To most, J’s Breakfast Club is a vibrant culinary destination in the heart of Gary, Ind. But to founder Joslyn RW Kelly, it’s a living, breathing act of service, rooted in resilience and reimagining possibility. With a background in economics and a deep love for her hometown, Joslyn turned a simple idea into a thriving community space that transcends traditional business models. Guided by a philosophy that currency flows where ideas flourish, she’s blended entrepreneurship with advocacy in a way that redefines what it means to be a restaurateur, a leader, and a changemaker.
Talk about what it took to take J’s Breakfast Club from concept to reality?
Kelly: The idea came from a place of imagination, but bringing it to life meant putting pen to paper, foot to ground, and simply doing the work. It wasn’t a grand unveiling; it was a step-by-step process of making something tangible from vision. Every decision became a building block. It was about being present in the process and allowing the dream to evolve through action.
What’s your business philosophy, and how has that guided the way you operate J’s Breakfast Club?
Kelly: My background in economics has taught me to examine what I have and figure out how to use it to get where I want to go. Over time, I’ve come to understand that ideas are currency, and currency is also ideas. That flow—of creativity, resourcefulness, and motion—is what drives me. It’s not about having everything figured out; it’s about nurturing ideas, executing consistently, and adjusting as I go.
How do you balance being both a business owner and a community advocate? Do those roles ever collide?
Kelly: For me, there’s no separation between the two. Business ownership and community advocacy are one and the same because both are rooted in service. Being a problem solver is what I do, whether I’m running a kitchen or organizing for change. Advocacy gives purpose to my business, and my business gives voice to my advocacy.
Gary, Indiana, has seen its fair share of economic shifts. How did you navigate launching and sustaining a business in a city many consider high-risk?
Kelly: Gary has no more risk than anywhere else—you just have to show up, stay present, and keep working. Every day is a grand opening. I don’t dwell on challenges that may exist; I focus on what I can do in the moment and build from there. It’s about showing up with consistency and purpose.
What specific steps have you taken to ensure J’s Breakfast Club thrives in today’s competitive and unpredictable environment?
Kelly: As a Black woman and once a single mother, I’ve learned how to do a lot with a little. It comes down to flexibility, humility, and gratitude. I’ve embraced the practice of staying open, grounded, and willing to pivot. These are the strategies that have helped me weather storms and remain rooted in my mission.
What leadership lessons have you learned since starting the restaurant, and how have those shaped your approach to growth and team development?
Kelly: No one succeeds alone. The idea of the “self-made” entrepreneur doesn’t hold weight with me. It takes a village, and I’ve learned to lean into that. I now have a deeper appreciation for my own strengths and, more importantly, a greater respect for the unique talents and gifts of others. Building a team means recognizing and elevating those gifts.
Talk about the economic ripple effects of your restaurant—in job creation, partnerships, or inspiring other businesses to invest in Gary, for example.
Kelly: The impact is tangible. At times, we’ve employed up to 30 people—many of whom live right here in the community. But the ripple goes far beyond jobs. J’s Breakfast Club has inspired others to launch businesses, invest in the aesthetics of the city, and believe in what’s possible in Gary. It’s about shifting perceptions and creating an environment where growth becomes contagious.
How important to you is it to create a space that’s more than transactional?
Kelly: A transactional relationship ends with the receipt. What we’re doing is building something deeper. It’s about creating an experience that makes people feel seen and valued. People might forget what they ordered, but they’ll always remember how they felt. That’s the magic we aim to create every day.
How have you leveraged media, branding, or digital tools to elevate your restaurant and tell the story of your city?
Kelly: We lean heavily into earned media by sharing the stories behind our outreach, programs, and partnerships. That authentic storytelling creates a kind of grassroots promotion that aligns with our mission. It’s not just marketing—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for as a community-centered business.
What do you know now as a seasoned entrepreneur that you wish you knew when you first started?
Kelly: Always have something tucked away—because something will always happen. That cushion, that foresight, that discipline—it’s critical. Preparation is part of the journey.
You’re part of a growing wave of Black women redefining what leadership looks like. How do you hope your story impacts the next generation of entrepreneurs?
Kelly: I don’t just want to inspire the future—I want to actively equip it. I want to share my lessons, be transparent, and open doors. The goal is to build strong successors so that I can step aside or step out, knowing the work will continue in capable hands.
What have been the most defining or surprising moments in your business journey to date?
Kelly: Every day offers something new. The consistency of being able to keep moving forward—that, to me, is both defining and a blessing. I don’t take any of it for granted. Each day I get to open the doors is another chance to grow, to serve, and to build.
Do you believe there’s a unique power in reinvesting in where you came from?
What does “legacy” mean to you in that context?
Kelly: Legacy is about planting seeds, just like someone once did for me. It’s about ensuring that the next generation has a foundation to build on. Reinvesting in Gary is a personal mission—it’s not just about economics, it’s about responsibility, history, and hope. I want to leave behind more opportunities, more belief, and more beauty than I found.
What does success look like for you?
Kelly: Success means leaving every space better than I found it. It means empowering others to chase their dreams and contributing to a greater good. The numbers are nice, but the purpose is what makes it all meaningful.
What’s next for you and for J’s Breakfast Club?
Kelly: Our mission is ongoing. Ultimately, we want to expand and replicate the model we’ve built in Gary—bringing our spirit of service and community to other places with similar needs. We’re working to make that a reality while continuing to deepen our roots right here. Every step forward is a continuation of the work we’ve started.
