All Stories Matter - Kendal Jones from Studio Caché

Updated 1 day ago

On this week’s All Stories Matter, we sit down with the luminous Kendal Jones, a young woman who proves that you don’t have to choose between brains, beauty, and belonging. Kendal grew up as the only child in a family that dripped with high fashion and even higher love—surrounded by gorgeous aunts who taught her that style is a language, and confidence is the accent. After high school, she packed her ambition and headed to Kalamazoo to study Computer Science.

Chapters

Introduction and Welcome (00:00:16)
Marvinetta introduces herself and the podcast, welcoming listeners from any time of day.

Marvinetta, the host of All Stories Matter, begins the podcast with a warm welcome, greeting listeners at various times of the day and introducing the nature of the show.
The Importance of Stories (00:00:37)
Marvinetta discusses the value of sharing personal stories and how they can lead to connections and self-discovery.

Marvinetta emphasizes the significance of sharing personal stories, noting how people are often willing to share when genuine interest is shown. She reflects on how storytelling helps people make connections and understand themselves better.
Encouraging Conversations (00:01:15)
Listeners are encouraged to ask others about their stories to foster understanding and connection.

Marvinetta encourages her audience to engage others in conversations about their lives. She stresses the importance of curiosity and genuine interest in others, which can lead to people being open and sharing their experiences.
Reflection on Being (00:02:00)
Marvinetta reflects on the concept of 'being' and its presence in language and identity.

Marvinetta shares a personal reflection on the word 'be' and its significance in language, literature, and identity. She contemplates the verb 'to be' and how it appears in various contexts, including songs and the term 'human being.'
Season Conclusion and Projects (00:02:52)
Marvinetta announces the end of the podcast season and her upcoming projects, including a documentary.

Marvinetta mentions that this is the last show of the season and she will be taking a break to work on independent projects, such as bringing an award-winning documentary called "Natchez to Kalamazoo."
Documentary on Natchez (00:03:04)
The documentary explores the town of Natchez and its history through various perspectives.

Marvinetta discusses the documentary 'Natchez to Kalamazoo,' which looks at Natchez, Mississippi, after it lost its income base and turned to tourism. The film presents multiple perspectives, including those of the descendants of slaves and other community members.
The Power of Storytelling (00:03:58)
Marvinetta emphasizes the importance of telling our own stories to ensure they are accurately represented in history.

Marvinetta highlights the importance of storytelling, urging people to share their stories so they are not forgotten or misrepresented. She reflects on how historical narratives can be shaped by who tells them, using examples from the musical 'Hamilton.'
Introducing Kendal Jones (00:07:00)
Marvinetta introduces guest Kendal Jones, sharing how they met and his eagerness to hear her story.

Marvinetta introduces Kendal Jones as the guest for the episode, recounting their meeting at an event and her impression of her. She expresses her excitement to have her on the show to share her story with a wider audience.
Kendal's Background (00:09:53)
Kendal shares her background, including her education and reasons for staying in Kalamazoo.

Kendal talks about her journey from Detroit to Kalamazoo, her education in business administration and computer information systems, and her decision to stay in Kalamazoo due to her love for the community.
Growing Up in Detroit (00:11:13)
Kendal describes her family life in Detroit, being an only child, and the strong support from her family.

Kendal recounts her upbringing in Detroit as an only child, surrounded by a loving and supportive family. She reflects on how her family nurtured her, which helped shape her into the person she is today.
Kendal's Education Journey (00:14:22)
Kendal explains her decision to attend Western Michigan University and her involvement in a golf program.

Kendal shares how she chose to attend Western Michigan University after participating in the Midnight Golf Program, a college readiness initiative. She talks about her journey from Detroit to Kalamazoo and her desire for independence.
Transition to College Life (00:17:21)
Kendal discusses her college experiences, including working while studying and navigating her introversion.

Kendal talks about her transition to college life, balancing work and studies, and how she managed being an introvert. She shares her experiences of making friends and maintaining a positive attitude throughout her education.
Influences and Interests (00:21:02)
Kendal reveals how her early exposure to technology influenced her career path in computer information systems.

Kendal describes how her parents' encouragement and early access to technology sparked her interest in computer information systems. She recalls playing with computers as a child and how it led her to pursue a career in technology.
Aunt Elaine's Influence (00:23:00)
Kendal shares an inspiring story about her Aunt Elaine, a former model and successful businesswoman.

Kendal fondly remembers her Aunt Elaine, who was a model for the auto show and a successful businesswoman. She describes how her aunt's style and confidence influenced her own approach to fashion and life.
Father's Support and Career (00:25:54)
Kendal talks about her father's support in her business and his career in the house music industry.

Kendal shares the close relationship she has with her father, who supported her during the opening of her store. She also talks about his career as a DJ in the house music scene and the influence he has had on her life and business.
Orientation Day Struggles (00:29:02)
Kendal recalls facing a winter storm on their orientation day, deciding not to explore the campus alone due to the cold. They later joined student organizations to meet people.

Kendal describes the challenges faced on the day of their college orientation, specifically dealing with a severe winter storm. They decided against walking around the buildings by themselves due to the cold weather. Over time, they chose to get involved with registered student organizations on campus as a way to meet new people and ease their navigation around the college environment.
Support from Mentors (00:29:16)
The speaker found support from mentors like Ms. Fuller and Ms. Tamika, who guided them during challenging times and helped them find their direction in college.

The speaker reflects on the influential mentors they encountered during their time in college, particularly Ms. Fuller and Ms. Tamika. Ms. Fuller, who was involved with the Martin Luther King program, provided guidance and encouragement at a pivotal moment in their life. Ms. Tamika, the speaker's advisor, also played a crucial role in pushing students in the right direction. These mentors were instrumental in helping the speaker find their path and maintain their focus.
Navigating College Life and Support Systems (00:30:03)
College is described as an interim period crucial for personal growth. Having supportive people helps students navigate this critical phase of life.

The discussion highlights college as a critical transitional period where individuals are no longer children but not yet fully independent adults. The importance of having supportive figures, such as teachers and mentors, who provide guidance and encouragement is emphasized. These support systems are essential for helping students navigate the challenges of college life and make the most of this incubation period.
Midnight Golf Program Experience (00:32:01)
The speaker shares their experience with the Midnight Golf program, which gave them a taste of college life and encouraged them to attend Western.

The speaker discusses their participation in the Midnight Golf program, which provided them with an early exposure to college life. This program included a tour of HBCU campuses, offering the speaker their first taste of what college was really like. This experience was pivotal in encouraging them to pursue higher education at Western.
Balancing Fun and Academics (00:32:38)
The speaker talks about having fun at Western but eventually finding a balance between social activities and academics, especially during junior year.

Initially, the speaker enjoyed a social and fun-filled college life at Western. However, as they progressed into their junior year, they realized the need to balance their social activities with academic responsibilities. This realization came as they started focusing more on their studies and understanding the demands of their chosen field.
Serious Academic Focus (00:33:11)
Taking a MySQL class marked the turning point for Kendal, leading them to prioritize academics over partying.

Kendal recounts how taking a MySQL coding class marked a significant turning point in their academic journey. This class required serious focus and effort, as it was challenging and did not allow for shortcuts. As a result, the speaker gradually shifted their priorities from partying and socializing to dedicating more time to studying and understanding the course material.
Post-College Life Decision (00:34:00)
After graduation, the speaker decided to stay in Kalamazoo due to a job opportunity and the comfortable community.

Upon graduating from college, the speaker chose to remain in Kalamazoo because they found a job that they started immediately after graduation. The city offered a comfortable living environment, and the speaker appreciated the sense of community and the opportunities it provided.
Returning to Detroit and Moving Back (00:34:36)
The speaker moved back to Detroit during the pandemic but returned to Kalamazoo for independence and personal growth.

During the pandemic, the speaker moved back to Detroit to live with their mother, who had bought a new house. However, the speaker soon realized the need for personal independence and growth, which led them to move back to Kalamazoo. This decision allowed them to continue building their life and career independently.
Meeting the Husband (00:37:00)
The speaker met their husband when he was their landlord. His kindness and genuine nature led to a relationship.

The speaker shares the story of how they met their husband, who was initially their landlord. His genuine kindness and willingness to support the speaker in various ways stood out to them. Over time, his actions and character revealed him to be 'husband material,' leading to a deep and meaningful relationship.
Comfort and Compatibility in Marriage (00:39:50)
The speaker describes how their husband provides comfort and understanding, fulfilling their needs and wants in a genuine relationship.

The speaker elaborates on the comfort and compatibility they found in their marriage. Their husband provides a level of understanding and support that fulfills both their needs and wants, beyond material aspects. His genuine love and kindness create a nurturing environment where the speaker feels valued and understood.
Opening a Boutique (00:43:00)
After marriage, the speaker opened a boutique, combining their passion for fashion with community engagement.

Following their marriage, the speaker decided to open a boutique called Studio Cache, leveraging their passion for fashion and thrifting. They aimed to create a space that offers unique, affordable pieces while engaging with the community through donations and consignment. The boutique serves as a platform for local women to access stylish items without leaving the community.
The Hosting Room Concept (00:47:02)
The speaker introduced a hosting room in their boutique for private gatherings and community events.

The speaker describes the concept of a hosting room within their boutique, designed to provide a private and comfortable space for women to gather, host events, and participate in activities like etiquette classes. This room offers a unique venue for community engagement and personal gatherings, reflecting the speaker's love for hosting and creating welcoming environments.
Upcoming Events and Community Involvement (00:51:03)
The speaker plans to host seasonal events through the Kalamazoo Hosting Collective, promoting community and creativity.

The speaker discusses their involvement with the Kalamazoo Hosting Collective, which organizes seasonal events to bring the community together. These events aim to foster creativity and engagement among local women, offering activities such as yoga, panels, and cooking classes. The collective provides a platform for women to connect, share ideas, and enjoy a variety of experiences.
Final Thoughts and Inspiration (00:57:33)
The speaker reflects on their journey, emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's life and navigating challenges.

In the closing segment, the speaker reflects on their personal journey and the lessons learned along the way. They emphasize the importance of taking control of one's life, navigating through challenges, and not allowing external circumstances to dictate one's path. This message serves as an inspiration for listeners to pursue their dreams and create their own destinies.
Rolling Out Your Plan (00:58:13)
Discussion on having a personal plan that persists despite external changes, emphasizing independence and determination.

The speaker talks about the importance of having your own plan and sticking to it, no matter what changes or challenges come your way. They emphasize the need for determination and focus in pursuing your goals.
Advice to Young Women (00:58:29)
Encouragement for young women to listen to their elders and learn from previous generations, especially the baby boomers.

The speaker offers advice to young women, emphasizing the importance of listening to the wisdom of elders, particularly baby boomers. They stress the value of learning from those who came before and maintaining a connection with past generations.
Future Vision of Kendall's Life (00:59:16)
Kendall envisions a future where they live off the grid, run a store, travel extensively, and possibly have one child.

When asked about their future, Kendall describes a life where they are off the grid but still managing their store, traveling as much as possible, and potentially having one child. They express a desire for independence and adventure.
Choosing a Traditional Watch (00:59:48)
The speaker discusses their decision to use a traditional watch instead of a smartwatch to disconnect from screens and appreciate time-telling.

The speaker explains their choice to wear a traditional watch instead of a smartwatch, wanting to disconnect from constant screen exposure and appreciate the simplicity of telling time the old-fashioned way. They were gifted the watch by their husband, a jeweler.
Reflecting on Technology and Elders (01:00:31)
The conversation touches on the balance between technology use and listening to elders, highlighting the importance of learning from older generations.

The discussion explores the use of technology versus traditional practices, such as wearing a watch. The speaker reflects on the importance of respecting and learning from elders, teaching grandchildren to value older wisdom while embracing modern technology.
Gift from Studio Cache (01:02:05)
The guest presents a gift from Studio Cache to the host, expressing appreciation for their community work and marking the last episode.

The guest brings a gift from Studio Cache for the host, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to the community. This gesture also marks the host's last episode, adding a sentimental touch to the conversation.
The Power of Kindness (01:03:00)
The host shares a message about kindness, encouraging the audience to spread kindness as it costs nothing and yields great benefits.

The host concludes the show with a heartfelt message about the power of kindness. They encourage viewers to practice kindness daily, suggesting that small acts of kindness can have a significant positive impact on both the giver and receiver.

All Stories Matter (12 Episodes)

Updated 1 day ago

Marvinetta Penn hosts candid conversations where guests share honestly and listen deeply – always seeking first to understand. All Stories Matter is an independently produced neighborhood voices production through Public Media Network.