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Meet Khari Jones Jr of Motivated Purpose Network in Downtown LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Khari Jones Jr.

Khari, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in Chicago playing junior college basketball for Harry S. Truman & Joliet Junior College for two years. Obtaining a four-year degree was the last thing on my mind. My only focus was on basketball. Shortly after I attended Purdue University, where I played ball with the Men’s team occasionally at private sessions. After one-year at Purdue, I transferred to Indiana State University, which ultimately was the best decision of my life. I got involved with many organizations that strengthened my leadership skills, and I found my hidden talents. I was on the practice team for ISU, which educated me about division 1 basketball and gave me the opportunity to be around the game which I loved more than anything. I did everything a college basketball player would do besides play the actual game. In college, I found my love for entrepreneurship, and I learned more from entrepreneurs in Launch Terre Haute. I graduated from ISU in 2017 and attended grad school the next semester. Many people, including myself, were extremely excited when I got accepted. Halfway through graduate school, I decided to bet on myself and leave school and pursue my dreams in Los Angeles. People thought I made a bad choice, but I believed in myself more than anybody. When I moved to Los Angeles in April 2018, I got connected with Thomas Scott and got involved with an NBA Draft camp. A few months later, I reached out to Kwesé Sports in South Africa, where I was blessed with the opportunity to become their only LA-based NBA reporter. My life changed from there. I’ve been given the opportunity to interview NBA players I grew up watching. Most of all, I am living my dream of being in the NBA. Not as a player but a reporter. In my eyes, I have made it to the NBA.

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?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Moved to LA without knowing where I was gone stay and where my next dollar was gone come from. I basically was running on my energy. The belief that I knew I had the power to do something big and make a name for myself. My close friends and family were the most supportive in my transition. Without them, I don’t know how I would have made it so far.

Another challenge was knowing who to trust. Thankful to my prior experiences, I have the gift of EQ, which allows me to see right through people. It’s been a critical component to my success.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Motivated Purpose Network story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is Motivated Purpose Network. Our goal is to inspire people to reach their full potential despite challenges that come your way. We know that everyone is born with a purpose, and the only way to fulfill your purpose is to have a Motivated Purpose. We specialize in sharing stories of athletes that is bigger than the game.

What I am most proud of as a company is the team we are putting together. My Vice President Zach Chike, has been truly helpful in allowing this to come to fruition. I am also proud of the obstacles we overcame to make this happen.

What sets us apart is we don’t talk about the negative things. We focus on bringing the best stories out and using them to inspire the world. We are creating a global movement of dream chasers.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has not played a role at all in my life. I believe everything happens for a reason. I give all credit to God. I know that he has a purpose, so it’s up to me walk in my destiny. Knowing my strengths and being emotionally intelligent has been the biggest factors for me. Understanding what’s best for me and knowing what moves are going to lead me forward. Strategic moves only is the motto I live by. Everything has to make sense. I don’t believe anything happens by luck or chance. The best is yet to come.

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Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.

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