Jay was born and raised in Jackson, MS. He graduated from Callaway High School and attended Belhaven University and Alcorn State University. His love of cars and his passion for cooking and baking were deepened when he lived in Baton Rouge, LA. One of his signature recipes, a family favorite, is made from scratch waffles. Jay has been a dedicated Mail Carrier with the United States Postal Service for 38 years. In this episode, Jay shares how every child deserves a fair chance, a moment that caused a smile he has never forgotten and a phone call he had to make. 

Kayla Thompson was born in Brandon, MS, a Northwest Rankin Alum, and a graduate of Jacksonville State University. She’s an award-winning, Emmy-nominated journalist and host of the 6-7 am Morning News, “Live at 9,” and “The Morning ‘Sip” on WJTV.  In this episode, Kayla shares her passion for old sitcoms, music as her first love, and why the advice given by sports journalist Rob Jay will forever resonate.

Jay D. Johnson is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and the first African American to serve as Professional Photographer/Multi-Media Coordinator for the City of Jackson with the Jackson Police Department- a position he served in for over 34 years. Throughout the United States, Jay is recognized for his excellence in providing great photography services and credits his entrepreneurial spirit to his father, the late James R. Johnson. Jay shares how he captures more than a picture and gives poignant advice to up-and-coming photographers. 

Koteshya was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is the middle daughter of three girls. She is a self-taught jewelry maker and owner of The Mayne K, an online boutique specializing in one-of-a-kind beaded bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and more. Koteshya will share her passion for health, a love of cooking, and how giving up something in the morning changed her day. 

Koteshya's website: https://themaynek.bigcartel.com

Pamela D.C. Junior is a motivational speaker, historian, and women's activist. 

In her words, “If we teach children about the history of Mississippi—sharing the events that give us hope and bring us despair in a public space, where we see examples of people who never gave up, whose strength and tenacity can now give us hope and inspire us all to see others as we see ourselves— you will secure a twinkle in the eyes of many that will last a lifetime.” Pamela shares why birds and butterflies find her, how love is always in her home, and who she would sip tea with. 

Join Tonja as she sips tea with Stephen Brown. Stephen is an artist, community organizer, and entrepreneur from Jackson, MS. In September 2022, Stephen purchased an abandoned building in his neighborhood and converted it into an arts and community center called Briarwood Arts Center. Stephen will share his love for sparkling water, why passions shouldn’t sit in your mind and the importance of being intentional about what you use your voice for.

Join Tonja as she sips tea with Parthenia Fields. Parthenia firmly believes in lifelong learning and has provided varied education experiences for over 30 years in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Parthenia will share how planning makes her happy, her love for coffee, and how purple is more than a color. 

Tonja Murphy is a published author of 12 books, a motivational speaker, and a master life coach for teens. Her nonprofit career is marked by the development and implementation of successful outcomes of programs for both youth and adults, using a holistic approach. In 2004, she founded The Ladybug Club, an organization for girls and their mothers in the greater Jackson area. The Ladybug Club is a beacon of positive self-esteem, family, and the value of education and community service. Tonja is proud to present Sippin' Tea with Tonja. Join Tonja as she sips tea—not spill any—with amazing people.