Meet Cal-I Jonel
We had the good fortune of connecting with Cal-I Jonel and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cal-I, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Creativity has been a constant thread in my life for as long as I can remember. After spending eleven years as as secondary school teacher I felt an undeniable pull to revisit my creative roots. My decision was driven by a desire to set an example for my children, demonstrating what it truly means to pursue one’s dreams. I yearned to grant myself the freedom to dream boldly and engage in what I love most. This journey represents more than just a career shift for me—it’s about building a life aligned with my innate strengths and challenging conventional notions of what a career should be. I also wanted to give myself permission to dream again during my mid-thirties.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I left an 11-year teaching career in 2018 to pursue a life centered around creativity. I chose to enroll in a part-time drama school for a year, reigniting my passion for the arts and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. My primary aim was to reconnect with my identity as a creative individual. Two years into this journey, I signed with an acting agent and booked my first professional role in the West End!
Working in the West End was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I had to absorb a vast amount of new information and rapidly hone skills that had been dormant for a while. Fortunately, when I embarked on this new career path, I promised myself I would be like a sponge, ready to soak in every experience. I made my professional debut in February 2020, but this moment was short-lived due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with unemployment, a family to support, and bills to pay, I was forced to pivot once more in 2020. This period taught me a great deal about my resilience and adaptability, prompting me to delve into TV and film and rekindle my passion for writing.
I’ve always dreamed of creating my own work, and the pandemic presented the perfect opportunity to refine my voice as a playwright and theatre-maker. It was then that I began developing a theatre show based on an idea I had long nurtured.
One of my proudest moments was debuting my self-penned gig-theatre piece, *No More Mr. Nice Guy*, on a sold-out tour across the UK. The production garnered award nominations and critical acclaim. Collaborating with an insanely talented group of individuals brought this dream to life and reinforced my belief that the best art emerges from collaboration.
This gig-theatre show allowed me to bring together all the creative skills I’d cultivated over the years—acting, singing, writing, and music. For the first time in my creative journey, I could confidently say I was doing exactly what I felt called to do.
The early lessons I learned from Myles Munroe’s writings, particularly the mantra “Live Full, Die Empty,” became a guiding principle in my life. The idea of “small steps, big moves” transformed from a motto into a lifestyle.
My guiding star: cultivating family, pursuing creative excellence, and inspiring others. These are the goals I strive to achieve with my art, and my gig-theatre show brought me closer to realizing them than ever before.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned throughout my career transition is to trust myself to follow through on my commitments, relentlessly pursue my creative passions, and invest in self-development to build a life around my strengths.
It hasn’t been easy; it has required immense patience, adaptability, and sacrifice. But it has been absolutely worth it.
I thank God for the people He has placed in my life to help me to realise my dreams.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Morning – Breakfast at The Foundation Coffee House in Manchester for breakfast Mid-morning- A luxury drive to a Spa for a treatment
Afternoon – A strength training session with a top coach at a top-class gym followed by afternoon tea
Evening – At trip to the theatre
Late evening – Turkish cuisine or sharing plates at a plush Caribbean restaurant
Rinse and repeat across the week whilst throwing in some leisure time at a local Snooker and Pool club, Open Mic nights and small gigs in and around London.
This would be the general template for each day and I’d make little adjustments to food choices and leisure activities each day.
Non-negotiables: quality food and lots of fun!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a tremendous amount to the many people who have poured into my life. I am grateful to God for my wife, Zara, the founding director of the award-winning tuition service Love Literacy Limited. She has been my steadfast supporter throughout my entire journey and was the first to encourage me to transition from teaching to pursue a career in the arts.
It was also my wife who introduced me to my first peak performance coach, Mervyn Barrett. During the 2020 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in helping me reframe my thinking and fortify my mindset for success in an incredibly challenging industry at a particularly difficult time. That period was transformative for me, and I am deeply thankful for his guidance.
I am also an avid reader and admirer of the late Myles Munroe. His profound books on masculinity and leadership have greatly influenced my values and beliefs as a young man.
I am blessed with a very supportive network of family and friends who consistently encourage me and back my endeavours (too many to name but they know who they are). They truly are my net worth!
And of course, a special shoutout to my children, my number one cheerleaders! They attend all my shows and share all my music. Their support means the world to me.
Website: https://linktr.ee/caljonel
Instagram: @caljonel
Image Credits
Professional Profile shots: YellowBelly Photography No More Mr Nice Guy Production Photography: Danny Kaan
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