Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Jones
Hi Brittany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m on the journey of becoming a serial-entrepreneur and quite frankly, I didn’t know I would be! My business as a journalist, communications professional, and author have all developed out of my love for storytelling and my personal life experiences. I started writing stories when I was in elementary school and I’ve always wanted to use my voice to help others in need, so I got my journalism degree from the University of Florida and became an Emmy-nominated and Associated-Press award-winning tv news anchor, reporter, and host. My career spans from the local news desks of Florida to national news and shows. But, it’s been my experience of grief that has thrusted me into entrepreneurship after losing my soulmate in the line of duty. Fire Eng. Mike Freeland, was with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department for 7.5 years and passed after saving a woman’s life who was involved in an accident. Since then, I’ve been working through this tragedy by sharing both of our stories about the legacy he leaves behind and writing a new chapter of my own with the award-winning Mike the Friendly Firefighter children’s book series and the creation of B.Free Communications & Consulting to help businesses and nonprofits tell their brand stories through content creation and communications strategy. Now, I speak to adults about turning their pain into purpose and to children about being resilient, brave, and determined to always help someone in need.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve encountered so many challenges because I made kind of a tremendous pivot in my career. I was working for the Black News Channel Network that abruptly shutdown while I was newly in the grieving process and then I was out of a job. I decided going back into news full time after 12 years wasn’t going to work for me at that time and I landed into entrepreneurship. I started getting contracts including Duval County Public Schools, freelancing with WJXT, film background acting, branded content creation and hosting, and hosted the NAACP’s National Convention. The first year was great, but year two has been challenging because so many businesses are cutting back on staffing which means they aren’t picking up as many freelancers or booking services, plus the news business has also sliced staffing. Additionally, writing the first book of my series was hard because I couldn’t do it at home and I needed a change of scenery. My friend brought me out to California and I finished the first book and published it in November of 2023. This season of life takes a lot of prayer, hard work, and walking in faith. It hasn’t been easy to navigate, but working through this journey has been rewarding during the toughest times.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about B.Free Communications and Consulting LLC?
I started B.Free Communications & Consulting because I have a deeply-rooted passion for storytelling, for people, and making a tremendous impact on our future generation of individual and business leaders. As a professional storytelling business, I wanted to be a solution to many problems and challenges that non-profits, businesses, and educational programs face such as many organizations struggle with gaining visibility and promoting their growth. By crafting compelling brand stories and using innovative content creation, my business helps these entities stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract their target audience. Furthermore, effective communication is sometimes difficult as organizations often find it difficult to communicate their mission and impact effectively. As a seasoned journalist with nearly 15 years of experience, my ability to offer news-style storytelling enables organizations to present their narratives in a compelling way, enhancing their engagement and outreach. I also offer hosting, podcasting public speaking, writing, and voiceover services as a part of my communications services. Lastly, I understand the importance of getting a great education in a space where opportunities don’t always intersect with the underserved communities. I wanted to address educational gaps since there is often a need for quality educational programming, especially in underserved communities. So, I teamed up with a business partner to integrate arts and technology within STEAM fields, providing valuable learning experiences that promote digital literacy and social-emotional learning. For anyone looking to work with me in the future, I’m most proud of my authenticity and my gifts to connect with everyone I meet, in which I believe sets B.Free a part from other businesses.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If anyone wants to catch me in action nationally, take a look at TV One’s Fatal Attraction Show to see my work as an expert journalist and to grab a copy of my children’s book and book a classroom or program visit, please visit mikethefriendlyfirefighter.com. If there’s one piece of advice that I could give to those who are inspired to to become an entrepreneur, it’s to do the work you’re most passion about and don’t be afraid to share your gifts or your stories with the world because someone needs it. You have the power to write your own story and whenever you feel like giving up remember you hold the pen to write the next chapter!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bfreecommunications.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfreecommunications/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrittanyDJonesReports
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MsBJones10
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/mike.thefriendlyfirefighter/
