Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Katie Jones, owner of The Jonesy Company, Michigan With Kids, and Lansing Mom.
To start, we asked Katie to share a few fun facts about herself with us!
- She loves capturing stories in photographs and video that make people feel something.
- She wanted to be a writer from a very young age but lost herself somewhere along the way and is finally coming back to that dream.
- She has her Masters in Education and although she left teaching, she uses it frequently when working with small business owners.
We asked her to share a little bit more about her business with us, too. Get to know Katie and her businesses The Jonesy Company, Michigan With Kids, and Lansing Mom, below!
How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?
“Honestly, I have multiple businesses and just continued to follow what I love. I know that sounds a little cliché but my business changes and adapts all the time based on what I love and am passionate about. I don’t believe that we have to continue to fit a box or a mold.
“For family photography and brand photography, I want it to feel REAL. I started off just taking photos but quickly found that I don’t care for styled sessions and prefer families at home, real life, real days, real love. The same thing applies to brands; while we all need a head shot I’d rather you show me what you do and capture your brand that way. For Michigan With Kids I just let my kids lead me wherever they want to go and we share our very real life exploring. Lansing Mom started as a branch of Detroit Mom but has grown into so much more as a place for moms to connect and feel seen.
“The Jonesy Co. I fell into because I wanted to capture authentic photos and video content for mothers and women who own businesses while providing mentor support for women heading into entrepreneurship. I had been in the entrepreneurship world for a couple years and just felt there was a huge gap in the industries for capturing mothers in ALL that they do; I don’t like to compartmentalize life because it’s messy. The Jonesy Co. is here to support the mother in all that she is.
“Michigan With Kids was a pipeline dream that started in 2021 and has just recently taken off after a lot of hard work on social media. Lansing Mom was a sort of franchise opportunity that was honestly started by women asking for it.”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
“I would have set my services at a higher price. I realize now that what I offer is invaluable and that by not valuing my time, experience, and work I began to burn myself out.”
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
“Community. Plain and simple, you’ve got to be a part of it if you want things to happen for you. Being a part of a community is going to get you ten times further.”
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?
“Up to this point I haven’t faced adversity due to being a woman. I think my business models are built to serve mothers and that many women can relate to them.”
How do you persevere in challenging times?
“Quitting, for me, is not an option. I always believe that there is something out there that is right for me, and that I have to keep pushing, even on the hardest days.”
What impact do you want your business to have?
“I want mothers to feel something when they see my businesses at work. Whether it’s a cool spot to take your kids, a moment in time frozen, help with your own business, or a place where you feel seen.”
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2024?
“Pros: I can make my own schedule, I make my work fit into my life and not the other way around, and I have the opportunity to make an impact by working with organizations that are pushing for change.
“Cons: people still underestimate women-owned businesses or think that it’s a side hustle, or ask about my “little job.” I think many people don’t realize the work women are doing every day in entrepreneurship and the value that my job holds for our family.”
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
“Get a mentor. If you want to start out in entrepreneurship find a mentor who can help you. It will get you where you want to go ten times faster and save you from a few headaches as well! Plus the bonus of having someone to talk to as you navigate entrepreneurship is priceless.”
What do you do for personal and professional development?
“I am currently part of a mastermind group with six other amazing women, all in the same industry as me. I have had mentors, I love to read books for entrepreneurs. And most importantly I like to show up in the community. I learn so much by surrounding myself with other women in entrepreneurship.”
What mantra or quote do you live by?
“I love the quote that reads, “It’s all art.” There are several different variations of it but it is a constant reminder to me that it’s all beautiful, even your mess: “It’s all art. The way you laugh. Your smile. Your wardrobe. The way you decorate your house. The way you dance. Your energy. Your collection of books and the way you write. Your playlists. Your grocery lists. Your friendships. It’s all art. Your whole life is art.””
What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?
“In all of Michigan: Marquette, it’s just stunning in the Upper Peninsula and it’s our favorite Michigan Town. In Detroit: the river walk at all times, it’s gorgeous, there’s always something going on and [it’s] perfect for the kids.”
Where can our readers find you on social media?
You can follow Katie Jones a few ways: The Jonesy Company, Lansing Mom, The Jones Photo Co., and Michigan With Kids.
