Growing up in tomato fields Jane learned various life lessons. Being diagnosed with dyslexia and her experience with bullying only affirmed her mantra to prove naysayers wrong. With her determined spirit, Jane participated in pageant competitions, served as Miss South Carolina and competed in the Miss America Pageant. One by one she proved everybody wrong including people who told her she could not write. Today Jane is a bestselling and awarded author with four books. She is also a professional singer, comedian and empowerment speaker and has shared the stage with the likes of General Colin Powell and Charlton Heston, on popular media outlets like Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM and also at the Radio City Music Hall.

You are a singer, comedian, author and professional speaker. Which qualities have helped you to be successful at each of these professions?J: To be a good singer you have to sing and sing often. I had vocal teachers for many years and different vocal teachers who brought to the table various techniques and vocal exercises. If you want to be funny and develop humor and comedy in your life, you hang out with funny people and you ask folks with good sense of humor how to tell one of your stories in a different way. As far as being an author, many times readers make good writers. So first, be a good reader. Secondly, just keep writing. I have a bi-monthly newsletter and when I know a story gets traction, I will use it in a book or maybe tell the story in a speech. Going to professional conferences with comedy, singing, and writing tips is very valuable as well.

Which life lessons have helped you to reach where you are today?J: The best training for what I do today actually came from a very unusual experience. I picked tomatoes on my father's farm. That experience taught me life skills about hard work, working with difficult people, time management, and money management. Also, I was put in a special needs section when I was a child in first grade, diagnosed being dyslexic and classified as an underachiever. I was also laughed at being a tomboy who looked just like a boy in the first grade. I was also grade an "F" in writing. Adversity many times can be your friend and that's what I have done. I went on to be a contestant in the Miss America pageant, I wrote two best selling books, finished a college degree and went to graduate school.

What are the ideas behind your award-winning books? Who should read these books?J: My up-bringing was challenging. I have a brother who is a crack-addict-great guy with a terrible problem and a sister who was very bitter. My books are laced with Southern stories highlighting common-sense principles for better living. Anyone who is looking for mental wealth principles to become their best self.

What are the key messages from your presentations?J: My signature speech is entitled, Don't Throw Tomatoes at My Field of Dreams." I encourage my audiences to do three things: Find their Shine, Cull or get rid of what holds you back and learn whether to Plow Up or Plow Through.

What challenges did you face during your school days? What or who motivated you to face those challenges?J: As mentioned, being discouraged at ever turn was a challenge. I was put in a special needs section when I was a child in first grade, diagnosed being dyslexic and classified as an underachiever. I was also laughed at being a tomboy who look just like a boy in the first grade. I was also grade an "F" in writing. Being a follower of Christ has helped me overcome these challenges. I also surrounded myself with folks who believed in me; one was my mother.

What are your other hobbies?J: I like to travel and spend time with my husband and two children.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?J:  I love to go back to my native Johns Island in the Country of South Carolina to my roots and to be with great folks who helped my father on his farm. It is a place of my "making" and a reminder of who I am.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?J: Find something they do well to help build confidence and surround them with folks who encourage them.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in writing?J: Attend writing conferences and hang out with fellow writers. To become a good writer, write.

Any special message for our community?J: Be kind to one another and pray for each other.