More than food: JJ’s Mama’s Soulfood LLC to sponsor Career Day

Tyleata Jones is pictured in front of the Soulfood Giving Foundation sign featured in her restaurant, JJ’s Mama’s Soulfood & More. The cornhole artwork artist's is Gina Andrews of "So Stoked Skate Shop" {Contributed photo}

Something about the fall season reminds me of good food, family and fellowship. Is it the change from the stifling heat to the crisp, cool night air? Maybe it’s the fact that days are shorter and nights are longer, thus promoting the longing to be home, relaxing in a favorite chair and sipping on a hot pumpkin spice latte while reading a good devotional book? Yeah, you know the feeling. There is nothing like comfort food in the cool of the day and that is one of the reasons many in the community dine at JJ’s Mama’s Soulfood LLC. Tyleata Jones, the inspiring owner, has created an atmosphere of home, comfort and love within her restaurant. She wants the community to know she offers more than just good soul food but a place where people of all ages, especially youth, can connect with fellow successful people who will help them with their aspirations.

One way Jones is helping area youth is by sponsoring a Career Day that will take place at the Breeden Insurance Amphitheater, 333 S Main St, Lexington, on Saturday, October 14. This event will begin at 12 and run until 6 p.m. Jones has worked tirelessly pulling the community together for the common cause of connecting youth to successful businesses within the community. To get into the event is free, but there will be vendors representing their careers. Vendors such as the Millionaire’s Women’s Club, the Cub Scouts, the sheriff’s and fire departments, the Jungle Riders, Truckers, Garrett Holloway, Jim Levi and the District Group. There will be vendors selling Paparazzi Jewelry, candles and much more. Some vendors will be seeking to hire.

Jones, a lover of music and a singer, has some great talent lined up as well. The DCCC Band, James Littlejohn, Lemonade, Will Wildfire and many others will be on hand. Jones will also perform herself! A chef, an entrepreneur and a singer? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, there’s a jewel in the local community. Jones explained, “These are positive people saying positive words.” She added it’s because of the community, she is here.

“I just want to pour back into my community. Life is life-ing right now.” Jones is grateful for the sponsors helping her. Her nonprofit organization, Soulfood Giving Foundation, which is also a sponsor, has been a blessing to many in need. “You don’t look down on people. You never know who you are going to need.” Proceeds from this event will go back into the Soulfood Giving Foundation and continue to help those in need.

Jones is not stopping at vendors and singers, so there will be a Kid Zone, a bounce house, face painting and a costume contest. The best dressed will receive a prize! So come on out to this amazing event. With humble beginnings in her restaurant, then to her bar, and now the amphitheater, Jones has given from a loving heart, and it has been giving back to her. As the scripture says in Luke 6:38a, “Give and it will be given to you. Your gift will return to you in full-pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.”