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

Alright, Janese thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My mom was always fiercely committed to being her authentic self, flaws and all. Growing up, I didn’t always get it — sometimes it felt chaotic, even frustrating, watching her be so unapologetically herself. I used to tell her, “Be yourself, but your best self.”
Over time, I realized that her authenticity was a gift. Seeing her show up as herself taught me that when you embrace who you truly are, you give other people permission to do the same. It shaped how I connect with people today — I lead with honesty, humor, and vulnerability because it creates a safe space for real connection.
Her resilience is what truly molded me. I watched her battle drug addiction, lose sight in one eye, lose the use of an arm, suffer a stroke that left her unable to speak or eat — and she never gave up. She always kept fighting for her independence, her voice, and her life. That strength became the blueprint for how I approach my career, my brand, and my role as a mother. I’ve learned that no matter what life throws at you, the fight to show up for yourself and others is worth it.

Janese , 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?

t nine, I witnessed my mom being stabbed 27 times right in front of me. That moment marked the beginning of a journey filled with hardships: I didn’t graduate high school, became a young mother, survived being shot, served time in prison, earned my GED, and encountered God in a way that transformed my life.
After prison, I had to survive. I started dancing to provide for my child, then enrolled at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, graduated, and eventually found my calling as a private chef. I started Living Proof Chef Services, catering for my first NFL client. Eventually, I moved to Columbus, OH, where I began a toy drive for kids with incarcerated parents. From there, my community work expanded: I partnered with local organizations, went into prisons to speak, spoke at schools and other community initiatives, and worked with Columbus Violence Reduction to impact more lives locally. My work has been featured on Good Morning America and Good Day Columbus.
Today, I provide private chef services for high-profile clients, create content on social media that uplifts and inspires, and use my life experiences to help people feel seen and motivated. I am also a cohost on I heart’s 106.7 the Beat, The City Show”.
What sets me apart isn’t just that I can cook — it’s that I’ve lived the stories I share. I connect with people on a human level because I’ve been through the chaos, the loss, and the triumphs myself. My brand is real, raw, and grounded in authenticity. People come to me not for perfection — they come to me for perspective, inspiration, and the kind of encouragement only someone who’s truly been there can give.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience has been my lifeline. One story that defines it is from my time in prison. I had just given birth to my child 30 days before I was incarcerated. Life felt impossible, but instead of giving in, I focused on what I could control: earning my GED, helping other women, and leaning into God.
While there, I saved a girl’s life, an act that reinforced my belief in the power of showing up, even in the darkest moments. I left prison not broken, but stronger, more determined, and with a clear vision to build a life and brand that inspires others. Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me to keep going when most would give up and that’s the same energy I bring to my clients and followers every day

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my social media following by being unapologetically myself. I stopped trying to make content that “looked perfect” and started sharing raw, relatable, real-life moments — my humor, my struggles, my victories.
Growth came naturally when I stopped overthinking and leaned into authenticity. I shared my voice, responded to people in real ways, and let my personality shine.
Advice for beginners:
Consistency beats perfection — post even if it’s messy. ( I still struggle with this)
Share your story, not just content — people connect with emotions, not aesthetics.
Engage authentically — respond, comment, and create a space where people feel seen.
Use your life experiences as your currency — your unique perspective is more valuable than polished edits.
Social media isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about showing up as yourself every day and letting your energy resonate with the right people. That’s how I went from zero to 130k followers on IG, 20k on TikTok, 30k on Facebook and counting — just by being Janese.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.livingproof.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janeseboston
• Other: tik tok: @janeseboston