Janay (Queen J.) Howard

Mindset Coach
Self Employed
Cincinnati, OH 45230

Janay (Queen J.) Howard is the CEO and Founder of Queen J Wellness LLC, where she empowers women to overcome self-doubt and cultivate unshakable confidence. A passionate author, podcaster, and motivational speaker, Janay leverages her personal experiences and creative talents to inspire women to achieve success and inner peace. Her work focuses on helping women navigate the tension between outward confidence and internal self-doubt, guiding them to embrace their full potential.

A spiritual and intentional entrepreneur, Janay balances multiple roles as she builds her coaching business, hosts her podcast, and engages with her community. Her daily practice includes mentoring sessions to refine her coaching skills, as well as connecting with clients and audiences through her podcast and one-on-one sessions. A poet at heart, she incorporates metaphors and storytelling into her work, bringing depth and creativity to every message she shares. In 2025, she released her first memoir, further solidifying her voice as an advocate for self-discovery and empowerment.

Janay earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from University of Cincinnati. Guided by her faith and a commitment to intentionality, she continues to expand her impact, helping women find balance, confidence, and purpose. Through Queen J Wellness LLC, her podcast, and her writing, Janay remains dedicated to elevating women’s lives and fostering a culture of resilience and self-belief.

• University of Cincinnati University of Cincinnati Bachelor's degree, Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies

• Autism Advocacy
• Suicidal Awareness Campaign
• Mental Health Advocacy

Q

What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success first and foremost to God, as everything I do is guided by my faith. My moral compass comes next, shaping the decisions I make and the way I approach my work. Equally important is the drive and passion I bring to making an impact—if I don’t believe in something, I cannot fully invest myself in it. I’ve learned that true dedication requires genuine belief; without it, I cannot nurture an idea, a project, or a goal to see it grow and thrive.

I often think of my work like tending to a flower: if you don’t care for it intentionally, it cannot bloom. Success requires consistency, attention, and the willingness to take the necessary steps even when it’s early, difficult, or inconvenient. Being intentional in every action ensures that I remain focused and purposeful, whether that’s in my daily routines, professional responsibilities, or personal growth.

Moving with intention provides clarity and direction. It allows me to make conscious choices about how I spend my time, who I surround myself with, and the goals I pursue. By aligning my actions with purpose, I am able to create meaningful results and continuously move closer to the outcomes I seek.

Q

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be intentional—intentionality in everything I do. This year, I’ve committed to making intentionality a central focus in both my personal and professional life. Last year, I released my first book, a memoir, which was an incredible experience, but it didn’t unfold exactly as I had envisioned. I realized I had allowed myself to get distracted by life, relationships, and other priorities, and I lost the momentum I had initially built. I learned that without intentional focus, even the most carefully planned goals can stall.

The process of publishing my book reminded me that success requires consistent, deliberate action. One day of inattention can set off a chain reaction that affects everything else. By being intentional, I ensure that my choices are thoughtful and purposeful rather than reactive. Intentionality allows me to remain practical, focused, and aligned with my goals, rather than letting life simply happen around me.

Moving with intention provides direction and clarity. When I make conscious decisions about my time, priorities, and actions, I am able to move forward with purpose and confidence. Intentionality transforms the way I approach my work and my life, ensuring that I am always moving toward meaningful outcomes.

Q

What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: ask yourself, “Why not me?” Opportunities won’t wait—they come and go quickly. If you hesitate out of fear, someone else will step in, and you may later regret not taking the leap. I’ve learned that being bold, even seemingly “delusionally confident,” is essential. For example, I’ve reached out to high-profile influencers on Instagram for my podcast, and more often than not, they say yes. You never know until you try, and taking initiative is what sets you apart.

It’s equally important to reframe rejection. Every “no” is really a “next opportunity.” Even when responses are blunt or discouraging, there’s value in the interaction and in the lessons it brings. I first learned this mindset at the Podcast Summit in Atlanta from Dominique Wiggins, and it’s changed the way I approach opportunities.

By embracing this perspective, you develop resilience, confidence, and gratitude. Understanding that rejection is not a barrier but a guide allows you to focus on growth, appreciate the opportunities you do receive, and continue moving forward with intention.

Q

What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges I see in my field is personal—within myself. I’ve built a strong toolkit of strategies, techniques, and resources to help others, but I don’t always apply them to my own growth. As coaches, we often make the worst clients for ourselves because we’re so used to guiding and uplifting others that we sometimes overlook our own needs. Learning to rewire that mindset—applying to myself the same tools I share with others—has been a critical focus and, at times, a challenge.

Another challenge has been operating largely on my own. For years, I built my coaching practice and podcast with a small team of close friends who shared the vision, but I wasn’t part of a larger professional organization. While this independent approach taught me resilience and creativity, it also highlighted the need for broader networks and collaboration.

At the same time, these challenges present significant opportunities. By intentionally leveraging my own tools, seeking mentorship, and building connections within professional communities, I can grow not only as a coach but also as a leader who empowers other women to reach their full potential.

Q

What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The most important value in my work and personal life is my faith—God comes first in everything I do. My spiritual foundation guides my decisions and actions, and I trust that the direction I take is part of a greater plan. Alongside this, my moral compass is central, shaping how I interact with others and approach challenges with integrity.

Equally important is having the drive and passion to make an impact. I’ve learned that if I don’t truly believe in something, I cannot give it the focus, energy, and care it deserves. It’s like tending to a flower: without intention, dedication, and consistent effort, it cannot grow or flourish.

Belief and passion fuel my ability to nurture ideas, projects, and relationships. They allow me to show up consistently, make intentional choices, and create meaningful results in the work I do. Without that conviction, it’s impossible to make a lasting difference.

Locations

Self Employed

2525 Spindlehill Drive apt 4, Cincinnati, OH 45230