Nya Jones, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, has transformed her love for journaling into a thriving wellness brand called Inside Then Out. Her company’s flagship product, the Better Every Day Journal, became an internet sensation during the global pandemic. Today, Jones continues to inspire people worldwide to live more intentionally through her range of introspective personal growth products.
From Tech to Wellness: Nya Jones’ Unexpected Career Shift
Jones’ path to entrepreneurship wasn’t always clear. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, she landed a job at Meta, one of the Big Five tech companies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to move back in with her parents in Florida. This unexpected pause in life became a turning point for Jones.
“I was always a very ambitious person, doing all the things I was ‘supposed’ to be doing. Then, when I was forced to pause, it made me reevaluate everything,” Jones explains.
The ‘Aha’ Moment That Sparked Inside Then Out
During the lockdown, Jones found herself journaling more than ever. She realized that many others might be seeking ways to dive deeper into self-reflection during this challenging time.
“I had written a list of questions that I wanted to answer for myself, and I had this small ‘aha’ moment. I figured I wasn’t the only person who was going through this transition period of wanting to dive deeper into themselves and their true wants and needs,” Jones shares.
Unable to find existing products that met this need, Jones decided to create her own. This decision led to the birth of Inside Then Out.
Redefining Wellness Beyond Aesthetics
Inside Then Out stands out in the wellness industry by focusing on how wellness feels rather than how it looks. The brand’s products, particularly its guided journals, cover a wide range of topics from love and habits to healing.
Jones explains, “Everyone can have a unique experience, and each [journal prompt] can bring out something different.” This approach sets Inside Then Out apart from other wellness brands that often lean heavily towards either gratitude or mental health processing.
Overcoming Challenges as a Young Black Entrepreneur
Despite her success, Jones faces challenges as a young Black woman in the business world. She often feels isolated, being one of the first in her circle to launch a successful business.
“I feel like a lot of people come to me wanting advice, help, and resources, but I am very much still figuring it out,” Jones admits. This experience highlights the need for stronger support systems for young entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The Reality of Doing What You Love
Jones debunks the myth that doing what you love means never working a day in your life. While she’s passionate about her business, she acknowledges that it still involves hard work and challenges.
“Even with the thing that you love the most, there are going to be aspects of it that you love and some that you don’t love as much,” she says. However, Jones finds the work fulfilling and exciting, even on difficult days.
Inspiring Others Through Personal Growth
Jones’ journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. Her success story shows that it’s possible to turn a personal passion into a thriving business, even during challenging times.
“What I want is already mine,” Jones shares as an affirmation that has guided her journey. This positive outlook, combined with her willingness to work hard, has been key to her success.
Through Inside Then Out, Nya Jones continues to inspire others to embrace personal growth and live more intentionally. Her story reminds us that with passion, perseverance, and self-reflection, we can turn unexpected pauses in life into opportunities for growth and success.
