Meet: Cotrina Jones!

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers:

Greetings, I am Cotrina Jones and I live to inspire by following my motto in life, "Aim to Inspire!" I am the CEO and founder of The Cjaye Group, LLC. The Cjaye Group is a strategic marketing, events management and business consulting & coaching firm. My clientele base consist of the dreamers, visionaries, aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals wishing to turn their ideas into reality. I assist them in designing the road-map or blueprint to bringing their dream into full fruition.

I started The Cjaye Group in 2008 with a focus on marketing and public relations. Following a life changing event, I reorganized my business in 2014 with the motivation and intention to inspire by empowerment, encouragement and enrichment. I launched the "Aim to Inspire" series in 2015 which is an entrepreneur and self-enrichment workshop. It's geared to inspiring attendees to live their dreams and to live on purpose by providing key business tools and knowledge, motivational speakers and business networking.

​The Cjaye Group is also actively involved in the community and is in partnership with Unity in Our Community ATL, which feeds, clothes and empowers the less fortunate once a month. In 2016, I added the youth edition "Aim to Inspire" Expo, which focuses on back to school activities and empowers the youth by presenting youth entrepreneurs and performers. This event is held in July in partnership with the Carrie Steele-Pitts Home, Inc.    

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest?

I followed my purpose and passion in life in 2007 after realizing I enjoyed assisting and helping individuals who dream and are visionaries. Being a single mother of two loving, funny and smart girls gives me inspiration to pursue my passion and to live on purpose. They inspire me daily and my will to leave a legacy behind to them is truly inspiring for me to continue pursuing my dreams. I am also inspired by the will and drive of those around me to live their dreams and to step into their purpose. I am a firm believer in living your life and not just existing in life. Therefore, I will strive daily to continue to live the life I want and to be the person I desire. Simply "being" is inspiring in itself.  

What advice would you share with those interested in a similar pursuit?

My advice to anyone interested in a similar pursuit is to be a subject matter expert in your subject area. Whatever you desire to be: claim it, study it, know it and be it. Always continue educating yourself and expanding your knowledge to a higher level. Never stay stagnant or complacent! Challenge yourself on a monthly  basis (or however you see fit) to do something different, read a new book, or take a new class. But always continue growing and learning new things. 

Also, surround yourself around people who want the best for you and who will elevate you to new heights. Having a positive mindset is a must and the people you interact with on a daily basis is key in maintaining positive vibes.   

Discuss a professional challenge and how you overcame it:

One particular professional challenge I encountered was in 2014 when I reorganized my business and had to rebuild my business relationships. I took sometime off from my business from 2011-2014, due to the birth of my second daughter and unforeseen obstacles I faced concerning my daughter's health and mine as well. So in 2014, I changed the focus of my business and began to reach out to old business friends and associates. It was a challenge because I hadn't spoken to some of my business associates in the course of three years, but I did not let that deter me from my vision. I first meditated and sat still to listen to my next moves.

Secondly, followed my road-map I designed for myself in accomplishing my goals, and lastly I executed my plan of action. The outcome was more than I imagined because not only did I rebuild some of my previous business relationships, but I created new ones. The one thing I learned and continue to do today, is sitting still and listening to my inner voice. Meditation enabled me to make better decisions and choices. Most importantly, I attracted the right people to reconnect and rebuild relationships with as well as new business relationships.    

What is next for your brand/business in 2017?

In 2017, I will launch my non-profit organization Starting Change Together, Inc. The idea of Starting Change Together was created from the thought of “change starts with you and me, so let's start together” and from simply wanting to create a change in our society by educating, mentoring and uplifting urban communities. The purpose of Starting Change Together is to consciously start creating change in communities in need by implementing projects specifically geared towards education, health awareness, financial literacy and mentoring the youth. 

The organization has already created a youth girls mentoring program scheduled to launch in May 2017. For interests, more information or if you would like to volunteer, email us at StartingChangeTogether@gmail.com. 

How can readers connect with you online and through social media
​
I am available to connect with you by the following:

Email: info@thecjayegroup.com
Ph:     470.207.3808
W:      http://www.thecjayegroup.com/

Social Media:
Twitter|IG|Facebook - @thecjayegroup

Schedule your free 15 minute "Get Inspired" consultation today. Let's start creating tangible strategies for your dreams and vision. 

Be Different. Be Brave. Be Great & Aim to Inspire!  ​

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