Alicia S. Jones is businesswoman and author from Louisiana who currently lives in Southern California. She is COO and Director of Events for Smokey Note Entertainment and Vice President of Southern University Alumni, Los Angeles Chapter. Additionally, she is the girls varsity volleyball coach at Vineyard Christian School and a volunteer for Forever Footprints organization.
Her new book, Sentenced To Live, is a vulnerable and transparent account that takes readers on a spiritual journey; it teaches how faith is easy when one’s senses are intact, but when a mother’s greatest fear devastates her existence twice, this remarkable yet unwavering faith is deployed through the desperation to survive.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Jones to talk about her new book, her business endeavors, and how she maintains it all.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Alicia S. Jones?
Alicia Jones: I am a loving wife to my best friend, Greg, and mother to my beautiful daughter, Genesis. I have a strong faith in God, a heart for people, and love encouraging others. I enjoy cooking and exercising. I am witty; I love to laugh and try to keep a positive outlook on life.
What is Smokey Note Entertainment and some of your day-to-day duties as COO and Director of Events?
Smokey Note Entertainment is an event planning company in Southern California. We provide live music, bands, singers, sound equipment, etc. for corporate events, weddings, and special occasions. My day-to-day duties include addressing the needs of our current clients, recruiting talent and client retention. I handle all of the contracts, confirm all logistics, and manage the talent for events.
Tell us about your new book, Sentenced To Live.
“Sentenced to Live” is an insight into my journey through motherhood. Starting a family comes naturally for a lot of people, however, I endured some major challenges. I share intimate details on the loss of my two sons in back to back pregnancies before I had my miracle child, Genesis, who has cerebral palsy.
Sentenced to Live teaches how faith is easy when one’s senses are intact, but when my greatest fears devastated me twice, my faith in God was the reason I survived. The book offers hope for those who are experiencing similar situations of loss and grief.
What would you like readers to take away from the book?
I believe that there is a plan and purpose for each of our lives. We all will experience seasons of loss, pain, and suffering. Whether it is through the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or whatever that interruption of life may be, I want my readers to know that there is purpose behind the pain.
Do you have a secret formula for balancing being a mother, wife, and your various business endeavors?
My secret formula for maintaining balance is a six-letter word – “PRAYER!” I start my day with prayer and meditation, followed by reading various daily devotionals and journaling. I find that my day is unbalanced if I attempt to do any tasks prior to prayer. Work-life balance is very important to me. I have a simplified planner that assists me with prioritizing action items.
As a native of Louisiana, what are some of your favorite sites to show out of town friends and family when they visit?
I am proud Louisiana native. I love taking my out of town friends to visit my favorite restaurant, Parrain’s Seafood, my alma mater, Southern University A&M College, Louisiana State University, downtown Baton Rouge, Café Du Monde for beignets, and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Our visit is not complete without a final stop at Tony’s Seafood for boudin balls and crawfish.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know how much I love both college and professional football. I literally count down the days to the first game of the season. My favorite NFL team is the New Orleans Saints. Who Dat!
Can you name one book that changed or really impacted your life and give a sentence about why?
In His Face by Bob Sorge really changed and impacted my life. The author empowered me after he shared that he was unable to speak due to an unexpected illness, yet he continued to encourage others by writing many books post-diagnosis.
Best advice to young people?
Stay focused and believe in your dreams. Surround yourself with positive individuals and continue working on personal development. Cherish family relationships.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is, “There is no greater agony than an untold story inside of you,” by Maya Angelou
How are you adjusting to life in the age of corona?
Adjusting to life in the age of coronavirus has been interesting and rewarding. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be home with my family. I am doing my best to stay informed on the latest news updates, but also avoiding information overload.
I am also cooking and home schooling my special needs daughter. Although our way of life has changed immensely, I strive to keep some normalcy by participating in our Sunday worship service and chatting with friends and family virtually on weekly basis. I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to those who have lost a love one to this deadly virus.
What’s next for Alicia S. Jones?
I plan to write more inspiring books to uplift others and host informational seminars and provide resources to encourage those experiencing pregnancy and infancy loss as well as special needs parenting.
For more information on Alicia and her book, please visit www.sentencedtolive.com and connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
