Meet Jai Brown | Founder & CEO of A Phoenix Woman, Author Certified Life Coach, Advocate for Women’s Empowerment and Domestic Violence

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

Hi Jai Brown, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting A Phoenix Woman was both a personal mission and a deeply rooted calling. As a woman who experienced domestic violence, emotional trauma, and the challenges of rebuilding life while raising children, I understood firsthand how isolating and overwhelming that journey can be—especially for women over 25 who often feel overlooked or expected to have it all figured out.

My thought process centered around creating something I wish had existed for me: a safe, judgment-free space where women could access essential household and hygiene items, feel seen, and receive the support needed to move from survival to self-sufficiency. I didn’t just want to meet needs—I wanted to restore dignity, empower decision-making, and help women rise from their own ashes stronger than before.

A Phoenix Woman is built on the belief that every woman deserves a second chance, and that transformation is possible when you’re given the right support. I created this organization not just to help—but to elevate, to inspire, and to remind women that they are not alone, and they are not broken.

What should our readers know about your business?
A Phoenix Woman is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a movement. It’s a sacred space for women who have faced hardship, heartbreak, and hidden battles. We provide household and hygiene essentials to women over 25 with children who are experiencing poverty, but our mission runs deeper than meeting material needs. We offer dignity, encouragement, and support for women navigating some of life’s most difficult transitions. We don’t just hand out supplies—we help women rise.

What sets A Phoenix Woman apart is that it was created from lived experience. I’m not someone who read about hardship—I survived it. I’ve lived through domestic violence, emotional trauma, and the disorienting process of rebuilding while raising a family. I know what it feels like to smile in public while falling apart in private. That’s why everything we offer is rooted in empathy, not pity. Empowerment, not handouts.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the community we’re building. Women who thought they were forgotten are now seen, supported, and reminded of their value. Seeing them stand taller, speak louder, and believe again—that’s what excites me every day. I’m also proud of the partnerships and support we’ve gained from people and organizations who believe in our mission. We’re growing, and we’re doing it with heart and impact.

But getting to this point wasn’t easy. Starting a nonprofit from scratch, without a roadmap or large financial backing, required faith, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in the why. There were moments of doubt—times I wondered if I was doing enough or if the doors would ever open. But I kept moving. I kept praying. I kept showing up, even when it was just me. Because I knew someone out there needed what I was building.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned is this: Purpose will stretch you before it elevates you. Building a mission-driven business will expose every insecurity, challenge your endurance, and test your faith—but it will also refine you. I’ve learned that vulnerability is a strength, and that authenticity builds deeper connections than perfection ever could.

What I want the world to know about me and A Phoenix Woman is this: We are the evidence that rising from the ashes is possible. This brand, this mission, this movement—it’s for every woman who has ever felt silenced, invisible, or unworthy. We see you. We serve you. And we will continue to rise with you.

I am Jai Brown—a mother, a survivor, a certified life coach, an author, and a woman who refused to break. A Phoenix Woman is my offering to the world, and it’s only the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
North Texas: A Week-Long Luxury & Fun Adventure

Theme: A blend of relaxed small-town charm, outdoor adventures, delicious food, exciting excursions to nearby cities, with an elevated touch of luxury, unique experiences, and self-care.

Day 1: Arrival & North Dallas (with a touch of local elegance)

Morning/Afternoon: Pick up my friend from DFW Airport. Settle into a comfortable, perhaps more upscale, Airbnb or local hotel in North Dallas

Lunch: Common Table in North Dallas – still a perfect, charming introduction to local gourmet.

Afternoon: Relaxed stroll through Frisco Park. We could also explore any local antique shops in Frisco for unique finds.

Dinner: Hard 8 for authentic Texas BBQ, or for a slightly more refined casual experience.

Evening: Relaxed evening at home with local craft beers or wine, perhaps playing some light jazz or blues.

Day 2: Lakeside Fun & Denton Delights (with a creative twist)

Morning: Head to Lake Lewisville for some outdoor fun – renting a boat or kayaks, or simply enjoying the atmosphere at Little Elm Park.

Lunch: Casual lakeside lunch or a delicious picnic we’ve curated from a local gourmet market.

Afternoon: Explore Denton Square. Beyond the shops, we’ll head to a candle-making workshop! Places like The Candle Bar or Golden Blk Candle Lounge in Dallas (we’d adjust travel time) offer a fun, interactive, and aromatic experience. If a dedicated workshop in Denton isn’t available, we’d plan this for our Dallas day.

Dinner: Dine at a spot on Denton Square, perhaps Barley & Board for a gastropub experience with a sophisticated edge, or still LSA Burger Co. for their rooftop and live music, but maybe a more curated menu choice.

Evening: Catch some live music in Denton or enjoy a relaxed drink at a speakeasy-style bar if one fits the vibe.

Day 3: Equestrian, Countryside & Creative Expression

Morning: Immerse ourselves in “Horse Country” with a visit to a local equestrian center or horse ranch. Some offer trail rides or stable tours.

Lunch: Tailgaters in Frisco Texas for classic, or seek out a charming local cafe with a more elevated menu.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic roads, then head to Farmers Branch for In Living Colour Studio for a “design a hat” experience. This would be a super fun and unique souvenir! (Check their “Patch & Pour DIY HAT BAR” schedule in advance, as they often have specific times).

Dinner: A fantastic experience for dinner would be at Monarch in Dallas. It’s a truly high-end dining experience with incredible views and cuisine. This would be a planned, reservation-needed dinner.

Evening: Enjoy post-dinner drinks at the bar at Monarch or a nearby sophisticated lounge in Dallas.

Day 4: Frisco Luxury & Entertainment

Morning: Start with brunch in Frisco! 360 Brunch House or The Brunch District (check for their Frisco location if opened by then) would be perfect for a delicious and stylish start to the day.

Late Morning/Afternoon: Dive into high-end shopping! Head to The Shops at Legacy or Legacy West in Plano/Frisco. Here, we’ll find high-end boutiques and potentially a Nordstrom or other luxury retailers. For more concentrated high-end options, we could also consider Galleria Dallas (which has Nordstrom and Zara) on our Dallas day.

Lunch: Casual but chic lunch at one of the many excellent eateries within Legacy West or The Shops at Legacy.

Afternoon: Explore The Star in Frisco (Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters). If there’s no game, we can still tour, shop, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Dinner: Indulge in an upscale dining experience in Frisco. Options include Dee Lincoln Prime (for steak), or explore other fine dining establishments in the Legacy West area.

Day 5: Dallas City & High Fashion

Morning: Begin the day with a visit to The Sixth Floor Museum at Daley Plaza for a dose of history.

Lunch: A more casual but still delicious lunch in the West End or artsy Deep Ellum.

Afternoon: High-end shopping at NorthPark Center in Dallas. This mall features Nordstrom, Zara, and a plethora of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Apple, and more. We’ll spend a good amount of time Browse and maybe making a few special purchases.

Dinner: A truly memorable dinner at Monarch (if we didn’t do it on Day 3) or Wicked Butcher (Dallas location) for an exceptional steakhouse experience. These are both top-tier restaurants.

Evening: Explore the vibrant nightlife in Dallas’s Uptown or Deep Ellum, perhaps a cocktail at a trendy bar.

Day 6: Fort Worth Western Charm & Wellness Retreat

Morning: Experience the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District – catch the cattle drive, explore the shops, and soak in the Western atmosphere.

Lunch: A delicious, casual lunch at the Stockyards, maybe Lonesome Dove Western Bistro by Chef Tim Love for a refined Western culinary experience.

Afternoon: Transition from rugged Western charm to serene wellness. Head to WorldSprings in The Colony for a relaxing spa experience. They offer mineral hot springs, saunas, cold plunges, and various wellness classes. This would be a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate.

Dinner: A high-end dinner in Frisco Perry’s is an excellent choice for a premier steakhouse experience.

Evening: Enjoy a sophisticated drink at Moxie’s.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch & Departure

Morning: Indulge in a final, decadent brunch in Dallas, or we could seek out another highly-rated brunch spot in North Dallas/Plano area depending on flight times.

Late Morning/Early Afternoon: If time permits, a leisurely activity like a final walk in a local park or a visit to a unique local shop.

Afternoon: Head to DFW Airport for their departure, with memories of an incredible week filled with luxury, adventure, creativity, and delicious food!

Most Fun, Interesting, Exciting People, Places, or Things to Check Out (Reiterated & Expanded):

High-End Shopping: NorthPark Center (Dallas – for Nordstrom, Zara, and luxury brands), Legacy West/The Shops at Legacy (Plano/Frisco – for a curated outdoor shopping experience).

Upscale Dining:

Monarch (Dallas): Stunning views, incredible cuisine, a true high-end experience.

Wicked Butcher (Dallas or Fort Worth): A premier steakhouse with a modern vibe.

High-End in Frisco: Explore options in Legacy West like Dee Lincoln Prime.

Brunches: 360 Brunch House, The Brunch District (check locations), or other popular brunch spots in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Creative Activities:

Candle Making: The Candle Bar or Golden Blk Candle Lounge (Dallas) for a hands-on, aromatic experience.

Hat Designing: In Living Colour Studio (Farmers Branch) for their “Patch & Pour DIY HAT BAR” – a unique and personal souvenir.

Wellness & Relaxation: WorldSprings (The Colony): A fantastic mineral hot springs and spa experience for unwinding and rejuvenation.

Fort Worth Stockyards: Still a must-do for the authentic Texas Western experience.

The Star in Frisco: Impressive for sports fans and those interested in modern sports facilities.

Dallas Arts District: For cultural immersion beyond shopping and dining.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
— Maya Angelou

If there is one quote that defines Jai Brown’s journey, it is this one. Her story is not just one of survival—it’s one of divine transformation, fire-forged resilience, and radical purpose.

Jai Brown is the founder and CEO of A Phoenix Woman, a nonprofit that exists to restore dignity, rebuild lives, and remind women that they are not alone—and certainly not broken. Her journey to creating this life-saving organization began in the shadows of her own pain.

“I give all glory to God,” Jai says. “He is the only reason I’m still standing.”
She speaks openly about the midnight moments—the brokenness, isolation, silent tears, and shattered pieces that only God could hold. “It was in the stillness, in the moments when I thought I was invisible, that He reminded me I was chosen. What I went through wasn’t the end of me. It was the beginning of something powerful.”

A Phoenix Woman wasn’t born out of ambition. It was born out of ashes. It rose from domestic violence, financial instability, emotional trauma, and the overwhelming reality of rebuilding a life while raising children. And yet, what Jai experienced became the very blueprint she now uses to help others rise.

“This shoutout is not just for me,” Jai continues. “It’s for the women still suffering in silence. The ones who go to work, raise children, and show up every day while carrying pain no one sees. You are the reason I do this. You are why I created a safe, judgment-free space—because I was once you. And I wish something like this had existed for me.”

Jai also gives credit to those God sent along her healing path: mentors, prayer warriors, friends who stood beside her in truth, and authors whose work gave her strength and understanding.
Books like “Healing the Trauma of Abuse” by Mary Ellen Copeland, “The Emotionally Destructive Relationship” by Leslie Vernick, “Forgiving What You Can’t Forget” by Lysa TerKeurst, and “Women Who Run With the Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés deeply impacted her. “These weren’t just books,” she says. “They were lifelines. They spoke to the places in me I didn’t even know were broken.”

And through it all, she held onto God and the calling He placed inside her: to rise and bring others with her. “This is a war cry,” Jai says. “This is for every woman who thought her life was over. It’s not. You are not too far gone. You are not forgotten. And your story is not finished.”

Jai Brown and A Phoenix Woman are living proof that when a woman decides to rise—no one can stop her. And when she rises with God? She doesn’t just heal—she ignites the way for others.

Website: https://www.aphoenixwoman.org

Instagram: jai.brown.41

Facebook: Jai Brown