Born on June 14, 1973, Jodaéa is a cross-genre author of romantic suspense and mystery thrillers. Raised in both Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland. She attended Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland as well as Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. She is also a Registered Nurse and member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. All of her life, Jodaéa always seemed to find herself either in or around the most unusual {and sometimes unbelievable} situations, often asking herself ‘Why me?’ From witnessing a neighbor’s death in 1979 at the age of 5; being the first on the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident in 1999; to observing the supernatural in a hospital room in 2006. In 2008, after much encouragement from family and friends to chronicle her past experiences, Jodaéa finally decided to give writing a try. She says her inspirations come from recalling past experiences then asking herself, What’s the worst that could have happened? Then letting the stories write themselves!
Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?
Jodaea: I wanted to do my books my way and I felt like “why waste my time trying to convince someone that my stories are good enough for print when I have all the tools to do so myself?” So, I took my degree and put it to use.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?
Jodaea: I don’t take NO for an answer. What one won’t do, the next one will. I don’t fear having to go back to the drawing board to regroup. I’m a firm believer in the fact that sometimes we have to take one step back in order to take more steps forward.
Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?
Jodaea: NOVELS BY JODAEA, LLC. I started it as a means of self-publishing my work but it has since morphed into more of a brand with NBJ merch, book bundles; and book boxes. In addition to assisting others in their self-publishing journeys I also donate bundles of my titles to community services to support reading programs.
Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?
Jodaea: Yes. When I initially started back in 2009, I really just flew by the seat of my pants, eager to see my work in print. After falling on my face, I realized there’s a process and I had to learn it. I took some years off, learned literary terms and the importance of networking and came back stronger with my second novel CAREFUL WHAT YOU PREY FOR.
Patrice: What projects are you’re currently working on?
Jodaea: My third novel is with the editor now. I have some expos and book fairs on the schedule as we’re beginning to reopen from COVID and I am ALWAYS looking for new opportunities for NBJ to shine.
Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?
Jodaea: Not really because my family works with and fully supports me. They know if I win, WE WIN!
Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?
Jodaea: It means independence. It means being a role model to my children and my people. Most importantly, it means being able to put respect on my family’s name.
Connect with Jodaea:
Website: NOVELSBYJODAEA.COM
IG: @JODAEANOVELS
FB: NOVELS BY JODAEA
