

Coco Jones Describes How Her Life Changed After She Started Speaking More Highly Of Herself
Actress and singer Coco Jones is a bonafide superstar.
The 25-year-old is currently starring in the hit Peacock series Bel-Airand dropped a debut EP, What I Didn't Tell You, last year, which includes some of the girlies' favorite songs, "ICU" and "Caliber."
But what many don't know is that Jones' road to success had a couple of setbacks, such as failing to receive any leading roles following her successful Disney Channel film Let It Shine and being dropped from her record label in 2014.
During a recent interview with Hot 97, Jones opened up about her career journey and how things started looking up when she began speaking positive words over her life.
Coco On The Navigation Of Her Career
In the conversation, Jones recounted her Disney Channel days, being signed to the company's label Hollywood Records, and why her career failed to take off.
The star stated that she was first signed to the label at 15 and was dropped shortly after because her management at the time and Hollywood Records didn't know which direction to take Jones' career, something she expressed was "scary and sad."
"I got signed at 15, and then I got dropped at around 16, turning 17. So I was just like, what do I do? I'm out here by myself. I don't have a team. I don't have management. That was one of the main things I was praying for 'I just need a team that knows what to do with me,'" she said while describing how fearful she was after being dropped from Hollywood Records. “Because I had management and I had a label, they all didn't look like me. They did not understand me. They just wanted to try this formula out on me. That was very scary and sad. Not having any clue of what was going to change for me or if it ever was."
Later, Jones disclosed it was at that moment she wondered if she should come up with a "Plan B" or continue to pursue her passion for singing and acting. The "Double Back" vocalist decided not to give up on her dreams because she claimed it would be a "scarier" experience due to life's endless possibilities.
"Do I have to have a Plan B now? Like what would my life look like? Should I go home? It was scary both ways, but it was scarier to give up. That's what I tell people like 'just don't give up that day, and then the next day do the same thing,'" she said.
Jones would further elaborate her statement by encouraging others not to "quit on your worst day" regarding their goals because they would have gained many valuable lessons by the time their moment of success arrives.
Coco On The Importance Of Speaking Highly About Oneself
Also, in the interview, Jones shared how she started to notice a shift in her personal and professional life after switching how she spoke to herself and why she intentionally added positive messages in her music.
When discussing the significance of representation within the entertainment industry, Jones revealed that it is important because she and others would see roles go to girls of a lighter complexion. The actress added that the past experience made her prioritize how others viewed her and her worth, a message she now shares in her music.
"Psychologically, seeing other lighter girls get every job can mess with your literal mental health as a kid as you're coming up in this world," she explained. “But that's another reason to why I make songs like ‘Caliber’ on my EP. Because what I'm really saying is I have standards like you're not going to be able to just treat me any type of way. Like, get on my level. Can you bring something to the table, or are you just taking from me, you know? Because music is life! What you are saying in these songs becomes life. I just be thinking like I want to give girls another option."
Jones would wrap up her sentiments by saying that her inspiration behind adding positive messages in her music for women stemmed from the personal changes she saw in herself when switching her tone.
"All just more positivity because I realized when things started to change in my life like my circumstances started to change and people were paying attention to me again after years of what seemed like my world being over, it was because I was speaking better things about myself and what I could have," she said. "Words are powerful. I really am intentional with the words I put in my music. I want the girls singing my songs to be speaking life over themselves."
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September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, so for my girlies who have been putting off self-care, here’s your opportunity to start. Self-care means exactly what it says: taking care of self. Why is it important? Well, many of us have busy lives that may include careers, family, and activities that consume us daily. Taking some time for self regularly can help prevent depression, stress, anxiety, and burnout.
In February 2023, Future Forum polled 10,243 people in six countries, including the U.S., and 40% said they are experiencing burnout, and 46% of that number are women. According to CNBC, many factors contributing to burnout include companies demanding employees return to the office, hiring freezes, and layoffs.
Psychologist Debbie Sorensen explained to CNBC why women and millennials are experiencing burnout in higher numbers. “We haven’t had time to recover from the trauma of what we’ve been through the last few years,” she said. “Women and young people, in particular, are putting an immense amount of pressure on themselves to keep going, keep working, no matter the cost.”
As women, particularly Black women, we tend to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Other people's problems become our problems, and then we are expected to show up to work and show up for our family and friends with a smile on our faces. Whew, chile! What if we are having a bad day? How are we supposed to cope if we have to be everything to everyone? Well, here’s your sign to make time for yourself, especially on the days when you are feeling down.
Below is a list of self-care ideas for when you are having a bad day.
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Spend time in nature
Sometimes something as simple as surrounding yourself with trees, grass, and/ or water can improve your mood exponentially. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) research shows that spending time in nature can improve attention, lower stress, and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders.
Got to a Spa
There’s nothing like going to a spa. You can relax in a sauna, get a massage, and just be. According to research, massages help release serotonin and dopamine, which are often referred to as “feel good” hormones, that will instantly perk you up and have you going about your day with a smile on your face.
Get Artsy
When was the last time you did arts and crafts? Drawing a picture, painting, or even coloring can help you discover your inner child, thus boosting your mood. Purchase an adult coloring book, or go to a paint-and-sip class by yourself, or you can make it a group activity and bring your besties.
Look your best
The old saying, “When you look good, you feel good,” didn’t just come out of thin air. There’s some truth to it. The Kentucky Counseling Center shared a link between self-care and feeling good. “Self-care regimens are extremely important not just to stabilize your day but to make you feel great. Simple things like getting a facial, taking care of your hair done, or exercising can make you confident because when you look good, you also feel good,” according to its website.
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Breathwork
There’s a reason why it is suggested that you breathe when you begin feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Breathing brings oxygen back into your body, and WebMD reports that it can decrease the fight or flight response that happens when you are stressed.
Spend time with babies
I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me smile quicker than a baby, especially a smiling baby. If you’re the same way, then spending time with a baby or babies may help put you in a better mood, too.
Do nothing
Last but certainly not least, do nothing. There’s nothing like laying in your bed and not being forced to do anything. Stay in this moment and use this time to relax and replenish your energy.
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