Denise Jones - Beyond The Door

Denise Jones

Beyond The Door

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Denise Jones

Denise Jones, who hails from the West Side of Chicago, wears many hats. She is an author, playwright, minister, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. However, if you ask her to describe herself in one word, a survivor would be most accurate.

Denise shares that her childhood was a battlefield, filled with abuse, addiction, and a life forced upon her. Still, she refused to let those experiences define her destiny. “I fought my way to recovery, went back to school against all odds, and built a life centered on helping others find their own path to healing and empowerment,” Denise says. “I come from a big family. My siblings George, Stanley, Bennesse, and Regina all understand the struggles of growing up on the West Side. Thankfully, my two younger siblings, Jermaine and Angela, were born later, after my mom turned her life around, and they were spared those same hardships.”

Annie Mae, Denise’s mom, introduced her to a world of darkness at a far too young age. Thankfully, Annie Mae found her way out, and her strength continues to inspire Denise to this day. At the age of twelve, Denise was already shooting heroin and caught up in a life of crime to support her addiction. That destructive path lasted for nearly fourteen years, and at 27, something shifted in her life. “I found solace in my faith, which led me to recovery and a newfound purpose. I became a certified HIV and Substance Abuse Counselor, an ordained minister, a life coach, and an inspirational speaker. Even though I dropped out of school in the fourth grade, my faith and determination fueled me to earn a GED in 1993. I didn’t stop there; I kept going, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a Master’s degree in Non-Profit Management,” she says. More than anything, Denise’s journey is living proof that the human spirit is resilient and that transformation is always possible.

Today, Denise invests her interests and passions in two separate entities: Diamond 7 Enterprises Inc. and Tender Touch Inc.

Diamond 7 Enterprises Inc. is a commercial cleaning company that offers a whole range of facility services to create clean, safe, and healthy environments. “We’re your one-stop shop for all things clean! We handle everything from commercial and industrial cleaning to specialty services like disinfection and even snow removal. We also offer technical services like gym floor maintenance and lighting. We believe that a clean environment is essential for health and productivity, and we’re committed to delivering top-notch service to our clients,” says Denise.

With Tender Touch Inc., a non-profit organization, Denise focuses on helping women and young girls who the penal system has impacted. They offer training, support, and an opportunity to their clients to rebuild their lives and find their place in the world. Tender Touch is also the proud sponsoring agency of the play, “Beyond the Door,” which is based on Denise’s memoir, “Who Said It Couldn’t Be Done.”

Beyond The Door is a raw and personal story brought to life on stage under the brilliant direction of nine-time Jeff Award recipient E Faye Butler. Her production premiered at the Beverly Arts Center in Chicago on September 13th, 2024, and was followed by two additional performances on September 14th and 15th. “The vision for “Beyond the Door” was born out of my own lived experiences and the profound realization that my story could offer hope to others. I wanted to create something that would not only entertain but also inspire, empower, and ignite conversations about the possibility of change. The play’s title is symbolic of the transformative power of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing the unknown. It represents the courage it takes to face one’s past, confront difficult truths, and ultimately choose a different path,” she says.

“Tender Touch is where my heart truly lies,” Denise says. “We offer a range of programs to help women and girls coming out of the penal system get back on their feet. We provide educational opportunities, job readiness training, janitorial services, and the support they need to successfully reintegrate into their families and communities. Both of my organizations are about transformation and empowerment. Diamond 7 helps create healthy spaces, while Tender Touch helps heal and rebuild lives.”

Denise shares how she truly loves what God has blessed her to do. “Witnessing transformation firsthand is what truly sets my soul on fire. Whether it’s the hushed silence of an audience captivated by a story on stage or the newfound confidence of a woman stepping into a job interview after years of incarceration, those moments are what makes everything worthwhile. My work is about more than just cleaning buildings or offering programs – it’s about empowering individuals to rewrite their narratives, break free from the chains of their past, and embrace the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. It’s a privilege to play even a small part in their healing, growth, and self-discovery journeys.”

Running a business, especially two with such distinct missions, comes with its fair share of challenges. Denise shares how employee turnover and retention can be a constant struggle, particularly in the cleaning industry. She adds that managing diverse personalities and navigating the personal baggage that people bring with them, both clients and employees alike, requires patience, empathy, and strong leadership skills. “The operational side of things, from payroll and accounting to equipment procurement, can also be overwhelming at times. Early on, I struggled to secure funding for Tender Touch, which limited our ability to provide the level of support I envisioned for the women we serve. But I’ve learned to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. I’ve become resourceful and creative in finding solutions, from grant writing and fundraising to building strategic partnerships. I surround myself with a dedicated team who share my vision and values, and I invest in ongoing training and development to ensure we’re always operating at our best.”

While there are moments when Denise may reflect on the past, she has come to realize that every experience, no matter how painful, has shaped her into the person she is today. “My journey, with all its twists and turns, has given me a unique perspective and a deep well of empathy. I believe that my story, in all its raw honesty, has the power to resonate with others who are facing their own struggles. While I might wish for a less turbulent past, I wouldn’t change it. I’ve learned to embrace my scars as symbols of strength and resilience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my experiences to inspire and uplift others,” she says.

Looking ahead, Denise would like to see her production grace the stages of renowned theaters like The Steppenwolf and the Goodman, captivating audiences with its powerful message of hope and redemption. She also yearns for the play to reach those who need it most. “I want to bring this production into jails and schools, sparking conversations about trauma, addiction, and the transformative power of choice. Beyond the play, I’m committed to expanding the reach and impact of Tender Touch. I want to empower even more women and girls impacted by the penal system, providing them with the tools and support they need to build successful, fulfilling lives,” she says.

Denise’s ultimate goal is to create a ripple effect of positive change, one life at a time, and to inspire others to break cycles and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.