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

Hi Jamelia, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
Hmm when I think about my legacy I think about the generations before me — I think about the ways in which their sacrifices paved the way for me to dream big enough to break the mold, to choose radical love, and acceptance. I hope that my legacy empowers others to do the same. Fill the world intentionally with self-love and self-care and you’ll see true unwavering love. I’ve been very intentional about making this a value and declaration in Body Jam Essentials. “Home-Glown” – glow from the inside (soul) out (skin). To answer plainly what I want our legacy to be, is Love…

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Of course, I’ll start from the beginning! I can vividly remember my skin always being dry. I was given little slack in this department as a Triple and Long Jumper. The sandpit was always my favorite place to be. I’d try so many different lotions and oil, nothing stood a chance on this epidermis and for a while I leaned into “I’m cute regardless”.

Fast forward I moved to Dallas with hopes of building a legacy I can call my own, I had no idea what that meant fully but a legacy nonetheless. I dreamed of driving through the downtown streets looking up at the reunion tower and knowing that I too have shined my light on this place.

Through a joking conversation with friends pointing out that vividly gray layer of dry skin I could never seem to escape from, I decided to look deeper into remedies of relief. The “I’m a jumper” excuse (one of my favorites) no longer worked after being out of commission for 3 years, go figure.

I never realized that this singular conversation between friends would be the spark that ignited into a way to aid in healing myself and others physically. I’m learning how in many ways, mentally and spiritually. Body Jam became not only a way to moisturize skin but it became the vessel of my truest expression, to be of service.

Being of service to the community in ways that encourage healing and empowerment of the mind, body, and soul is what my heart has always called out towards. Through Body Jam and the intention we set for our brand, we are able to embody this deeply rooted core value in our products, our services, and our experiences.

We get intentional and not just the kind of intention most are used to, although we have that covered too. Each ingredient is carefully selected to remind our customer of the love and healing abilities that grow within us every day. Self-love is healing. We aim to spread this awareness from one of the first ways we were taught to give love to ourselves, through self-care.

These are declarations of love and through this we hope to shine our light on the world and empower others to see the importance of self-care and how it is a foundational piece to wholeness…

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a nature + healthy eats + live music kind of gal — Cedar Hill Nature Preserve is one of my favorite places to take my friends who love to walk in the woods as much as I do (not most of them do but to the trail nonetheless lol), after that I’d bring them to enjoy a quick, clean, fresh meal at Flower Child or the Dallas Farmer’s Market, and we’d end the night at a cute live music space. One of my favorites on a Tuesday is North Node Sanctuary, a beautiful tea house located in the Cedars, they always have the most soulful bands and vocalist.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to Shoutout my tribe!! Every last person in my family and chosen family have encouraged me when I’ve had doubts, empowered me when I felt lost, and supported me when the get heavy from time to time. I am surrounded always, whether it’s forever or a short minute, with people who inspire me in so many ways. So this is my group “I love you all, more than you know”, I am so grateful.

Website: www.bodyjamessentials.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bodyjamessentials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bodyjamessentials

Other: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/4170530

Image Credits
Jessica Taylor, Photographer JTaylor Studios Instagram: jtaylorstudios https://www.jtaylorstudios.com/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.