Birmingham Influencers To Follow On Instagram

Birmingham Influencers To Follow On Instagram

We follow these local influencers on Instagram, and think you should too! Check them out below.

 

Jim Cavale, @jimcavale

 

 

Jim Cavale was named a 3-Time INC. 5000 Entrepreneur for his leadership at Iron Tribe, after growing the company from one gym to more than 45 across the country. He is also the CEO and Founder of INFLCR and is currently filming a DocuSeries that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s success. Along with these impressive titles, he also co-founded @theGLOWapp, an on demand beauty app that brings its services to you.

 

His extensive experience has taught him a lot – and he shares so much of that through his Instagram! If you are an entrepreneur or small business owner, Jim’s advice and leadership could be very beneficial to your business.

 

Because of his influence on the city, Jim’s involved in some pretty cool things around Birmingham. He posts lots of behind-the-scenes videos, clips from certain events, podcasts, you name it. If you’re interested following an inspiring entrepreneur and love seeing clips from big events (like, Super Bowl big), go follow @jimcavale!

 

 

Jacqueline Jones, @thejacquijones

 

 

If you’re looking for ways to best market your business, Jacqui should be your new go-to. As a marketing and branding specialist, she knows the ins and outs of how to make your business stand out.

 

Jacqui’s Instagram is full of helpful hints, inspiring quotes, and great blog posts (check out our favorite about Instagram pet peeves here!) Her posts range from tips to prepare for brand growth to shutting out fear that comes with being an entrepreneur.

 

Not only is her account visually pleasing, but she’s always providing helpful content for entrepreneurs. Not to mention she maintains an impressive (and sometimes hilarious) balance of motherhood.

 

Go follow along!

 

 

Javacia Harris Bowser, @seejavaciawrite

 

 

If you’re a writer, this account is a must-follow.

 

Javacia is the Founder of See Jane Write, a website and community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs. Her work empowers women to write and coaches on how to transform a blog into a business.

 

Javacia recently gave a Ted Talk in March and got to speak on her success of See Jane Write. Her talk focused on the idea of writing being a feminist act. By sharing her story, a woman can discover why she deserves equality and love herself. Because in a world that constantly tells women they are not enough, “self-love is a revolutionary act.” Javacia believes there is power in sharing one’s story and has devoted her life to helping others share theirs.

 

There’s no doubt Javacia will help you grow your writing into a profitable platform. She’s got great webinars, virtual workshops, and inspiring posts. If you’ve been looking for a community of women writers who encourage and support each other, check out her page.

 

 

Deon Gordon, @deongordon

 

 

Deon is the CEO and President of TechBirmingham. This nonprofit’s mission is to support and provide training and education to tech companies in order to grow the technology ecosystem. He has a passion for supporting small businesses and has been instrumental in making Birmingham a better place.

 

Deon was also just recently selected as BBJ top 40 under 40, chosen among some of the most outstanding servant leaders in the city.

 

Deon goes to lots of events around Birmingham and constantly posts about new and exciting projects. He does a great job of promoting growing businesses and highlighting leaders all across the city. If you are interested in growing tech companies or looking to support a new business, Deon’s got you covered! His work is inspiring and you won’t want to miss out.

 

Wanting to follow a leader making a big impact on the city? This just may be your new favorite account!

 

 

Who’s your favorite Instagram account to follow? Let us know in the comments below!

Deon Gordon: Building a Better Birmingham by Building a Better Ecosystem

Deon Gordon: Building a Better Birmingham by Building a Better Ecosystem

Deon Gordon is passionate about Birmingham and its growth. He’s spent the last two years as Director of Business Development at REV and now he’s transitioning to TechBirmingham as the executive director. If you haven’t already heard of REV Birmingham, they are an economic development agency dedicated to revitalization and small business development in our city. With REV, he helped launch the Reveal Kitchen in the Pizitz Food Hall- an incubator for Birmingham chefs who are starting new restaurants.

 

 

Yesterday, Deon emphasized that we have to start telling Birmingham’s story in a better light. He said “we don’t often talk about Birmingham’s story through the lens of victory.” We have built a great foundation in Birmingham with an emerging tech scene and we all have high expectations for the future. Let’s tell those stories that inspire others to join us in building a better Birmingham.

 

“One of my biggest takeaways was that Birmingham is working hard to get on the cutting edge of the tech scene, especially when it comes to working with small businesses. The city has a lot of momentum right now and that is being fueled by multiple small business who have participated in Co.Starters, The Big Pitch, and other local programs that promote entrepreneurship.”

Russell Hooks, Forge Member

 

 

With several Costarters and The Big Pitch finalists in the crowd, Deon spoke about the mission of those organizations. “We’re not responsible for the success of those who come through our pipeline. But we give them the platform to be successful.” At REV, they do whatever they can to support The Big Pitch finalists and the Birmingham community certainly supports them as well.

 

 

Deon says Birmingham still has a long way to go. We’re still at pre-recession job numbers. And unfortunately we aren’t seeing the same growth in the suburbs and traditionally marginalized neighborhoods as we are in downtown Birmingham.

 

So what is missing that could help Birmingham really turn the corner?

 

Deon says the education system could definitely use improvement. We’re beginning to implement more computer science and coding in the classroom and this is immensely valuable to our students’ futures. As technology continues to grow in the marketplace of Birmingham, our city will continue to rise to the level of other major cities.

 

“Deon’s excitement for Birmingham is always evident and always contagious.  Noting the many key organizations and talented people that are working towards the future of the Magic City, Deon brought it back to the boots on the ground:  the entrepreneurs who put heart and talent into creating their vision, and we all benefit.”

Russell Douglas, Forge Member

 

 

Deon believes the opening of Railroad Park in 2010 spurred the change that downtown Birmingham really needed. It began the transformation of our city and the creation of the park was tangible evidence for the much needed change in Birmingham. Deon says we’re at a rare point where our city is seeing a series of wins. Let’s encourage one another to continue this growth!