We recently connected with Jasmine Felder and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

We always hear that risk taking can be so rewarding but, what we do not hear is the vivid struggles and circumstances that come with it. In 2021 I encountered the feeling of “burn out” in every capacity of my life. In my personal life, being a single mother, in my career, and in my business. I had so many abrupt changes happen that I could not prepare for. I was physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually tired. So I took a risk and left everything I knew.

For five years, I enjoyed the craft of teaching. It fulfilled something inside of me that I did not know needed to be filled. However, I knew personally that my cup was empty and I needed to leave the full capacity of teaching before my love for it was tainted due to burn out. For 12 months I went through a series of ups and MANY downs. I taught at a local college to keep my skill sharp but, in this period I isolated myself.

I felt that God was calling me to something higher but, at the time I did not know what. What was later revealed to me was in order to reach a certain group of individuals I would need to know and understand personally the pains they felt. I would need to physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually know how it felt to cry, scream, be quiet, hope, and give up like them so that one day I could reach them and encourage them because I survived!

This entire year plus has taught me that I have a voice that needs to reach the masses. Not just through books but, through a podcast and other various platforms. It was a big risk to leave a career that I loved and a career that provided for me financially. However, as God already had it planned I am back teaching full time with a renewed found love and respect for the craft. Moreover, I understand my purpose and calling. I know exactly what I am meant to do and I’m so thankful for the process!

You cannot grow without first being stretched.

I am reminded everyday of my purpose to fight. My daughter is my real life motivation. No matter what she gives me the strength to press forward. I thank God for her!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2020 I found and created my business, Motivated Minds Publishing LLC. This business was created to allow me to self publish my books through my own platform as well as provide guidance for others who wanted to do the same. However, through a year of reshaping and revamping I have decided to change the entire vision for Motivated Minds Publishing seeing that I want this business to be more than a publishing company. I am working on providing educational services to those who want to write, publish, create, and more. I believe when we are educated on content correctly the first time it ensures we can do a task over and over again. I am in the works of creating and finalizing these programs and I cannot wait to release them!

My second baby and new business that as I am writing this has not been released to the world as of yet is The Brand of Jasmine D. I am so happy and elated to have created a business that is literally an extension of me. Through a tough year a blessing was born. The Brand of Jasmine D. is my business that I am using as a platform to help men and women, young and old, learn to OWN who they are! Through my own personal struggles I have seen just how important it is to add to your cup and keep your cup filled. I have created a podcast that I want to use to talk to the modern day woman, single parents, entrepreneurs, and more. You may fit all of these categories, a few, or just one but, I know my story in some way is so relatable to where everyone can understand different segments. This is my way of giving back and encouraging others just like someone did for me. The Brand of Jasmine D. is meant to be an encouraging movement that positively changes the life of others and I plan to do that one episode, one t- shirt, one post, and more at a time!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time when I had to pivot in business and in life I would have to say is within this past year. Within this last year, I have heard a lot of no’s, why I should not do this, or why I should try something else. Personally, at times it was very discouraging to know of all the talents inside of me but, feel as if it would never be seen due to the chance never appearing. However, I told myself that if no one provided me with the opportunity then I would need to create my own. I have had to stay up many late nights, get up super early many mornings, take on side hustles to fund what I wanted to do in business, and for once lean on family and close friends to really encourage me when I could not find it in myself. In this I learned a lot about myself. There were creative talents in me that I never knew existed such as creating flyers, banners, party favors, and more. My back being against the wall due to a deadline or not being able to make certain purchases pushed me to learn through trial and error how to be creative in business. Sometimes what seems like a loss or bad thing is an undercover blessing. I have learned how to tap into different creative gifts because the resources I once had or relied on to much were unavailable for a season. There’s a certain level of hunger that if you tap into it makes you never want to go back to your beginning.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is support those who supports you. I definitely agree that those who support you, you should find a way to add into their business and give support. However, there are times where you may be called to support a business that has never supported your business. While it may seem unfair it is always good to give where you can. You will never lose giving to someone with an open and pure heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.motivatedmindspublishing.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/thebrandofjasmined
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/jasmine.Felder.52
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-felder-a84883229

Image Credits
Darrell Moye Photography Mia Mitchell