Meet Neiki Jones | Founder

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

Hi Neiki, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting A.L.A.Y.A Ministries, a non-profit organization, was to create an organization that would equip others to know that they are leaders. Growing up I did not believe I was a leader because I did not know my own self-worth or own self-identity. For so long I allowed others to define me by how they labeled me as. I was more a “people pleaser” than a leader. I did not understand that there was in fact a leader within myself that has always been there but dormant. Hence, A.L.A.Y.A stands for (activating leadership to accomplish your ambitions) therefore, the leader that was on the inside has always been there but I needed to connect myself to the right source to activate that which was dormant. First, I had to change my mindset by removing my own self-sabotage of not believing that there is more to me and to TRULY understand my self-worth. With the help of God, I was able to free myself from the bondage of self-doubt and built A.L.A.Y.A Ministries to share with everyone three basic principles that will liberate, heal and deliver the leader in each of us. The three basic principles are to Embrace, Empower, and Exalt. Embrace: Deliverance comes when you embrace your true self. The self, God meant for you to be uniquely flawed, but blessed. Empower: Accepting her newfound role as a leader, Neiki immediately became empowered and filled with the desire to help others overcome obstacles in their lives and breakthrough to their inner leader. Empowerment means that you will no longer give in to the notion that you’re not worthy! Exalt: Nothing can be accomplished without the Exaltation of the Lord. God has equipped us all to be leaders and it doesn’t matter where you are in your life. He will fill you, lift you, guide you, forgive you, and use you to help build his kingdom.

What should our readers know about your business?
My profession is in the Information Technology field that I have had the privilege to be apart of for 11 years. As we all know technology is constantly changing with the time and I am blessed to be apart of an industry that is constantly changing and helping the lives of others. I believe what sets me apart from others is the ability to truly understand someone else’s story without passing judgment or making what they have experienced to be my story. To love others, I mean truly love those who have wronged me and love them unconditionally by not allowing their actions to taint my heart because God looks at the heart of a man. Also, what sets me apart is that I am able to relate to everyone, not just one specific group. I am most proud and excited about Neiki Speaks, LLC which is separate from the organization. It’s a funny thing because Neiki Speaks LLC was only for encouragement and uplifting others. That was my plan but God had a bigger plan. After contracting COVID-19 and almost lost my life to the virus my plan was no longer my plan but God’s plan. After covid, the plan God had for me regarding NeikiSpeaks became, even more, bigger and that is to continue to encourage others and help others find their purpose in life by helping to piece the broken pieces back together. I am also proud of becoming a first-time author of, “When The Pieces Begin to Fit”that is currently available on Amazon. I am excited about my new venture of becoming a Peer to Peer Recovery Coach. Becoming a coach will allow me to walk side by side with those who are not necessarily recovering from substance abuse but might be recovering from depression, suicidal thoughts, divorce, low-self esteem, rejection, and or abandonment. I am able to help them because I too have my struggles. I understand that my trials were equipping me for a greater cause and that was to help God’s people. I can truly say that it was all God who allowed me to get where I am business-wise. Being in the Information Technology field or being a coach is not always easy at first especially when you are stepping into the unknown. In order to overcome I had to disrupt my own fear, doubt, and self-sabotage in order to walk in the fullness that was predestined for me. The lessons I have learned along the way is that one, life is short and to live life. I have learned that I cannot expect me from others. Life is a lesson and it’s about what you learn from it, we all make mistakes but we must learn from those mistakes. One major lesson I have learned is to not put all your trust in people and to love people for where they are and who they are not for who I want them to be. I would like the world to know that they are leaders and despite if they have had others tell them they will never be anything or do anything in life, is that God created them for greatness and God’s word says, I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Do not give credence to what others have said. I want the world to know that, you are ZEALOUS, COURAGEOUS, OVERCOMERS, AND STRONG BEYOND WHAT OUR CEREBRAL AND FATHOM. You were created to live a life that is meaningful and purposeful. There is more to you than you can imagine. Your failures are just a stepping stone that allows you to reach your next step. Life is full of lows and highs but how you climb above will be the result of your determination.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would first introduce my friend to the friends I have in Houston. We would have a day of  pampering by  getting manicures, pedicures and massages. I would take her to the outlet malls to shop or just shopping period. We would go to restaurants that they do not have in their city. We would take a trip to the beach or go to Kemah. Take a day trip to either  Austin or Dallas. We will visit different museums and attend the zoo, the Escape Game and visit a winery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to first give my shoutout to God because without him I would be nothing. I would like to shoutout to all the individuals who never gave up on their dreams. To those who continue to press through life when life has not been all that great. To those whom others have counted out, yet are still standing. For those who put others’ needs before their own and for those who help without expecting anything in return and for personal gain. I would like to shoutout my mom, Sylvia Hill for always being an example of what a leader looks like and that with perseverance, anything and everything is possible. To the ALAYA team for always being supportive and ensuring that we meet the needs of the community.

Website: www.alayaministries.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alayaministries
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiki-jones-461b4734/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALAYAministries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alayaministries/