Each month we have the privilege of shining our spotlight on a local working mom who is taking our community by storm professionally and personally. This month we sat down with artist Jamie Jones, whose creative expression is catching the eyes of art connoisseurs from Midtown to Coconut Grove and beyond. Without further ado, we introduce Jamie Jones…
Jamie, it’s such a pleasure to feature you and share your story. Please describe the nature of your work:
I am a Contemporary artist who uses a variety of hosts including stainless steel, plexiglass and canvas on which to express myself and ideas. My collection pulls inspiration from vintage LIFE magazines. I also have a series on stainless that incorporates inspirational prose and messages 3-dimensionally. My work is on display and for sale at the Luxury Living/Fendi Casa store in midtown and my in-home studio in Coconut Grove.
What inspired you to start your business or enter your profession?
I whole-heartedly enjoy creating and have had piles and collections of canvases and other created-upon surfaces piling up. One summer, I decided to ‘put my self out there’ and began the prowess of creating exposure for myself. As my work made its way into other people’s lives, my courage to explore grew.
Your courage and your willingness to share yourself with others is an inspiration to many. Do you have a mentor?
I spend a lot of time alone and draw encouragement from all of the available podcasts and social media posts that I follow.
Where do you draw inspiration (other than the vintage LIFE magazines you mentioned)? Where else do you get ideas?
I draw inspiration from everyday experiences and sights. I created a popular piece which is a word search on stainless steel through endless spelling words my kids were studying. My pieces use more inspirational and mature words. Many ideas come to me during quiet times in my day and when I’m practicing yoga or meditating.
What’s the most creative thing you’ve ever done?
All my creative endeavors have equal value to me.
What is your message or advice to women who are a few years behind you, professionally?
To me, there is no right or wrong, no place to be. Success is measured by the effort and courage you have expressed personally, not by a number or external credential.
What is an obstacle you’ve overcome and how did you overcome it?
My biggest fear was exposure. I overcame it by exposing myself. I realized I was way more critical of myself than the outside world was. That was encouraging.
How has being a mother influenced your role in business?
I will always be a mother first as that is my biggest opportunity to be impactful. I definitely have learned to balance and structure my projects and time. However, without being a mother, I do not think I would have achieved as much. Motherhood has blessed me with the confidence I needed to follow my dreams and continue setting goals.
What are the challenges and rewards you have encountered as a working Mom?
Time is always a challenge. Love is always the reward.
What advice would you give a Mom who is considering stepping back into the workforce, or to the Mom who dreams of starting her own business?
That mom was me. Make a plan, set some goals and do your absolute best to follow the program you have designed for yourself to complete the tasks needed to achieve what you want. For me, that was finding a space in which to display my work (AKA, an Art Show), decking how many pieces to create and complete that task. You will find that, naturally, something will evolve from your first market.
What’s your favorite go-to spot for “me” time in Miami?
Every morning, I go to my back porch, light a candle and pray and meditate – expressing my gratitude for everything that surrounds my life. I listen to the crickets, frogs, passing cars and crazy peacocks that live in our neighborhood. Calm is found there and I have the ability to really organize my thoughts on my couch that sits on the back porch.
What words of wisdom do you live by?
Just to try. If you don’t try, nothing will happen. Each step creates momentum for the next.
Name 3 things that make you smile, life’s simple joys:
My kids, my husband and my home. Really.
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
Here….but maybe when my kids are in college, Bali!
What resources do you recommend for women in business?
Time, support from friends & family, and the internet, which is accessible anywhere and has an abundance of information.
Connect with Jamie Jones!
You can find her on Instagram at @piecesof_jamie or online at http://www.jamiejonesart.com.
Read previous Working Moms Spotlights by clicking the links below.
September Spotlight: Melissa Medina
October Spotlight: Camila Canabal
November Spotlight: Carolyn Mara
January Spotlight: Elizabeth Simonton and Nichole Aldrich
February Spotlight: Meredith Kallaher
March Spotlight: The Mom Economy
April Spotlight: Natalia Zea
