Meet Jowan Smith | CEO, Publicist, Event Planner, Author, and Commercial Model

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

Hi Jowan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that risk can be a requirement of growth. I took a major risk when I left my full-time career in 2018 to focus on building my business. That risk allowed me to focus on growing my professional and personal brand. I wasn’t able to see the full potential of my business idea when I was doing it part time. That risk forced me to make it work, to make it grow. It allowed me to find talent within myself that I didn’t even know existed. Had it not been for me taking a chance on myself there wouldn’t be a 1,000 Ties or any of my children’s books. So, taking a risk changed my life.

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.
My career an entrepreneur has been a journey of self-discovery. I would consider myself a philanthropist before an entrepreneur because every business that I create has some sort of give back. I believe in being of service and I truly love it. This however can be challenging because you need money to be an effective philanthropist. This led me to learn how to write grants. That way I can make a larger impact in the community without bankrupting my business. You can want to be of service but if you don’t have the funding, you can’t be effective. When it comes to 1,000 Ties we have our mentoring program and life skills program. There are other parts of the organization that are must haves for me. In February we have our annual event for young men and their families, in April we have family resource events at four schools and some libraries, and in December we adopt ten families that have experienced a loss. These events are all free to participants. These events are ones that I pour myself into and that I’m very proud of.
Even in my books I have found a way to give back by offering resources in the back of each book. So that’s what I would love people to know about me I love to give back and be of service.
I have used all of the skills i have learned over the years to make me strong as an entrepreneur. I have over 10 years of media experience and that has allowed me to strong in the marketing and public relations for both of my businesses and my books.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There would be no story to tell without talking about my son Trayvon Porter. He is the inspiration behind 1,000 Ties and the life skills curriculum. He has stood next to me during the growth of the business and the down time. When I decided to quit my job, he was terrified, but he stood tall and jumped right in everywhere he could to keep the business moving. Even though he is the child I learn so much from him daily. So, I definitely have to shoutout my son and thank him for being such a phenomenal person.

Website: www.1000ties.net

Instagram: @1000.ties