We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cory Jones . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cory below.
Cory , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
My Parents introduced me to the idea of community. When I was a child my parents were influential in making me participate and a plethora of programs. I was always trying new things and I was very active. This led me to enhancing my creative ability. I also had great family support with aunts and uncles. It introduced me to this idea of community that that it takes a village to raise all. With the various support and infrastructure in place I was able to create and explore my imagination at an early age.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Hello my name is Cory Jones and I graduated from Old Dominion University in 2014 with a degree in Physical Education with a concentration in sports management/Minor in Coaching.I am a full time youth development specialist, and coach. Additionally, I am the executive director of a nonprofit in which I co-founded with friends and I am also a professional Dj (djkingcise). I have a various amount of skill sets that spread across many pathways. I started Feedthestreetsrva along with my friends from college after moving back to Richmond, VA in 2015. On my way to work daily I noticed a strong among of unhoused individuals on the streets. I wanted to be an aide to this community but at the time I did not have the resources to support. After collaborating with friends we were able to form the nonprofit Feedthestreetsrva whose mission is to create a community that responds to the basic needs of all while addressing symptoms of poverty. I began my DJ career in 2010 on the campus of Old Dominion University. I began on campus doing small parties and the journey has led me to staying across multiple college campuses in Virgnia all the way to Djaying in Atlanta, Georgia. Lastly I have a passion for enhancing the lives of at risk youth and paving the way to success for each of them.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
During my collegiate and DJ career I was able to make a lot of relationships. Making connections along the way has helped propel me in all of my business adventures. In the beginning of my day career I made genuine connections and performed premium services. I wasn’t compensated that much but I showcased all of my abilities to every person that I met no matter how large or small the audience. This worked out for me because I met supportive clientele that would later on introduce me to more lucrative opportunities. I also invested heavily within myself and my brand. I made sure I provided t0p of the line equipment and invested heavily in marketing opportunities. I presented myself as professional as possible in hopes that it would stand out to various clientele. Presentation matters. Through my day career I was responsible for the best day of many consumers life. When I started Feedthestreetsrva a nonprofit much of that support then carried over. Alot of the same clientele support my additional business endeavors.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Often times in business it starts as an individual effort. Often times people can’t see the vision that you have for your business or where you see yourself. It ultimately takes a team to grown and develop your brand, your vision. You are only as strong as your team! I was very independent and had to learn how to delegate task. This increased business production flow. I think at times we often equate hard work with success. Work doesn’t have to be hard in order to have success if you surround yourself with the right people.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.feedthestreetsrva.org www.djkingcise.com
- Instagram: @feedthestreets_rva/ @djkingcise
- Facebook: feedthestreetsrva
- Twitter: @feed_streetsrva. @djkingcise
Image Credits
Fenton Bland Anais Fritz Cornerstone Captures