For award-winning publicist and powerhouse media strategist Karlette’ Jones, Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a celebration of her first best friend, her biggest cheerleader, and her ultimate twin: her dad, Karl Jones. Known for her dynamic impact in the PR world through her firm K-Way Branding, Karlette’ shares a personal, heartfelt, and hilarious glimpse into the one-of-a-kind bond she shares with the man who named her, molded her, and continues to guide her. In this special edition of SwagHer Magazine’s Daddy’s Girls series, Karlette’ takes us behind the glitz of celebrity branding to spotlight the true star of her story — her father. From life lessons and favorite memories to their laugh-out-loud banter, this tribute is a joyful ode to fatherhood, legacy, and love — The K-Way.
Please tell us about yourself.
Karlette`: My name is Karlette`Jones, I am a two-time award-winning publicist, media strategist, and the founder of K-Way Branding LLC., a leading public relations firm based in Dallas–Fort Worth. With nearly 20 years of experience in entertainment, fashion, and beauty, I have become a trusted name in elevating brands through strategic storytelling, media placement, and high-impact campaigns. My agency has led public relations efforts for major magazine covers and media features, including Upscale Magazine, Hype Hair, and ENSPIRE Magazine, securing national visibility for talents like Kash Doll, Pretty Vee, and Emmitt Smith.
Also, I am a two-time recipient of the Best PR Firm and Best Social Media/Brand Consultant honors at the Best of Black Dallas Awards. K-Way Branding has proudly served clients across diverse industries, including sports, play screenwriters, actors, celebrity fashion designers, cosmetic owners, and authors, among others.
A proud alumna of Prairie View A&M University, I hold a Master’s degree in Community Development and am currently pursuing my MBA. My early roots in media began in radio broadcasting across Dallas–Fort Worth, shaping my passion for amplifying underrepresented voices. Today, I continue to mentor rising talent through internship programs and university partnerships while using my platform to champion confidence, creativity, and culture through PR. Far from being just a middleman, K-Way Branding stands out as “the Konnector,” committed to seamlessly bridging connections and branding the lifestyles of its clients.
“Never let a hard time humble us” — Nipsey Hussle
We’re excited to learn all about your Dad. Please tell us about him.
Karlette’s: My Dad, Karl Jones, is truly my best friend, well, that is what he has been telling me since I was a kid. He named me, and from that moment on, our bond has been something special. We talk about everything from life, love, business, family, faith, there is no topic off limits unless it’s sex because he does not play that LOL. I am grown, but I am not that grown. We view the world very differently, but that’s what makes our relationship so unique. He keeps me grounded, and I keep him dreaming. He is my biggest supporter, my sounding board, and the one person who will always give it to me straight, with love.
We laugh to keep from crying, and honestly, laughter has always been our way of surviving the tough moments together. We are both outgoing and full of life, and when we are in the same room, you are bound to hear a lot of jokes, bold opinions, and a loud debate or two. Our connection runs deeper than father and daughter. It is soul-level because that is ½ of my Maker. No matter where life takes me, I carry his wisdom, his strength, and our shared sense of humor with me every step of the way.
How would you describe your relationship with your Dad?
Karlette`: Fun, different, and exceptional! My Daddy is my road dawg! I’m pretty much his Junior. He named me, and my Mom spelled it. Karl is so funny, and I act just like him. His personality is fun and energetic. We are so similar in many ways. People just have a good time around us, and people always laugh at us, even when we are being serious. We have both been told that we are crazy our entire lives.
What do you love most about your father?
Karlette`: My Daddy has a charm to him, and he is an unforgettable person. He has never met a stranger. He always made sure that I always prayed and kept God in the forefront of everything that I do. He is quick to tell me to talk to God about it. When he is preaching or lecturing to me and I am not in the mood to hear it, I say Deacon Jones, not right now. He keeps it real with me at all times, no matter what. He admires my ambition and motivates me daily. No matter how hard something is, he always says that we will figure it out. He always tells me, “Girl, you are so sharp.” A lot of people have often said that he resembles Denzel Washington.
What does being a Daddy’s Girl mean to you?
Karlette`: I’m his firstborn, so our relationship is different. I taught him how to be a Dad and made him become a man when I was born. I always compare our relationship to the TV sitcom One on One, and he’s Flex and I am Briana LOL. We are tight just like they were on the show. We talk every day, and if we don’t talk, then that’s a problem. We always say something crazy to each other. For instance, if we don’t speak and he gets in touch with me before I reach back out, he might say, “See, this is why you will NOT be going in the will.”
Me: Daddy, bye, because I know you’re lying to me. (followed with laughs)
We just understand one another.
Can you share a favorite memory or moment with your Dad that you’ll never forget?
Karlette`: I have so many. My Dad calls me Stuffy Buffy because to him, my voice sounds like a congested kid… I know right…
When I was a little girl, and when I would get mad at him, I would say that the late great rapper “Heavy D” was my real Daddy.
So when Heavy D passed, he called me and said, “Your other real Daddy passed away.” I instantly asked, “What happened to Heavy D, the overweight lover?” He said, “Girl, grow up, you know that is not your Daddy for real.”
So a few years ago, my cousin was getting married in Jamaica, and a few of our family members were all planning to go. Well, my Dad had gotten rushed to the E.R. a few days before the trip. The doctors told him that they were unsure whether he should travel, and so on. I said, “Wait… Are you still going, Daddy, like for real?” My Dad told the doctors that life is all about taking risks, and he was not missing Jamaica. The funny thing is that he was scheduled to leave a day before me. I was freaking out but when us Joneses make our minds up about something there is no changing it. He called me and said, “Baby girl, I’m boarding my flight now. I will text you tonight, and I will see you tomorrow.” I could not be mad or anything, I said, “Okay, I love you, safe travels, and be safe.” I thought it was pretty cool to keep going no matter the odds.
What is one core value or piece of advice your father gave you that still guides you today?
Karlette`: My Daddy always taught me to remain Sucker free in a land full of lollipops. My Daddy has all the crazy sayings.
“Who are you going to listen to? Me or yourself?”
Meaning that he knew me before I knew myself, so I should listen to him. He taught me discernment and how to stay buster free.
“Buster free is the way to be.”
What would you like to say to your dad this Father’s Day?
Karlette`: Daddy, I know it wasn’t easy by far, but you’re alright in my book.
Daddy, you make life fun and funny, and I could not imagine being anyone else’s daughter in this lifetime. (Unless it’s Heavy D) Thank you for loving my Mom through sickness and health until the very end. Thank you for my beautiful Bonus Mom and my knucklehead siblings. I know I am your favorite, and that is fine too, it will be our little secret LOL.
Well, just like my Daddy always says, “If you’re done listening/reading then I’m done talking”- Karl Jones
Happy Father’s Day!!! I love you, Twin! K & K all day! The K-Way
Follow on Instagram: @KWayBranding and @therealkarlette
Read more Daddy’s Girls Spotlights.
