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

Whitney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Let’s start with what exactly Risk is, everyone always hears the word Risk and assume the worst that can possibly happen, because it exposes you to danger that may be unseen. Never taking into account the “Risk” of something great happening or working out for your good. In my case, I dropped everything and moved over 20 hours away from home to a new state. I had no plan, no family, just a leap of faith and a word from God, telling me to GO! I’m originally from Miami (born and raised) so you can only imagine how I felt getting a word, an unction, back-to-back signs and confirmations that it was time for me to move. I’ve been in law enforcement for the past 7 1/2 years and it provided me with the lifestyle I learned to love. It provided my house, paid my bills, put food on the table for me and my son, but something in me just kept telling me, it’s time to go, time to evolve, it’s time for a fresh start. I was always the type of person who’s very logical and need proof of things, at least for it to make sense to me. So, when through prayer and meditation, I started receiving the instruction to resign and move, I didn’t listen. It took certain traumatic events to happen to push me out the door, things just started drying up. My relationships, my peace, my happiness, all of a sudden, I didn’t fit. I remember God kept telling me Texas, he’s calling me to Texas and of course, to other people it sounds weird, especially when it’s a “God said” thing. You get the responses of “Are you sure”, “Why would he tell you to move so far away?”, “You don’t know nobody there, all your family is here!”. However there comes a time in life where it’s vital that you quiet the noise, center yourself and listen. The only, “I guess you can say”, opposing thought in mind was, I got to make it work for me and my son. If God called me to it, then surely, he’ll see me through it, my only job is to be obedient. Fast forward, a few months later, I resigned from my job, took a road trip to Texas, found a place to live that was perfect for me and my son, found him a good school, and finally made the move. I would be lying if I said it was easy, but it’s two years later and I’m still here. I didn’t land a job until about two months after moving here, through that time I’ve built so much, I became an author of my new book “The Sister Who” set to be leased this winter, as well as The founder and Voice of “When Women Speak” podcast as well as The Co-Host Of “Set-Free Sisterhood” podcast. Moving to Texas has opened so many doors of opportunity for not only me but for my son. I’ve met so many different entrepreneurs and amazing people out in the world really making a difference. It has opened my eyes and mind to all the possibilities of life, now all of sudden things don’t seem so impossible or unattainable. I risked but it worked out for my good in ways I never even imagined. No risk, No reward. I believe in order to even take a risk, you have to have faith, Faith is the greatest risk you’ll ever take, because it requires trusting what you can’t yet see, but believe it’s there and already done. It’s the bridge between who you are and who you’re becoming, so in order to become, you have to sometimes get out of your comfort zone and take the risk, it may just be the best decision you ever make. It was for me, I’ve made great connections that turned into family and my son has made friends and joined the basketball team. We love it here. It was scary at first, but turns out that fear was just an illusion. Trust God and take the Risk!

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

My name is Whitney Jones, a lot of people call me Jayne, which comes from my stage name ‘Planejayne”. I am a Singer/Songwriter out of Miami, Fl. Who has since become A Mentor, Coach and Prophetic Voice, helping women heal, rise and return to themselves. I am the author of “The Sister Who” as well as the Founder of “When Women Speak podcast” and Co-Host of “Set-Free Sisterhood Podcast”. While I still love singing and writing music, I learned how to express my creativity also through poetry, spoken word and creative expression. Honestly speaking, I always tell people, one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was be myself! And I know that may sound strange but it’s my truth. In a world that tells you to focus on one thing and find your “Niche” I am a person “humbly” who can do and has done it all. Before publicly coming out as an artist, I use to do hair and makeup as well as sale clothes. I love beauty, fashion and everything in between. When I was a little girl I use to picture myself walking down a runway, after I styled myself and think about what music I would be walking to. I use to always picture something mysterious and captivating which grew my love for music, lyrics, rhythms and beats. Whether it was singing or talking something would light up in me everytime I speak. I was always the friend everyone would turn to no matter what their situation may be, that’s when i knew okay, yea, I’m something unique. I got curious about who I really was and what I can really do so every chance i got i expressed myself, and through my expression it was helping people (who knew). This is what sets me apart from others, being authentically myself, consistently, growing learning, evolving and not allowing myself to stay stuck! I’ve walked through a lot of different phases of life which helps me connect to the ones who feel forgotten, alone or peculiar and that’s what I’m most proud of. My ability to see and understand what others may not, and give someone the permission to start again, breathe again, be free again and truly heal.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect about being an artist and creative is realizing you’re the blueprint. Whatever it is, that you never seen done, it’s an opportunity for you to do it, build it, create it, speak about it, or change it, the way that only you can. There’s power in being a creative because it’s a freedom to express yourself in ways most people are afraid too. Nobody wants to show the real them, everyone wants to fit in, so much so they forgot the real power and beauty is when you stand out.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, Now I’m about to give y’all free game okay….Listen if you’re like me, you may have a lot going on and sometimes don’t have the time to get as creative as you want to get because you don’t have the time to sit and edit or make your videos and content “POP”. Go to fiver! Fiver is an app, where other creators help you create. What you don’t have time to do, somebody else (when paid) will! You pick your price and pick who you would like to take care of your editing or projects; you can converse with them and give them the details of how you want everything to turn out and let them know how much time they have to get it back to you. It’s the best thing since sliced bread!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Planejayne__
• Facebook: Planejayne
• Linkedin: Planejayne
• Youtube: Whenwomenspeak
• Soundcloud: planejayne