We recently had the chance to connect with Mrs. Janice Bryant-Baker and have shared our conversation below.
Mrs. Janice, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would hire myself because I always arrive on time and complete my assignments, ensuring my employer can rely on me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Janice Bryant-Baker, and I am the founder and CEO of The Real Wings, Inc. and The G Boys Club, Inc.—two mentoring programs based in Baltimore that are very close to my heart.
Real Wings was created to empower girls ages 10–15 through etiquette and life skills training, while The G Boys Club helps boys ages 9–15 develop strong, manly character and confidence. Both programs are designed to teach self-love, self-control, and self-confidence while providing practical tools like financial literacy, healthy mindfulness, public speaking, leadership skills, positive image management, and spiritual growth.
What makes our work unique is that we don’t just mentor youth—we celebrate them. We meet them where they are, help them discover their worth, and create experiences that make them feel seen, valued, and loved. Through etiquette showcases and community service, fundraisers, workshops, and special outings, we provide spaces where young people can grow, shine, and fully believe in themselves.
The heart of my mission is inspired by my own experience—While growing up, I didn’t feel seen, understood, or like I was enough. I lacked confidence and self-doubt. However, I overcame my struggles and discovered the secret to my inner strength. Now, I’ve made it my purpose to make sure every child I reach will learn the secret to their inner strength: “You Have Wings. Let them fly.”
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between individuals can be shattered due to a lack of trust. Restoring trust after it has been broken often proves to be a challenging process; sometimes, an apology alone is not enough. Nevertheless, it is a starting point.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time when I almost gave up. I felt like I was wasting my life, going nowhere, and never going to achieve what I wanted. Then, God showed up. He helped me realize that rejection is often for our protection and sometimes serves as redirection. I had to learn to be patient and trust the journey.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
People would say what really matters to me is Kindness, a fundamental value I hold dearly. It is important to me for people, especially children, to be ok, to know that they matter and are worthy of being loved.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Yes, I am doing what I was born to do. I have always felt I was placed in the world to be a “light in the dark,” spreading warmth and kindness with a people-focused mentality. As a natural leader with a kind heart, this is simply part of who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therealwingsinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.therealwingsinc
- Linkedin: Janice Bryant-Baker
- Facebook: https://www.therealwingsinc
