021