We had the good fortune of connecting with Jae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jae, what are you inspired by?
Love. I feel that love heals. The more love that people are filled with, the more love they are able to put back out into the world. Love is a beautiful energy that moves throughout and can start flowing with something as simple as a smile. We need love. We deserve love. Everyone. So I’m inspired by that need. In doing my part, I know that I’m assisting in the healing that needs to take place in our communities.

There are a lot of people hurting right now, and a lot of them don’t even know how to fully express that ‘hurt’. Our souls are in need of replenishment and nurturing care. Through Glo’ N Up Publications, the Glo’ Up Box, development of an Identity-driven curriculum, educational resources, and a slew of other projects, I know that I will aid in love being replenished throughout the community.

As a black woman, I’ve seen and encountered many obstacles throughout my life journey that have taught me that you have to love yourself first. If you have love in you, that’s all you’ll have to give back. Right now, a lot of people’s systems are overloaded with fear, resentment, guilt, anger, and a host of other emotions that are drowning out their purpose. I want to use my words, products, and resources to remind individuals that their purpose is too dope to settle for anything that isn’t benefiting their journey in a positive way.

I always want people to understand that they are appreciated, needed, and are more amazing than they give themselves credit for. I’ve poured love into students for the past 14 years in the education system. Now I want to pour that love into the world and keep Glo’N Up daily.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After 14 years in education, I now write. I published my first book, “Stop Fuckin’ Settling”, a short reflection of my life journey and the need for healing mentally, physically, and spiritually.

I currently put most of my energy into the official launch of “The Glo’ Up Box” a self-care box subscription designed to promote self-care, self-love, and healing. I’ve been working on these boxes for the past year, and I feel they will make the impact that is intended. The Glo’ Up Box was created for black women, young and old, that want to invest in a monthly self-care kit, filled with products from other black creators and other tools to aid in their growth and development.

After my years in education, it showed me the need for an identity-driven curriculum for black students. I substituted for 8 years and taught English in my own classroom for 6 years. I taught 12th grade English the last 2 years. I feel there is too much time that is given to a system that gets a young adult to the end and has not prepped them in the manner that will truly help them gain success. A lot of children are not made aware of their gifts or even have an understanding of them having a purpose. A lot of students reached me in 12th grade not knowing what they were going to do after that chapter, and it scared them. Identity is needed. Not just a one-sided, repeated narrative. So another focus right now is homeschool resources and curriculum. Creating products that will allow parents to feel comfortable facilitating their child’s education.

Glo’ N Up Publications was created to aid in the growth and development of the black community, through written knowledge and shared experiences. I want to remind and reiterate that everyone has a purpose, their journey is as important as anyone else’s, and they are needed. Society is setting outrageous standards that are causing people to stay in a constant need for more, and not understand they have everything they need already. Through the writing and sharing of life experiences, the challenges, good and bad, Glo’N Up will help to exude creativity, positivity, and confidence daily.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay, well I’m currently in Hampton Roads, Ava, but headed to Arizona at the end of August. Virginia Beach is of course a great tourist spot, so the Oceanfront should definitely be on the to-do list. There’s live entertainment and great fun for the family.

For the eats, my favorite go-to spot is, Our People’s Seafood Soulfood. I love them. They are located in Norfolk, recently opening a second “dine-in” location in Oceanview. The food is so consistently good!! That will be the first place I miss after this move.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Village. We all should be afforded with individuals that aid in our journey in a positive way, and provide the guidance and direction we need. Understanding that not everyone is blessed with a ‘village’ that serves that purpose, ensures that I will always appreciate and be grateful for the people along my journey.

My family has always loved and supported me, even if they didn’t understand some of the choices that I’ve made along my journey. They still allowed me to make them, and have always been supportive in all the ways they know how to be. My family is amazing and I appreciate them.

The friends and support systems that I’ve been blessed with is unbelievable at times. I love them so much. My network is beyond extraordinary. Everyone has been placed in my life at the times I’ve needed them most, and anyone I need is always just a phone call away.

The two young ladies that I’ve been entrusted to guide on their spiritual journey, are my number one fans!! Because of them, all of this is possible. The love they place into me, and the trust they have in all I do, I have no choice but to be everything they need me to be.

I’m grateful for my beautiful village.

Website: https://glonupcom.wpcomstaging.com/

Instagram: @glonup.publications

Twitter: @Glonup1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046322472257

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCtGsIFDwgfWeYIlCOtTYB6w

Other: My Blog https://butcanyoureadtho.blog/

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