Welcome to Living Well — our bi-weekly spotlight on different women (and now men) that we admire and find fascinating. Our goal is to share an intimate peek into these individuals' lives by asking them the questions that allow them to open up about their imperfect truth, whatever that may be. 

I have known for a long time that our men are in need. I’ve made a community for women to support women, but our men are also in need of support, love, and tenderness as well. We need to see more men living intentionally, bringing love and caring to our world. I met Josiah when he came into the shop with his mom, sister, and son. His mom spent time telling me how she saw the beauty and talent in her son from the beginning. I loved hearing her love for him. I saw his love for his son and then his love for his art, he creates beautiful music. I’m excited for Josiah to be the first man to share his life in our Living Well interview… there will be more to come because we need to see more men caring about living well and loving well. They are there and they are making all the difference. 

xx, Jaimi 

What does a life well-lived look like?

To me, the basis of a life well-lived seeds from continuous personal growth. It is perpetually positioning myself in a state of learning and evolution. Equally important are the deep, meaningful relationships we cultivate. These bonds have enriched my life and the lessons I’ve learned in countless ways. And lastly, true fulfillment comes from sharing all of this wisdom, growth, love, and passion for life with others. 

My version of success is…

My version of success is achieving a certain level of happiness through the small joys. It’s about living each day with a commitment to mastering the art of taking a moment to breathe and constantly finding the peace that greets me with every sunrise. 

In what way are you seeking to grow right now? WHO EMBODIES THIS QUALITY?

This is a deep question. Currently, I'm on a journey of introspection and personal growth, emphasizing the art of stillness. For years, I’ve been consumed in the hustle of the artist’s life: crafting music, spending countless hours in the studio, and performing in spaces. However, as I gain wisdom, I’m recognizing the immense value of pausing, of truly appreciating the nuances of life that often go unnoticed in our busyness. I’m also seeking to grow (deepen) my bonds with my tribe. Human connection is everything to me. The true magic arises during those simple, shared moments with others. As for who embodies this quality? It’s hard to pinpoint one individual, but I’m blessed to say that because I am inspired daily by those around me who also prioritize genuine human interactions and who love their lives with intention and mindfulness.

What is one way that you are different today than you were ten years ago?

Oh, wow! One way I’ve transformed over the past decade is by becoming significantly more intentional about how I live my life. I’ve grown to be more empathetic and sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, and equally, become more empathetic and sensitive to myself.

Setting aside modesty for a moment, what are you excellent at?

One area where I truly excel is in transforming any space with the power of music. Whether it’s an intimate room or a large venue, I possess a unique ability to connect diverse groups of people through melodies, beats, and frequencies. I’m deeply attuned to the universal language of music, and regardless of background, culture, or race, I’ve found that I can be the bridge through sound. There’s a certain magic in making people feel deeply moved, and I’m honored to say that it’s a gift I’ve cultivated and GOOOOOOD. 

IS THERE A QUOTE OR MANTRA YOU ALWAYS COME BACK TO?

Oh, absolutely! 

Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end of triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

I mean, chills!!! This mantra reminds me of the importance of being, taking risks, and valuing effort over criticism. 

Can you share a book, podcast, or article that changed you in some way?

There are a few gems that have left a lasting impact on me, and I revisit them often. One being As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. The words on those pages teach me new lessons, shaping my perspective every time I read it. I would add to the list The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I know it is popular, but the popularity is justified. There is no greater gift you can give yourself than living in the present moment. Another read I’ve recently delved into is The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. It’s challenging to read how trauma latches onto our bodies and it won’t heal unless we do the work, but it has been a cornerstone in my process to becoming a better, more healed version. 

What are you grateful for today?

I’m grateful for experiencing life through my son’s eyes. From the moment he was born, spending quality time with him has been one of the most cherished aspects of my life. The journey of fatherhood has elevated my daily experiences tenfold. 

At his core, Josiah identifies as a son, brother, friend, and father. These fundamental roles have paved the way for him to embrace his talents as a visionary, an artist, curator of sound, and entrepreneur. 

Currently, he is channeling his energy into his first solo album, and he's thrilled to share his new single “Mood” — available now on all streaming platforms.

Beyond his own music, Josiah has embarked on an entrepreneurial venture called Local Spot. This brand is a manifestation of his superpower, bridging the charm and magic of local businesses in communities around the world and the people of those neighborhoods to provide enriching experiences curated with love, intention, uniqueness and of course, music! To immerse yourself in the space, follow @atthelocalspot on Instagram and connect with Josiah directly @josiahbell.