Yolanda Stewart Jones
Writer
Bronx, NY
Contact: ystewartjones@gmail.com
Check out her Instagram for more of her work!
5 favorite musical artists of all time?
Bob Marley
Michael Jackson
Janet Jackson
Solange
What inspires you?
People who are confident, resilient and passionate about the work they do. I can’t think of any specifics momentarily but I’m surrounded by individuals like this and I’ve experienced people with these qualities during my lifetime. My culture inspires me because it keeps me grounded and continuously shows me examples of what it means to be a hard worker.
“You are doing yourself and this world a disservice if you deny and stifle your creativity. Don’t fade into the shadows. Be the light and ignite the world with your talents. This way, you’ll leave a legacy.”
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to remain confident in myself and my abilities. To always have goals and to work towards completing and achieving those goals. I would ensure that my younger self understood the importance of seeking help and guidance when it is needed because you alone will not know all the answers. Lastly I would advise myself to stay focused, to always smile and push through times of hardship and never doubt myself.
What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?
YouTube interviews/ young boss media shows and interviews
What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries?
I believe we will continue to make an impact on a larger platform as the years progress. We have strong voices with incredible stories and now we are creating our own platforms! That’s what I call progression but we still have more to do
What do you do?
I’m a freelancer (writer and dancer) For my 9-5, I’m a communication specialist For a non profit organization.
What is your dream job?
My dream job falls under the umbrella of Freelance Creative. In this role I’d have full autonomy of my craft. I’d have a YouTube show; continuously growing in my journey as an dancer-performing and touring. For career in journalism I’d continue working on social and community activist projects informing people through articles and sharing my mind/heart through my poetry.
What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time?
Performing spoken word, writing stories and plays, speaking fluent Mandarin and video editing.
What is the last thing you learned?
Video editing. It’s pretty much self taught at this point. I took a course at CUNY School of Journalism back in 2017 where I dabbled a bit with shooting videos and editing videos using Final Cut Pro. Ever since then I’ve made it my point of duty to teach myself using iMovie.
What are you working on right now?
Brainstorming content for blog articles, reconstructing my YouTube series: 1stGenerationerz. My overrall brand as a freelance writer/creative.
If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be? Why?
I would love to speak to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Issa Rae. They have brilliant minds, they do not conform to society’s ideology of beauty or career paths; they’re brilliantly creative and all for women/black empowerment!
What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?
“Love yourself always” and know your self worth is not determined by your physicality. When it comes to your aspirations Do not Limit yourself to one career, and settling for working in no white persons office for the next 40 years! you have the right, power and talent(s) to pursue all of your dreams! And just trust that you will! Don’t rush, trust the process.
How do you keep your creative drip going?
Surrounding and connecting myself with other creative individuals. Getting inspired by the work I see them do makes me believe that it’s possible and my time will come. It also pushes me to go harder.
Contact: ystewartjones@gmail.com or 347-499-5566
Check out her Instagram for more of her work!