I was raised by a chef, so I basically grew up in a kitchen whether I liked it or not. My mom believed in teaching independence early, and that meant learning to cook. What I once saw as boring eventually became something I loved. After working my way through different culinary spaces, I launched my own catering business in my late twenties. That’s when I decided to flip one more thing: my childhood hate for banana pudding. I created my own version, and it hit. Banana Joe’s was born.

As a teen, I was into astrology like everybody else, but I wanted deeper answers. Something that actually made sense of my life. Then I discovered Hans Decoz, a world-renowned numerologist, and suddenly everything clicked. Numbers gave me clarity when nothing else did. They showed me patterns, purpose, and perspective; lessons I could use before the storms hit. Eventually, I started reading for other people, and every time, the accuracy blew them away. Now, through Numerology by J.B. Taylor, I help others find the same peace and clarity I found using numbers as a blueprint for purpose.

Growing up in Atlanta, radio was everything to me. I’d listen for hours. Not just to the songs, but to the energy. I dreamed of one day having my own show, interviewing artists, and premiering the next big thing. That dream came to life years later as The Raw BJ Podcast, and then evolved into RAW 96.9: a station built for real music lovers, where indie meets mainstream and Indie artists actually get paid. It’s not just radio; it’s a movement. A home for independent voices who deserve to be heard.

I wrote my first book at nineteen. Over the years, I kept writing stories, scripts, fragments of worlds never realizing I was building a whole universe. One rooted in spirituality, struggle, and rebirth. By thirty-six, I finally understood that every story I’d written was a piece of my own healing. So I created Ellis Is Dead Publishing: a space for other bold storytellers who’ve got something to say and the courage to say it loud. Because stories don’t just entertain us. They free us.

In my mid-twenties, I started a blog with two friends called Crown Jewel Blog. It was our way of spotlighting indie artists and entrepreneurs giving them a voice when no one else would. The internet evolved, and the blog eventually faded out. But some dreams don’t die. They just go quiet until the timing’s right. Now, Crown Jewel Media is back and bigger. A full creative platform with the same heart, new tools, and a mission that never changed: amplify independent brilliance.

After years of running businesses solo, I learned the hard way that ambition means nothing without support. So I built The ITA Agency, a team of creative virtual assistants, brand managers, and admin pros designed to help entrepreneurs and indie artists stay organized, branded, and ahead of the game. Because no one should have to do everything alone, especially dreamers.

The Collective isn’t just about me; it’s about creating pathways for others. Next up: Pathways Forward, a trauma-informed nonprofit I’m building to serve people impacted by incarceration, foster care, military trauma, and cycles of harm. We focus on healing first, then rebuilding lives through family support, career training, creative expression, and community care. It’s not charity, it’s a movement. And it’s deeply connected to my podcast, This Is a Collect Call From…, where we share the real stories of wrongful imprisonment, prison reform, and second chances. Want to help? Donate, listen, and spread the word. Every voice matters in moving this forward.