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Jean Bruce Koua

@jaybeeknows

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Top 30 Under 30 @acgc_now 🌎
Co-founder of @elevhomes 🚀
La joie de vivre @babichillkitchen 🇨🇮
John 13:7

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Trust me when I say this… God really does make a way 🙏

I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized as one of Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30 by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation @acgc_now

When I moved to Canada over 8 years ago, I was just trying to figure life out… new country, new environment, new challenges. I never imagined something like this would be possible.
But this moment isn’t just about an award - it’s about the journey. The late nights. The doubts. The small wins that no one sees. The people who kept believing even when things weren’t clear.

First and foremost, thank you God for allowing me to walk this path and for guiding me every step of the way 🙏

À ma famille - merci pour votre amour et votre soutien inconditionnels ❤️
Maman et Papa, cet award vous est dédié 🫶

To everyone I’ve met along the way, mentors, friends, colleagues, thank you for pouring into me and being part of this journey 🫂

If there’s one thing I’ve learned: Trust the process.
It might not make sense now… but it will one day. (J. 13,7)

And we’re just getting started!

Let’s keep going 🔒🚀 by @jaybeeknows

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6 months ago

“I was really surprised by how many people were willing to help, especially when you reach out.”

Hear more from Jean Bruce, co-founder of Elev Homes, a platform streamlining the leasing process for off-campus student rentals.

For more on Jean Bruce, 🔗in bio.

To help celebrate Startup Week and Small Business Week, Why Edmonton is proud to showcase our local entrepreneurs.

#WhyEdmonton
#YegSW24
#Yeg taken in Edmonton, Alberta by @jaybeeknows

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2 years ago

“Google him…. then question your life” 👀

Watch how our Gist Mate @jaybeeknows turned student housing struggles into solutions! From international student to tech innovator, this story shows what happens when passion meets purpose 🚀

Full episode drops gems about building dreams, tech innovation, and why the game’s not over till it’s over! Link in bio ✨

#ChopItUpWithLebeneMawutor #YEGTech #StudentHousing #InternationalStudent #IvorianExcellence #YEGBusiness #ExploreEdmonton #YEGStartup #AlbertaTech #AfricanExcellence #TechFounder #YEGCommunity taken in Downtown Edmonton by @jaybeeknows

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2 years ago

We have an update. Our Elev team is thankful for the stage, the community, and every person who’s believed in this before any of it was guaranteed. Onward, affordable home for students by @jaybeeknows

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7 days ago

At FoundersOutlook, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to have meaningful conversations with some truly inspiring founders who opened up about their journeys, challenges, lessons, and the experiences behind their businesses.

From Chidera Ogueri, founder of @drinkzohbo , to @jaybeeknows , co-founder of @elevhomes ; Opeyemi Osuntokun, founder of @leiraeventandmedia Events; and Fashad Tajidin, founder of @thrivecitystudio

Each founder shared a different story, but one thing remained the same: building a business is a journey filled with lessons, challenges, growth, and courage.

We’re grateful to every founder who has trusted us with their story.

And this is only the beginning.

#Founders #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #BusinessGrowth #FounderStories by @jaybeeknows

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20 days ago

Keep going. Seriously. Keep going.

I’ll be honest with you - entrepreneurship is not easy.

Behind these clips are years of late nights, early mornings, trial and error, rejection, disappointment, uncertainty, and moments where I’ve given 1000% and wondered why I was only seeing 1% in return.

From coming to Canada as a 17-year-old international student, to navigating life as an immigrant, to becoming an entrepreneur trying to build something that genuinely makes a difference… there have been plenty of moments when I’ve wondered whether things would work out.

But through it all, God has been faithful.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about Peter walking on water.

He was literally doing the impossible. But when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind around him, fear crept in and he began to sink.

He cried, “Lord, save me!”

And Jesus immediately reached out and caught him.

“You of little faith… why did you doubt?” — Matthew 14:30–31

Man… how often do we do the same?

We focus on the rejection. The numbers. The money. The closed doors. Everything that isn’t going according to plan.

And suddenly, we’re staring at the troubled waters instead of the One who called us onto them.

So this is as much a reminder for me as anyone: Keep your eyes on Jesus.

When the waters get rough, keep going.
When doubt creeps in, keep going.
And if you start sinking? Reach for Him.

You haven’t made it this far just to make it this far.

God was there at the beginning. He’s here now. And He’ll be there for whatever comes next. 🙏

Today is also the last day to vote for Elev @elevhomes in the @facecoalition MelaMoon Pitch Competition. We’re Top 50 in Canada and pushing for Top 5. 🚀

If you have 30 seconds and want to support us, cast your vote through the link in my bio. 💙🙏

Whatever journey you’re on: Keep going. Keep believing. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Because at the end of the day…Everything is Jesus. ❤️ by @jaybeeknows

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22 days ago

History was made in Edmonton this weekend 🇨🇮🧡

Edmonton officially has its FIRST Ivorian restaurant!!!

And for me, this one hits a little differently. As an Ivorian, when I first moved to Canada, there were a lot of things I missed about home - but there’s something about the food you grew up with that just can’t be replaced. You know the flavours, the smells, sitting around a table with your people and just that feeling of home.

I remember first discovering @babichillkitchen when picking up food meant going to the founder’s home. Or organizing a nice “Zegen” party with the guys 😂 I’ve had the privilege of watching this journey grow from an idea, to a dream, to seeing those doors open on an actual restaurant.

And THAT’S VERY special.

It also makes me think of Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” 🙏

There’s something beautiful about watching a dream that was once just an idea in someone’s heart become something real - something that can now serve an entire community. When God puts something on your heart, keep building, keep believing, and keep going. You never know what that seed can grow into. 🚀

Because now, there’s a little piece of Côte d’Ivoire right here in Edmonton. And walking through those doors, eating the food and seeing our community gathered together genuinely felt like home again. 🇨🇮

So today, I just want to give flowers where they’re due. To Masseille and everyone who helped bring this vision to life: félicitations!!! What you’ve built is bigger than a restaurant. You’ve created a place for people to experience our food, our culture and a little bit of who we are 🥹

And to my Edmonton people: HIGH-KEY recommend you go experience it for yourself. 😂🔥

📍 Babi Chill Kitchen — 10015 82 Ave NW, Edmonton — Inside Old Strathcona Mall
🗓️ Officially opening Thursday, September 10
⏰ Tuesday–Sunday | 12 PM–10 PM

Go show some love, place your order, and experience a taste of Côte d’Ivoire. 🇨🇮

As for me? I’ll probably be there every day 🤪

Jk jk 😂

…unless? 👀

CÔTE D’IVOIRE TO THE MOON!!! 🇨🇮🚀

#IvorianFood #EdmontonEats #ExploreEdmonton #Foodie #fyp by @jaybeeknows

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a month ago

One step closer. Now, we need you. 💙

It’s crazy to think about how far this little idea has come. There have been wins, setbacks, long nights, moments of doubt, and plenty of times where the vision felt much bigger than what we had in front of us. But through all of it, one thing has remained constant: people like you showing up and believing in what we’re building. And I’ll never take that for granted.

Today, Elev is Top 10 in Edmonton and Top 50 in Canada in the MelaMoon Pitch Competition!! @facecoalition @elevhomes

Now, we’re going for TOP 5 🚀

And I’m asking you personally to help us get there. Every like. Every comment. Every share. Every vote. It all counts.

If you have 30 seconds to support us, comment “ELEV TOP 5” and I’ll personally send you the links. That’s it. Voting closes on September 22nd 😊

Whether you’ve been rocking with us since this was just an idea, or you discovered Elev today - thank you. Truly 💙

We’re building something special, and I’d love for you to be part of the story.

Let’s make it happen. Together. 🫶

#ElevTop5 #Melamoon by @jaybeeknows

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a month ago

I came for the food but stayed for the vibes 🤪🔥

And Jerk & Jollof Fest definitely delivered on BOTH 🙂‍↕️

From the food, to the music, to running into friends everywhere I turned - it was honestly just a beautiful day of culture and community here in Edmonton 🫶

And y’all KNOW I had to do my research on the food 😂😂

Shoutout to @honeytreats.ca - the jollof + suya wrap? Y’all did your thing 👏👏
@drksuyaalberta — had to get some spicy asun suya in there!
And much love to all the other food & beverage vendors who kept us FED:
@eventsbylush
@kaieteurkitchen
@treatedsweetlyca
@blackspice_canada
@deolasdelights
@enjoynribs
@thechopshq
@mandaspiceland
@delysflavors

And of course, Mealie and Islands Flavaz as well! 🙌

And shoutout to @thelizatanwani for being my unofficial co-host for the day 🤝😂 Good food is always better with good company!

Then the performances… 🔥🔥

Big shoutout to @og.jonah for bringing the Afro-fusion vibes, and @melafrique_ absolutely ELECTRIFIED that stage 💯

And if you enjoyed @melafrique_ at Jerk & Jollof, keep an eye out - their 10-year anniversary celebration is coming up September 26! 👀🎶

But one of my favourite parts of the day was simply seeing the community show up for one another 🫶

Families. Friends. Entrepreneurs. Artists. Different cultures. Different backgrounds. All coming together and having a good time 🫂

That’s something I genuinely love about Edmonton 🥹💙

Huge shoutout to @originaljerkandjollof and the entire Jerk & Jollof Festival team for bringing everyone together and creating something special for the city🎉🎉

It was a MOVIE. 🎥🔥

Already looking forward to the next one!

Now be honest… what was YOUR favourite part of Jerk & Jollof this year? 👀👇

#JerkAndJollofFest #JJF2026 #yeg #ExploreEdmonton #Foodie by @jaybeeknows

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a month ago

The inspiring journey of @jaybeeknows from international student to co-founder of @elevhomes @elev.listings Canada’s first ultra-affordable off-campus student housing.

@jaybeeknows is originally from Côte d’Ivoire and is now building and making an impact here in Edmonton. He’s been ranked Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30 and his story and hard work is so inspiring.

Watch full episode of @audaciousrebuilders on YouTube-link in bio
#newimmigrantsincanada #lifeincanada #edmontonliving #cityofedmonton taken in Edmonton, Alberta by @jaybeeknows

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2 months ago

Consider this your sign to come hungry on August 29 🙂‍↕️🔥

I got a little preview of what’s coming at this year’s Jerk & Jollof Festival during the Taste of JJF pre-festival mixer with @originaljerkandjollof, and if this was only the preview… Edmonton, we might be in trouble. 😮‍💨😂

Great food, great people, culture, music, community - and most importantly, plenty of jerk and jollof. 🌍🍗🍚

This year marks the 4th annual Jerk & Jollof Festival, bringing together African and Caribbean flavours, entrepreneurs, artists, families and communities from across Edmonton for a full day of food, culture and good vibes.

And this year, they’re taking it to a new home:

📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ 1:00–8:00 PM
📍 Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
🎟️ Free admission

Expect food vendors, live performances, cultural celebrations, activities for the family and a whole lot of energy. (Jerk and Jollof Fest)

And yes, @melafrique_ will be taking the stage, bringing their vibrant sound and energy to the festival! 🎶🔥

One thing I’ll always appreciate about Edmonton is the number of opportunities we have to experience each other’s cultures, support local entrepreneurs, and simply come together as a community.

Events like this are what summer in the city is all about. 💙

So grab your people, come hungry, rep your culture and I’ll see y’all at Jerk & Jollof Fest on August 29! 🚀🔥

Now the real question… Team Jerk or Team Jollof? 👀😂

#JerkAndJollofFest #YEGEvents #ExploreEdmonton #YEGFood #EdmontonEvents by @jaybeeknows

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2 months ago

The challenge wasn’t running 21.1K. It was staying in control of my mind when my body was telling me to stop.

Not too long ago, running a 5K felt like a challenge. Today, I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon.

And somewhere along those 21.1 kilometres, I was reminded of a few things.

0–7K: I felt GOOD 😂. Legs were fresh, energy was high, nobody could tell me anything. 21K? Light work.

7–14K: Yeah… about that. 😭
My legs started talking to me. The excitement wore off, and the real race became mental. Every kilometre became a decision to keep going.

14–19.5K: At this point, it wasn’t about how good I felt anymore. It was about how badly I wanted to finish what I started.

And then came those last couple kilometres.

I could see people slowing down and starting to walk, and everything in my body was giving me permission to do the same.

But I had already decided: I was running through that finish line.

For the first part, I was still convincing myself: You got this. Keep going. Don’t stop.

Then something shifted.

That last 1.5K, I stopped negotiating.

I locked in. I prayed. And genuinely, I felt plugged into the Holy Spirit in a way I can’t really explain.

My pace went from around 6:40/km to 4:50/km as I pushed toward that finish line.

All I could think about afterward was: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… they will run and not grow weary.” Isaiah 40:31 🙏

This run reminded me that we’re capable of so much more than the limits we place on ourselves.

Dream bigger. Believe in yourself. Believe in God. And when it gets uncomfortable, keep going.

Sometimes the difference between the person you are and the person you’re trying to become is simply refusing to quit when your mind gives you every reason to.

So to all the dreamers out there: Be crazy enough to believe in the vision God put on your heart.

Then go make it happen. 🚀

21.1K ✅ We Thank God 🙏

#halfmarathon #running #motivation #Faith #fitness by @jaybeeknows

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2 months ago