We recently connected with Danielle Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

I’ve been passionate about art since I was a child. In elementary school, my talent was recognized, and my drawings were even featured in the “Healthy Bear” calendars. In high school, I took advanced art classes, and my artwork was displayed at the Toledo Museum of Art, one of the top art museums in the country. Although I initially wanted to pursue art in college, I chose to major in professional sales and marketing based on practical advice to secure a stable career.

Even though I focused on business, my love for art never went away. I took electives at the Toledo Museum of Art while getting my undergraduate degree. After starting to work full-time, I earned a master’s degree in international business from the University of Toledo in the evenings. I moved up in the companies I worked at and stepped into leadership roles. While working, I joined a local potter’s guild to develop my pottery skills, took pottery classes, participated in the Tanzanian Art Exchange—a collaborative project displayed at the US Embassy—and exhibited my original artwork at a local gallery in Toledo.

It wasn’t until I moved to South Carolina last fall, after almost a decade of putting my creative pursuits on hold, that I felt God calling me back to creating more consistently. Now, I’m part of the South Carolina Artists Group, have paintings for sale in local restaurants, and am working on a children’s book series. I also take weekly pottery classes at a great local art studio near Charleston.

Sometimes I wonder how different things might have been had I started my creative career sooner, but I truly believe every step of my journey has shaped me into the creative entrepreneur I am today. It’s right on time. My business and entrepreneurial background have taught me the importance of resilience, strategic thinking, and adaptability. I learned that you can make money doing anything if you work hard, are passionate about it, and use the gifts God gave you—whether it’s art, cooking, or any other pursuit. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and every experience along the way contributes to your growth!

Danielle, 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?

Hello! My name is Danielle Jones, and I’m an author, fine artist, and the founder of Faithful Oak, a creative studio based in Charleston, South Carolina.

As an author, I’m thrilled to announce my new children’s book series, starting with “The Lost Puppy Adventure,” which will be available on Amazon later this summer. This series addresses the underrepresentation of characters with cochlear implants in children’s literature. In the US, thousands of children have cochlear implants, yet there are very few books that feature characters like them. My books aim to change that by featuring characters with cochlear implants and educating readers about the gift of sound. They also emphasize the importance of both sign and spoken language to provide comprehensive language access for children with cochlear implants.

The goal of my books is to encourage families to read heartwarming stories together, be present, and go on their own adventures. “The Lost Puppy Adventure” is just the beginning, and I’m currently working on more books in the series. These stories aim to be inclusive and educational, helping families understand and celebrate the unique aspects of life with cochlear implants while also promoting the joy of shared reading.

As a fine artist, I create and sell paintings and pottery, primarily in local venues around the Charleston, SC area. My artwork reflects my love for storytelling and creativity, and I’m passionate about sharing that with the community.

As the founder of Faithful Oak, I specialize in providing website design and consulting services for small businesses and nonprofits. If you’re just getting started, don’t know what you’re doing, and need a website to establish your presence online, plus some extra guidance on business development, marketing, and events, I’m your girl. My approach involves teaching clients how to manage their websites and digital strategies effectively before handing off control, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to thrive independently in the digital landscape.

What sets me apart is my dedication to following through on my projects. I believe in taking action and doing things with excellence. My work is driven by my faith, a passion for storytelling, and a love for adventure. I’m excited to share these stories and creations with you and hope they inspire you and your family to explore, create, and enjoy every moment together.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Oh, absolutely! The Maxwell Leadership Certification program in Orlando was a real game changer for me. Learning from John C. Maxwell and his leadership team was incredibly inspiring. His teachings, especially from “Intentional Living,” really hit home for me. It’s all about living purposefully and aligning your values with your actions, which has been fundamental not just in my business endeavors but also personally in leading small groups and mentoring others.

And you know, Dale Carnegie’s “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” has been a go-to for practical wisdom on managing stress and finding fulfillment in both personal and professional life. It’s like having a trusted advisor in book form!

Plus, my involvement with Faith Driven Entrepreneur has been eye-opening. It’s helped me integrate my faith into my leadership style, emphasizing values like integrity and making a positive impact on those around me.

All these resources have shaped how I approach leading people and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. They’ve emphasized resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of staying true to your values. They’ve been instrumental in guiding me along my journey and continue to inspire me every day.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Great question! There are several things society can do to support artists and create a thriving creative ecosystem.

Invest in Art Education: It all starts with art education. Schools need to have strong art programs that let kids explore different forms of creativity. When I was in school, my talent was recognized early on, which made a huge difference. Keeping that support throughout a student’s journey can help build their skills and confidence for a potential career in the arts.

Encourage Creative Expression at Home: Parents can play a big role too. Encouraging kids to be creative at home, providing them with materials, and supporting their participation in local art shows can really boost their confidence. This kind of support helps them connect with a broader community of creatives.

Supportive Teachers and Mentors: I can’t emphasize enough how important teachers and mentors are. In my own experience, my teachers encouraged me to create and helped me get my work into public spaces. They provided the guidance and opportunities that significantly shaped my artistic journey. Supporting educators and mentorship programs is crucial for young creatives to thrive.

Support Community Art Projects: Community art projects and city murals are fantastic ways to engage everyone and bring art into public spaces. These initiatives can beautify neighborhoods and make art accessible to all, creating a sense of pride and ownership. Cities should allocate spaces for public art and encourage local artists to contribute, making the environment vibrant and colorful.

Businesses Supporting Local Art: Businesses can also make a big impact by displaying and selling local art. Not only does this enhance the business’s aesthetic appeal, but it also supports the local economy and creative community. Customers love seeing unique, locally-sourced art, and it can really enhance their experience. Plus, businesses get the added benefit of positive publicity and increased foot traffic from supporting local artists.

Create Platforms and Promote Collaborations: Providing platforms for artists to showcase their work is essential. This includes local galleries, art fairs, and online marketplaces specifically for artists. Encouraging collaborations between artists, businesses, and community organizations can lead to innovative projects and new opportunities. Networking events, workshops, and collaborative projects help artists gain exposure and learn from each other, fostering a sense of community.

So, by investing in art education, encouraging creative expression at home, supporting community art projects, involving businesses in displaying and selling local art, providing platforms for artists, and promoting collaborations, we can create a thriving creative ecosystem that benefits everyone. It’s all about making sure artists have the support and opportunities they need to flourish, and in turn, enriching the entire community.

Contact Info:

• Website: daniellejones.me@gmail.com
• Instagram: @daniellejones.me
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbledanielle/