Colleen Ivana Jones: The Power Of Space

Are there any specific personality traits that come to mind when you envision an entrepreneur? Talent? Intelligence? Charisma? Colleen Ivana Jones. Simply known as Ivana, or Vonnie possess these qualities, and handfuls more. Miss Jones is not the way she is by accident. She cites her upbringing, on a supportive mother, literature driven father, and a sister who always had time for her shenanigans.

Ivana is originally from Romulus Michigan. Later on, she moved to Livonia. Growing up she was into writing, and created books for herself. This love of writing quickly paired with theater arts. Such an equation created the in-house shows Vonnie performed, and created with her sister. Outside the home, Vonnie was just as busy. Ivana had dedicated her time to be an impactful resource to the outside world. She got her start from coaching cheerleading. That led to working at summer camps, which she eventually worked her way up to manager and director.

Leaving home did not dull the flame. Ivana's ball of creative energy continued as she became a student at Wayne State University. Ivana was able to take the skills she learned before, and refine them for the woman she intended to be moving forward. Shortly after receiving her degree, Ivana started Lifted Literacy and Arts. It is an institution that focuses on distributing art and literacy in the community.

Ivana hit the ground running with her business. Providing and performing art, and poetry throughout the city of Detroit. But she reached her first big break when she partnered up with an organization known as Juneteenth Jubilee. Who allowed Ivana to assemble her own super team in order to jump start a new tradition for the newest, yet oldest holiday in American history.

Colleen Ivana Jones wears many hats and each one comes with their own unique set of responsibilities. She is respected as a poet, reader, writer, loctician, influencer, and a handful more. But there are two titles she seems to enjoy the most. First, Mother; Ivana's son, Malik is her pride and joy. It surprises her how the five year old finds new ways to learn things the average high school student wouldn't go out of their way to try. Lastly, Curator; Ivana takes pride in providing a safe, artistic space for the poets of Detroit. Collen Ivana Jones is surely loved and adored in every space she enters, for the safe spaces she has created.

Xavier Jones - What is the Juneteenth Jubilee?

Colleen Ivana Jones - A committee of organizations, who banded together to host a wonderful Juneteenth event! Lifted Literacy and Arts collaborated with them, and was allowed to have a beautiful relationship between art director and space. A plethora of artists and individuals came out to support.

Xavier Jones - What is Lifted Literacy and Arts?

Colleen Ivana Jones - It is an organization I started in 2019 in order to bridge gaps, increase literacy, and promote the arts in Detroit Michigan. It's all infused with different brackets of learning and academia! It's just me for now, but we're going to grow! The next stop is building and transitioning over to non- profit status.

Xavier Jones - Why did you decide to make art and literature your livelihood?

Colleen Ivana Jones - I love the community, and I love art! I know how the arts, and reading have shaped me. It has saved me from horrible situations. This along with my degree, experiences, and mind for business has led me to build an organization that I believe provides safe havens for art spaces in Detroit.

Xavier Jones - Why do art spaces need safe havens?

Colleen Ivana Jones - Most artists are complex people. We all desire to be understood, without using a mouthful of words to explain it. Poets want them to understand you in the short amount of time they have on stage. The painter would like for their audience to grasp something in the first few minutes of looking at their piece. With most of the art pieces out there being so personal, and vulnerable, they require a certain degree of safety to be shared.

Xavier Jones - Do you feel like a person who is respected, and earned the stripes for her crafts?

Colleen Ivana Jones - Yes, I definitely am respected! But if I've earned any stripes it'll be a small one. I haven't put enough money into the city, and into other artists' pockets. There's not enough resources and money in the city. There are no Lifed Literacy and Arts homes in the middle of the hood. That's my goal, to open these art spaces all over! When accomplishments like that happen, I can start to add more stripes to my jacket!