Meet Je Taun Barron | Best Selling Author, Publisher, Speaker & Founder of Perfectly Imperfect Foundation

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

Hi Je Taun, how does your business help the community?
As an author and publisher, my business aims to make a positive impact on the community and the world by providing encouragement and support to women who have experienced loss, hurt, or pain. Through my book, I strive to convey the message that regardless of the challenges faced in different seasons of life, hope can still be found. I firmly believe that our ultimate hope lies in Jesus Christ, and he can transform our pain into purpose.

By expressing these ideas in my latest book, I aim to contribute to the healing process of individuals and communities. It is important for people to have a sense of community and to know that they are never alone in their struggles. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to seek connection, find solace in their faith, and embrace the truth that there is hope even in the darkest times.

Ultimately, I believe that my work as an author and publisher helps the community and the world by providing a source of inspiration, fostering a sense of unity, and encouraging individuals to find hope and healing in their lives.

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.

Tell us more about your work. What sets you apart from others and what are you most proud of or excited about?

I am a Best- Selling Author, Publisher, Speaker, and the visionary Founder/CEO of the Perfectly Imperfect Foundation. My heart’s mission is to empower women and young girls worldwide to live life unapologetically as their true authentic selves. I am most proud of my latest publication, ‘Hope for Women in Trial, Embracing All Seasons in Life,’
which inspires readers to embrace self-acceptance and understand the transformative power it holds in healing from the past and turning pain into purpose. This book serves as a constant reminder that our uniqueness should be celebrated, as we are all masterpieces created by God.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

My journey to where I am today professionally has been a challenging but ultimately rewarding one. It was not easy, but I have overcome the obstacles I faced through faith and resilience. One of the most difficult moments in my life was the unexpected loss of my father in 2018. This tragedy left me feeling devastated and hopeless.

However, through a dream where my father appeared to me, I found comfort and peace. I believe that it was God’s grace and love that carried me through this difficult time. God has been my source of healing and strength, reminding me that His love is unwavering even in our brokenness. Resting in the assurance of God’s love, I found healing for my heart and restoration of hope.

Throughout this journey, I have learned the importance of taking things one day at a time and persevering through challenges. I know that my father is watching over me from Heaven, and that thought brings a smile to my face. I am grateful for the lessons learned and the growth that has come from these experiences, and I am committed to continuing to inspire and uplift others on their own journeys.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I hold a deep and unwavering commitment to empowering women and young girls to wholeheartedly embrace their beautifully imperfect selves and live a life filled with purpose, hope, love, and unapologetic authenticity.

I firmly believe that every person has a unique and meaningful purpose in this world. It is my heartfelt mission to help individuals like yourself discover and fully embrace that purpose, allowing it to guide and shape their lives.

Through my work, I am dedicated to spreading awareness about the profound significance of cultivating a positive body image and self-esteem. I want everyone to understand that they are not just ordinary beings, but rather, they are divine masterpieces lovingly created by God.

I want to emphasize that you, too, are a masterpiece, and your uniqueness should be cherished and celebrated. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-love, unlocking the boundless potential that lies within you. Let’s embrace the beautifully imperfect journey of life and create a world where every woman and young girl can confidently and unapologetically shine their light.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Chicago for a week, I would make sure to show them the best time ever. Here’s a sample itinerary of places to eat, drink, visit, and hang out:

Day 1:
– Start the trip with a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s.
– Take a walk along the Magnificent Mile, exploring the shops and landmarks like the Tribune Tower, the original Chicago Fire Station and Wrigley Building.
-Dinner at Roka Akor.
– Enjoy drinks and live music at a blues club like Buddy Guy’s Legends.

Day 2:
– Start the day with brunch at Wishbone.
– Visit Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “The Bean”) and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
– Take an architectural boat tour along the Chicago River to admire the city’s stunning skyline.
-Dinner at Gibsons Italia.

Day 3:
– Head to the vibrant neighborhood of Wicker Park for brunch Sushi Taku or Big Star.
– Explore the unique boutiques, vintage shops, and street art in Wicker Park and neighboring Logan Square.
-Dinner at 90 Miles Cuban Cafe.
– Enjoy a relaxing evening at one of the rooftop lounges in the area, like THE UP ROOM.

Day 4:
– Have breakfast at Chicago Waffles for their delicious food.
– Spend the morning at the Art Institute of Chicago, admiring famous artworks.
– In the afternoon, take a stroll along Navy Pier, ride the Ferris wheel, and enjoy the lakefront views.
-Dinner at La Josie.
-Catch a White Sox Game in the evening.

Day 5:
– Start the day with brunch at Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago.
– Visit the Museum of Science and Industry, located in Jackson Park. Explore its interactive exhibits and learn about science and technology. Then take a stroll along the Lakefront Trail in Jackson Park and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
-Dinner at Virtue in Hyde Park enjoying all the Hearty Southern Cooking.
-End the evening at Lazy Bird Speakeasy and enjoy live music.

Day 6:
– Enjoy brunch at Au Cheval and know everything is delicious.
– Take a scenic bike ride or walk along the Lakefront Trail, soaking in the views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
– Visit the DuSable Museum of African American History in Washington Park and learn about the rich history and contributions of African Americans.
-Dinner at Indian House Restaurant.
-Experience the vibrant nightlife in Hyde Park at The Promontory, which often hosts live music and DJ sets.

Day 7:
– Start the day with brunch at Batter & Berries.
– Explore the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of Chinatown and Greektown, trying out different cuisines and experiencing the cultural heritage.
-Karaoke at No.18 Karaoke Bar in Chinatown.
– End the trip with a comedy show at The Second City or iO Theater.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Life becomes so much more meaningful when we take a moment to appreciate the amazing people who have shaped our lives. Looking back on my journey, I can’t help but share the incredible impact my dad has had on me. His guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support have truly shaped who I am today and propelled me forward.

One of the most important lessons my dad taught me is the power of compassion, empathy, and community. He genuinely cares about people and goes above and beyond to make a positive difference in their lives. He’s shown me that when we actively engage, support one another, and create a sense of unity, communities thrive. Building meaningful relationships and making a difference in the world starts with understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level. My dad’s teachings have inspired me to always treat others with kindness, empathy, and respect, knowing that even the smallest acts of support can have a profound impact.

Another priceless lesson my dad taught me is the strength of resilience. He showed me that setbacks and failures aren’t signs of defeat, but opportunities for growth and learning. He instilled in me the belief that I have the power to overcome any challenge that comes my way, and with determination and perseverance, I can achieve my goals.

My dad also emphasized the pursuit of excellence. He encouraged me to always strive for the highest standards in everything I do. Whether it’s writing a book, publishing a manuscript, or giving a speech, he taught me the value of continuous improvement, hard work, and dedication.

Moreover, my dad’s unwavering support and belief in me have given me the confidence to take risks and step out of my comfort zone. He’s been my biggest cheerleader, reminding me of my potential even when self-doubt creeps in. His unwavering faith in me has been a driving force in my journey, and I’m forever grateful for his belief in my abilities.

Even though my dad may no longer be physically with me, his teachings and presence continue to guide me every step of the way. His memory and the values he instilled in me influence every decision I make and every action I take. I strive to honor his legacy by living a purpose-driven life, making a difference in the lives of others, and carrying forward his passion for strengthening communities.

My dad’s influence goes way beyond my professional life. His teachings of compassion, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence have shaped me into the person I am today. His unwavering support and belief in my abilities continue to inspire me to push boundaries and make a positive impact in the world. I’m deeply grateful for the time I had with him, and I’m determined to carry his legacy forward in everything I do.

Website: https://www.jetaunbarron.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/je_taun?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Je_Taun

Other: https://www.perfectlyimperfectfoundation.com/

Image Credits
NINA OTTOLINO