On Life: What’s your story? (in about 250 words) (Who are you? Where did you grow up? What was life like for you growing up? What where some of your hopes and dreams? What challenges did you have face growing up?)
- My name is Naomi Grace Jones. I grew up in South Jersey in a little town called Bridgeton, NJ. Growing up has been amazing because I feel like I have the best parents, family, and friends who really support me. I know that without all of their support I would not be have achieved the things that I have thus far, nor would I be able to do what I love or inspire others. When I was about three years old, I used to watch all kinds of musicals – it didn’t matter if they were in black and white from the 1950’s or in full color from today. I just loved everything about dancing, acting, singing and performing for people, oh and I LOVED talking…lol. So, I told my parents when I was three years old that I wanted to be an actress and perform on stage. I dreamt of being on stage, making other people happy and bringing smiles to their faces. The challenges for me was finding places in my community where I could learn to act and sing and perform; my parents always had to take me to other towns or states. That’s when I started to ask, “why don’t we have these types of program in my own community and why can’t I start a program myself? And so, my parents told me to write down what I wanted to do to start a summer theatre camp and I did. My ideas kind of grew from there and now, I’ve been running my own business and camp for the past three years.
On Success: What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
- My biggest accomplishment would have to be my business and what it has allowed me to do for other kids. Running a theatre camp with my volunteers and seeing kids smile and enjoy theatre makes me so happy because I know that for some of the kids, it’s their first time doing anything like it. Then, when they tell me that they are going to continue participating in theatre in their community and their schools, I get so excited and happy because it means that I’m really making a difference. And I definitely try to go to their shows to support them. I just love it!
On Leadership: What is your advice to younger girls who want to pursue your career?
- My advice to younger girls is to first, make sure it’s something you’re really passionate about and really want to do. Never do something that you don’t want to do, just to make others happy, you have to love it for yourself. Second, start by doing well in school and getting good grades because believe it or not, in order to be an actress or performer, companies only want to hire young actors and performers that have good grades in school. Then, always be willing to do something different or new even if you’re afraid, like take classes, get training, and work on developing your skills. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people and take risks and follow your heart, not what others say you can or can’t do. You have to be willing to be different and do different things. Once you do that, keep doing what you love, believe in yourself, and you’re set!
What motivates you daily?
- I like to pray for motivation. I talk to God and ask him to guide me along because I want Him to be pleased with everything that I do. I always feel better and more confident after praying. My parents keep me motivated because they are always encouraging me, supporting me and telling me how proud they are of me. And kids motivate me when I see the possibilities in them.
What is a lie society tells young girls? How can girls fight against this?
- Society tells girls that they have to be skinny, have long hair, and wear too much makeup in order to be accepted. I say focus on what makes you happy, celebrate what makes you different, and just be yourself because nobody is better at being you but you!
On Being ‘Unstoppable’: What does being “unstoppable” mean to you?
- Unstoppable means being bold, fierce and fearless. Being focused and determined to reach your goals and follow your dreams. It means, seeing no limits to what you can achieve when you believe it! Being unstoppable means you don’t have to listen to what anybody else says that is negative about you or your goals. You are who you are and you will never let anybody dull your sparkle!
