Meet Flo Jenkins of General Los Angeles/Torrance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Flo Jenkins.

Hi flo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my actual professional writing career as the youngest (at the time) 1st Black Editor of a national Black teen entertainment magazine, called RIGHT ON! MAGAZINE. It was a hit publication not just a huge hit in the U.S. but internationally–especially with young people in London and the Bahamas. The magazine included stories on all the popular recording artists of the day as well as the top tv shows featuring Black performers (i.e. Soul Train, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Red Foxx). The monthly magazine featured regular stories also on folks like Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five. The Sylvers, The O’Jays, and other R&B groups who were top of the music charts back in the 70s and 80s. The magazine received loads of fan mail and was a true historical moment in entertainment history and fan magazines.
From there, I worked as Executive Editor of a Music publication, then as a Publicist for Arista Records–promoting many top singers of the day, including Phyllis Hyman, Gil-Scott Heron and so many others. I later worked as Publicity Manager for KTLA-Television.

I left the entertainment arena and began working as Executive Editor for a well-known Christian organization. My career path has included working as writing teacher for 3rd graders for a special writing program, encouraging them to write. My perpetual thought was that people have so many stories to tell–but they don’t know how to write/tell them. I helped students do that through a special writing class/program at L.A. HARBOR COLLEGE. I eventually began my own editorial/writing service to help people with their book projects: I formed WORDS THAT FLO! … EDITORIAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES — along with other programs to help people share their stories.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. But when you have a gift, you find ways to use it — despite the hindrances that try to block progress. Later in life after leaving the entertainment industry–or working for other people, it’s always roadblocks — and especially so as a single mom with three children, it was a struggle financially. But having challenges are part of life. But my 3 children are my biggest rewards. They’re great people–adults now, who make me proud because of the good work they do in the world with their talents/their gifts.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an editor and writer, and I have a talent/gift/passion to help other people with Stories to Tell. So many die with passionate stories, helpful stories–but the stories don’t get told, because people don’t know how to tell them–or where to go to share stories they believe are of value. I’m known for being a powerful communicator via my writing. I still submit articles to various news outlets in addition to the work I do through my own companies – Words That Flo!…Editorial Consultancy Services. And GoodJenks Media & Publishing Group.

I’m most proud of my children: Efrem — a therapist/singer/non-profit owner. My daughter, Bethanee–a teacher of students via a wonderful L.A. based company (Plus Me). She’s also an author and public speaker. Then my youngest son, Ezrah, a wonderful young man who loves helping others–he’s an attorney with a law firm dedicated to the community. I’m personally proud of them because of the work they do to serve and share their gifts with others. As for me, I’m known for my work as an Editor and Author of 3 books. In addition my long overdue magazine Black Victor, which presents stories by and about (and in recognition of) ordinary Black men in the community; I’m mainly known for helping others tell their stories through my editorial/writing service.

I believe what might set me apart from many people, personally and probably professionally too, is that I genuinely care about people and always want to help lift them up. I give my time–which is the most precious gift we have when we combine it with love. I suppose what sets me apart may be that I give so much of my time to helping others. So much time that I can’t get back. But if I see a need and I can help, especially if there’s a need of someone with great passion and potential, I do my best to help. I especially give time to helping my family, especially an older sister who has a handicap; I’ve written a book about/and with her, hoping others will see the value in someone with a “handicap” — without discounting their value or casting them aside.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe my sincere desire to help is important to my life–and has benefited me in my career. For me, it has not always been about the money–though I certainly need it–it’s been about seeing a need and doing my best to fulfill it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wordsthatflo.com [email protected]