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

Jasmine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

I was raised by a very intelligent, strong, beautiful, determined, ambitious black woman. She never put limitations on my dreams and aspirations! If anything, I feel like she pushed me harder because I am a female. She always makes me, and my siblings, believe that we can achieve any goal!

I grew up faster than my friends. My mom worked multiple jobs to provide for us. My older brother worked to help bring in money to our household. My job was to babysit my little sister every day. That one task taught me more than responsibility. I learned about time management. I was a student helping another student with their homework. I made sure my sister was in bed on time and her clothes were ironed for school. I learned how to be self-sufficient in life. I was cooking whole dinners at the age of twelve. Then my mom made the bold decision to go to college and it felt like everything intensified! One day, all four of us had school work to complete; and all four of us were sitting at the kitchen table doing homework together! This is an image that I carry with me every day. I know that image is entirely unorthodox but she taught us to play with the cards you have been dealt. My mother’s reality was she was a single mother with three children to raise. She decided to try and make a better life for us. She taught us that perseverance is an asset, not a hindrance. She taught us that REAL family are the ones that “go through the fire with you.” She chose a goal that allowed us to dream bigger and work harder. Because of her, I had the gumption to start my own business and hold an inaugural conference without any sponsors. Because of her, I am able to still work my full-time job while working on my business during my off hours. Because of her, I continue to believe in myself every day and refuse to quit when I encounter obstacles. She is not perfect but she did everything right!

I would not change my childhood because it helped shape me into the woman I am today! I may not have had the best hand of cards when I started out in life, but how I strategize and intend to play them is how I am going to win!

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

My name is Jasmine Johnson. I am a kid from Little Rock, Arkansas. I obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from The University of Memphis. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I love what I do! I enjoy helping people! I love learning about mental health and all its’ variations of symptoms. I even enjoy learning about the law so I can advocate for my clients better! It warms my heart to “be the bad guy” in a positive way!

I am the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Uplifting Melanin Queens, LLC! We are an organization that hosts conferences and professional events for black female social workers. Our goal is to learn and grow from each other both professionally and personally. I aimed to create a platform that allowed black female social workers to broadcast their skillsets! Social workers have workshops held all the time but rarely see presenters that look like us. Moreover, when events are held in our field the focus is on the client. As much as we pour into everyone else’s cup, it is time we gave ourselves something to drink. Our inaugural conference was held in Hurst, Texas in June of 2022 and we did just that! Topics were catered to us as black women! We spoke freely without fear of reprimand. We confirmed that we have something valuable to say and add to this work field as well! We did it with grace and poise! We unapologetically showcased black excellence and are so eager to do it again…only BIGGER AND BOLDER!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

To be completely transparent, I am still funding my business! My company’s inaugural conference was funded from donations and my savings account. I worked countless hours of overtime to help fund my business. I am in need of sponsors. I am applying for grants. I still need help and will continue to work overtime while I seek out resources. Achieving the goal is what drives me! Building this platform for my fellow melanin queens is what uplifts me! This vision is too important and impactful not to be funded and I am going to continue persevering to ensure that it is!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I believe my most effective strategy for growing clientele has been to be myself. I never pretend to be something that I am not. I am a southern girl with big dreams! I am not relatable if I am not myself. I also do my best to remain humble. I work every day just like my conference attendees. I cannot stack ridiculous prices on tickets, merchandise, etc. that I would not even pay.

Contact Info:

• Website: upliftingmq.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/upmqs?igshid=NDBlY2NjN2I=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UpliftingMQS
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-johnson-msw-lcsw-lssw-459607ba/

Image Credits
Destin Ameer of ameerimage