As one of the most formidable names in the industry, Hamptonite Stephanie Jones of Jonesworks (JONESWORKS.COM) checks in to share the secrets to her success.
Stephanie Jones
What inspired you to start Jonesworks?
My nearly decadelong experience working with Donny Deutsch at Deutsch Inc. was incredibly formative. Nine out of 11 partners were female, and I had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the industry. As a producer on Donny’s CNBC show, I witnessed firsthand the journeys of remarkable entrepreneurs, which fueled my desire to start my own agency.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days of Jonesworks, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges was navigating the complexities of running a small, nimble agency while wearing many hats. Transitioning from a large agency with abundant resources to managing my own business was daunting and often overwhelming.
As a referral-only agency, we brought in clients based on relationships I had cultivated over the years. It was an unexpected surge in business, which added a lot of pressure from the very beginning. I focused on hiring team members who shared my vision and values. Building a team that aligns with our brand ethos has been essential to our growth. We are still a referral-only agency to this day, and we foster a culture of excellence and integrity, ensuring that we don’t just meet client expectations but exceed them. A strong, dedicated team has been the cornerstone of our growth and success.
As Jonesworks continues to evolve, what are some of your goals for the company in the next few years?
We expanded from our New York City headquarters to opening Los Angeles and Atlanta offices. A significant goal of ours is to establish a presence in the U.K. Given that we already work internationally with most of our clients, it would be a natural progression to set up a base in either London or Paris. This would allow us to deepen our connections in Europe and better serve our clients on a global scale. Ultimately, our vision is to continue nurturing our growth while maintaining the values and the same quality that define Jonesworks so we remain a trusted partner for clients around the world.
You work with some of the world’s biggest athletes, celebrities, business figures and brands, and I am sure there are some intense/stressful moments. How do you stay grounded and balanced during these more stressful times? For me, staying grounded is all about making time for myself and unplugging from the chaos. I prioritize quality time with my family, which helps me recharge and maintain perspective. Having a routine is also crucial; I make sure to carve out time for workouts and date nights with my husband. These personal rituals keep me centered and remind me of what truly matters, allowing me to navigate stress with a clearer mind.
What are some of the unique lessons any of these notable clients have taught you along your journey? Do any of those stand out for things you learned through your work? Tom Brady has taught me to embrace failure as a learning opportunity; setbacks can provide invaluable lessons that contribute to future success. And the value of building strong relationships and teamwork; that nothing great is achieved alone and collaboration is vital for success, both on and off the field. This mindset has really shaped how I approach both business and life.
Venus Williams’ perseverance and resilience are a great reminder that hard work can overcome any challenge. Vee embodies empowerment and constantly inspires us to believe in ourselves and pursue our dreams fearlessly. Her advocacy for gender equality serves as a powerful reminder to always fight for what’s right.
And I love Jeff Bezos’ philosophy on work-life harmony rather than the traditional concept of work-life balance, which often suggests a strict trade-off. Jeff views it as being interconnected, like a circle, which has encouraged me to think more holistically about my professional and personal life. It’s inspired me to try to integrate both seamlessly, instead of one versus the other.
What are some of your favorite activities to enjoy in the Hamptons during your downtime?
We have an 8- and 4-year-old, so there’s not a lot of downtime. We love hanging at the beach, going to farm stands, mini-golf in Southampton, horseback riding at Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk. Our favorite spots are Pellegrino’s for wood-fired pizza and pastas; Sag Harbor Tavern for burgers; and, of course, my friend Scott’s restaurant, Sartianos at the Hedges Inn in East Hampton for incredible Italian food.
With the change of seasons, what are a few fall fashion essentials you can’t live without while in the Hamptons or traveling?
Brunello Cucinelli sweaters from their EH store
Post House Hamptons
How do you balance the tranquility of the Hamptons with the fast-paced nature of running Jonesworks?
Spending time at the beach is a fantastic way for me to decompress and unwind. I also love the new Post House in Sag Harbor, which offers a great variety of classes. The HIIT and Forma Pilates sessions are awesome for relieving stress and keeping me grounded amid the hustle and bustle.
a succulent spread from Il Buco al Mare.
Can you describe a typical day for you in the Hamptons? How does it differ from your workday routine?
I wake up, have coffee, read through the newspapers and social media and catch up on my emails. Then, we have breakfast at Sant Ambroeus, Carissa’s or one of our favorite diners. A stop at Peconic Prime Meats on our way home for their marinated beef and chicken kebabs. We love to grill those and steam some corn from Green Thumb. I don’t cook much (thank goodness my husband is a great cook!), but the produce is so good it’s easy. We love a beach day at Coopers because they have great concessions as well as chairs and umbrellas, so they make it so easy with the kiddos!
For shopping, I love Tenet in Southampton, Flying Point Surf Shop for cute beachwear and Kirna Zabête in East Hampton. Il Buco al Mare in Amagansett is also great to grab a bite and to shop in their store for tabletop.
Photography by: JONES PHOTO BY D’ANNA BROWN; PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDS
