We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.
Rachel , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
I am building a legacy of healing and integrity! I know that long after I am gone, I will be remembered for the way that I lived and taught many other to stand on firm principles that impact EVERYONE-from the babies to the teens to marriages! I am intentional about the way that I instruct others to live their best lives and to ensure that they pass the torch of true SELF leadership on through the generations-generational healing!
Rachel , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was a public school educator for some time. I loved the kids but I hated how the system was working. After whining to my GOD mother about my job, she mentioned that she was tutoring a homeschooled student and from there a POWERFUL seed was planted-I would still educate, but I would take the road less travelled and do it in a way that worked. The Coolnerds was birthed in 2015. Of course, we’ve had plenty UPS and DOWNS, but through it all I am very proud that I have been able to establish an almost decade old business with ZERO debt, grants, or funding of any kind- only the tuition that is paid by parents. The Coolnerds is a Christ-centered and Afro-centered private educational service for middle and high school students. We work closely with families to assist in cultivating a plan that will encourage growth in parent-child relationships, self-discipline, responsibility, true leadership, and knowledge of self. We do this through reading, writing, critical thought, travel, collaborations with local excellent business owners and more! We are a full service educational program, which means students can attend through graduation and I am extremely proud that many of our graduates have done so early! Even as early as 14 years old! They graduate with all kinds of certifications such as CPR, herbalism, birth and postpartum doula certifications, IT certifications, and more! Just in case our Coolnerds decide college isn’t a good fit, they have been developed into entrepreneurial leaders by the time they graduate-giving them more options in life! I am MOST proud that I have been able to be supported by a powerful tribe of family and parents who let me “do my thing” and it has been very successful in the lives of so many others! By the time our students leave, they are filled with a confidence, identity, and self leadership that many Black youth have to find later in life-making them a powerful force! I want everyone who thinks of the Coolnerds to be reminded to step up into the highest level of excellence that is required for our people to thrive!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Integrity! Integrity is a MUST. To many “leaders” have titles but not the integrity or work ethic to go with it! I am always aware that with great power comes great responsibility. I stand on integrity because it also allows me to be who I am, no matter what space I am in. Over time, even those who may not understand or agree with the way that I operate, they end up seeing that my character is the same across the board and has been for years. That consistency builds trust and sets an example of perseverance, boldness, and strength that I hope many emulate-especially the youth!
How’d you meet your business partner?
My strongest and best business partner is my husband! I actually met him at the end of the first year of having my own educational service! He saw the work I was doing from afar and was intrigued! I had been married before and I wasn’t exactly ready to try that out again, but God knew what I needed! He sent me a wonderful man who is an amazing friend, husband, father, supporter, financier, planner, and the one who keeps me grounded! Our son says I’m the dreamer and he’s the dream maker! He’s helped me with every last student and parent that has come through The Coolnerds, he supported new fathers as babies are on the way, he’s opened our home to children while their parents were divorcing to ensure that the children maintained a sense of stability, he’s counted up the costs and made me stop spending lol, and he’s pushed me even harder when things got tough! He is a powerful asset and has been the most stabilizing factor in the growth and development of all of the work that we do-Coolnerds, Cool herbs, and Cool births!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thecoolnerds.org
- Instagram: coolnerdstribe
- Facebook: The Coolnerds
- Email: [email protected]