Jana M. Gamble and Monica R. Butler Meet While Surviving Pandemic

A Habit of Mentoring to Make a Difference….
Servanthood While Surviving the Pandemic

ST. LOUIS, MO. | USA – To celebrate her birthday a local entrepreneur chose to honor the program that has kept both her business and her family lifted throughout the global crises and emotional rollercoaster ride of 2020. Jana M. Gamble found a flyer for Habitat for Neighborhood Business at Saint Louis University (HNB-SLU) back in 2019 outside of her home.

She was instantly intrigued about the program, but didn’t apply until months later. HNB-SLU strives to restore urban neighborhoods with new and additional business activity, job growth, and business role models.

Jana, owner of It’s A Gamble, LLC DBA Purposed Productions was accepted into HNB-SLU’s program in September 2019 and shared with Dr. Gladys Smith (Program Director), and Mrs. Linda M. Jones (Executive Director) how much it meant for her to know that she would finally be on the cusp of being paired with a mentor.

“For years I was searching for a woman mentor in film- someone that speaks my language and that can help me grow into the creative I was purposed to be! ”
JANA M. GAMBLE

It’s been said that during the most difficult times one’s character is tested and their true colors are revealed. During these dueling pandemics, Habitat For Neighborhood Business at SLU proved to Purposed Productions that they are a solid force of leadership and strength for small businesses in our community.

In 2020, HNB-SLU paired Gamble with the perfect mentor for her- Producer Monica R. Butler, QuickBooks, Website Design, connected her with a SLU Service Leadership Team, provided all of the HNB-SLU Mentees with COVID grant resources, COVID education resources, SBA resources, food coupons to support fellow business owners’ establishments, and more.

The most special characteristic that Habitat for Neighborhood Business at SLU, Saint Louis University and their
Service Leadership Program, Jana M. Gamble and her Mentor Ms. Butler has in common is this beautiful quality
called servanthood.

Having a heart to serve others at the core, besides their love for film is why Gamble and Butler connect so fluidly. Both women have a vision that is bigger than them and are reaching beyond the stars to make these dreams a reality for the future of film in St. Louis thanks to their HNB-SLU partnership.

“The great part about this mentorship program is that we get to learn from one another and grow together. We feed off of one another. It is truly a beautiful thing.”
MONICA R. BUTLER

Leadership is more important now than ever before, and no matter how old you are you can be a leader. Saint
Louis University is molding students to think ethically and to embrace servant leadership and social change in both their professional and personal philosophies through their Service Leadership Program (SLP).

In December Gamble contacted Alyssa, a SLU Service Leadership student who was assigned to study Gamble’s business in a SLU Leadership course partnership with Habitat for Neighborhood Business at SLU, to join her for the photo shoot and virtual round table that Jana and her mentor were co-producing.

Now, just as Alyssa took the time to sow her graphic design skills into Purposed Productions- Jana provided her student the opportunity to not just be at a photoshoot for the first time, but to actually take the reigns, and try shooting her first photos which she did an absolutely phenomenal job!

Purposed Productions and The Butler Group would like to thank Habitat for Neighborhood Business at SLU for the extraordinary work they are doing in the community to uplift and restore small businesses like ours- On Purpose!

Link to the Habitat For Neighborhood Business Program at Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University’s Service Leadership Program

For more information on how you can join Habitat For Neighborhood Business at SLU contact HNB-SLU at
314.977.3625 or visit www.habitatforneighborhoodbusiness.org

Want to learn more about Purposed Production’s programs and services? Email PurposedProductions@gmail.com or visit www.PurposedProductions.com

The Butler Group is paving the way for new opportunities in film email: production@thebutlergrp.com to see how you can get involved today!

For media inquiries, and interviews, please contact Jana M. Gamble at 314.349.0640 or send an email to
PurposedProductions@gmail.com.

HABITAT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS at SLU’s SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook (@HabitatForNeighborhoodBusiness) Instagram (@hfnbnational) and Twitter (@HabitatNB1)

PURPOSED PRODUCTIONS’s SOCIAL MEDIA:
For the latest news and updates, follow Purposed Productions on Facebook, Instagram @PurposedProductions, and Twitter @Purposed_Prods Hashtags include #PurposedProductions #HPNStL

ABOUT HABITAT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS at SLU:
HNB-SLU partners with Saint Louis University students and volunteer business people to help
restore economic vitality to under-served neighborhoods through mentoring, networking and
education for existing and aspiring minority entrepreneurs. In addition, HNB collaborates with
developers, the government and others sharing our interests in strengthening neighborhood
commerce.

ABOUT PURPOSED PRODUCTIONS:
It’s A Gamble, LLC DBA Purposed Productions was established in 2014 in St. Louis, MO.
Purposed Production is bringing Hollywood to St. Louis through film, tv, and providing youth
opportunities to explore history & the healing art of filmmaking. Representing dynamic Artists
and Speakers transforming the world by Speaking on Purpose. Purposed Productions also
produces virtual events catering to our clients with customized Concierge Service to serve your
virtual event needs.

ABOUT THE BUTLER GROUP:
The Butler Group is a film corporation based in St. Louis, MO. TBG is fueled by mentor driven
and creative professional industry partnerships that allow youth and learners of all ages to gain
priceless hands-on real-world experience that cannot be duplicated in a classroom setting.