Meet Jayce Baron of Kiss & Tell Networks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayce Baron.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started blogging when I was in undergrad. I grow up in a time when social media was on the rise and my fascination with the new platforms always kept me in the know.

When I graduated in the recession, I moved to New York City and applied what I learned to my own brand. “Jayce Baron” grew and more and more people started writing to me saying they related to my writing, transparency, and delivery to vital and useful insight from health to political information.

I was already knowledgeable and had organically developed the skills. Plus, I had already built my visibility in the digital space so I was in my arena. I channeled that to drive the conscious conversation on a global level. It’s only been growing ever since!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Generally speaking, the road has been what it needs to be. When starting a small business, being flexible with your original ideal it vital. Sure, keeping the integrity of the brand is necessary, but you can do things that expand your vision that you may have not had the resources to imagine before.

One struggle that really took a turn in my journal was the 2016 election. A lot of my work in HIV prevention was funded by government money. We had made monumental strides in our work, and within an evening the money to maximize our outreach was taken away or rerouted. It was discouraging, but it just meant rerouting and executing another plan.

Also, producing a quality podcast is one of the hardest/easiest things I’ve ever done. It’s literally simply an MP3 file, but although developing a show, marketing, and engaging with your audience is fun, it is a lot of work!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kiss & Tell Networks story. Tell us more about the business.
Kiss & Tell Networks was developed in 2015 as a way to curate conversation within the LGBTQ community and more. It was only supposed to be one event, but I immediately saw the need to continue this movement.

Years later, we’ve launched a podcast with my co-host Shar Jossell that is listened to in over 50 countries, we have had multiple shows featuring amazing community leaders across the country (including Puerto Rico) and produced a scripted pilot that has caught the eye of multiple networks.

I have also been brought on as a Diversity & Inclusion consultant, advocacy panels, and was involved with SB816 with Assembly member Mike Gipson and Attorney Gloria Alred revoking the statute of limitation on rape in the state of California.

Since then, multiple cases, high and low profile have made their way to court. When I came forward with my own story, the intent was to help others address, heal, triumph and move forward in life know that assault is something that happened to you, but does not define you.

Many times, the conversation about the disparities within black queer spaces are not happening. Whether it be internalized homophobia or simply not having the words due to systematic oppression, I have used myself and Kiss & Tell Networks to dedicate continuing to do the work.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
“Luck” isn’t really my thing. I’m a firm believer that what is meant to be will be. The Universe, God, or whatever spiritual higher being you believe in will bring you all the right tools to execute what you are destined to do.

There have been times when I felt stuck and things were not aligning, instead of getting upset and feeling discouraged, I was quiet, prayed to God, and listened for my next move. Many times, I’ve noticed that the timing was off for the next great idea.

Once the timing is right, BOOM, the right things, people, and opportunities come in my life that was greater than I ever imagined. I’ve definitely been subject to the work-a-holic mentality, and it took a while for me to truly understand the “why” behind a “setback,” but it all makes sense in the end.

Pricing:

• “Absolutely Me: A Novel” by Jayce Baron – $19 on Amazon

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JAYCEBARON.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @jaycebaron
• Twitter: @jaycebaron

Image Credit:
Logan Photos, Amiya Bardon

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