We recently had the chance to connect with Constance Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Constance, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
What I’m being called to do now is lead louder, not just in business, but in rooms where policies are shaped, systems are challenged, and representation is overdue.
As a Black woman, a mother, and a CEO, I used to wonder if I had to shrink parts of myself to be taken seriously. Now I know better. I’ve learned that my voice, my perspective, and my presence are exactly what’s needed, and I no longer wait for permission to take up space.
I’m building a staffing firm that’s rooted in equity, community, and excellence, and at the same time, I’m raising children who get to see their mother walk fully in her purpose. That used to feel overwhelming. Now? It feels like legacy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Constance Jones, President & CEO of HJ Staffing, a staffing and HR consulting firm committed to matching talent with purpose. We’re a certified minority- and woman-owned business, proudly serving clients across Texas, Louisiana, Delaware, and California.
What makes us different? We don’t just fill positions—we build partnerships rooted in trust, equity, and real impact. I’m especially proud of our ability to support both public and private sector clients while also giving back through our nonprofit, the Readi Heart Foundation, which focuses on youth workforce readiness and emergency support for families.
Right now, I’m focused on growing our presence in government contracting, launching new career readiness tools, and elevating conversations around leadership, visibility, and legacy.
Whether you’re hiring, job hunting, or building something bold, I’m here to help match the right people with the right opportunities, on purpose
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I learned the most about work by simply watching my parents. Both served in the military, and while they didn’t give long lectures about discipline or drive, they lived it. I saw what it meant to show up, even when you were tired. To do your best, even when no one was watching. And to serve something bigger than yourself.
Being a military dependent meant moving often, adapting quickly, and learning how to connect with new people in unfamiliar places. That taught me early on that work isn’t just about a job, it’s about character, community, and consistency.
Now, through HJ Staffing, I carry those lessons forward. I lead with heart and structure, and I build teams and partnerships that reflect that same intentionality. Because at the end of the day, work is personal. And I was taught to treat it that way.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I recently changed my mind about saying ‘yes’ to every client just because it meant revenue. There was a time when I would’ve taken on any contract, especially as a small, growing agency. But I’ve learned that every opportunity isn’t aligned, and every dollar isn’t worth the cost.
We had a client whose values and expectations didn’t align with how HJ Staffing operates; there was a lack of respect for process, transparency, and partnership. In the past, I might have made it work. But this time, I chose to walk away.
It was a reminder that protecting our culture, our team, and our reputation is more valuable than a short-term win. Saying no felt bold, and honestly, a little scary, but it made space for better-aligned partnerships that have since come our way.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the staffing industry tells itself is that people are easily replaceable. There’s this outdated mindset that talent is just a number, and as long as you can fill a seat, the job is done. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
People aren’t widgets; they’re individuals with stories, goals, and value. When we treat placements like transactions instead of relationships, we miss the bigger picture: long-term success comes from alignment, not just availability.
Another lie? That the cheapest option is the best one. In reality, cutting corners, on pay, process, or vetting costs more in the long run.
At HJ Staffing, we do it differently. We believe in building with purpose, matching people to the right roles, and honoring both sides of the table. That’s how you create partnerships, not just placements.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, and I’ve had to. There have been many seasons in my journey where I showed up fully, gave 110%, and heard nothing back. No applause, no recognition, just silence. But I kept going.
Why? Because I don’t do the work for praise, I do it for impact. Whether it’s helping someone find a job that changes their life or ensuring a client gets the right team to move a project forward, I know the value is real, even if the credit is quiet.
Of course, we all appreciate acknowledgment, but I’ve learned that consistency, integrity, and legacy matter more than validation. I’ve built HJ Staffing from that mindset: do good work, do it well, and trust that what’s meant for you will always find you, even if the spotlight doesn’t.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hjstaffing.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hjstaffing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hjstaffing/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hjstaffing
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/hjstaffing
