We were lucky to catch up with Jasmine Kerr recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine , thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

My parents raised me to believe. As simple as that sounds, it played a major part in my creative and entrepreneurial spirit. As a little girl, whatever dream I had whether it was wanting to become an actress, a hairstylist, a daycare provider for my teddy bears, they nurtured it. My parents took me to an audition for a talent agency and I did t get selected. But, it was their nurturing spirit that inspired me to try. It was their honest yet comforting response to my denial that taught me that you won’t always win. Every opportunity is not a guaranteed win but it is a guaranteed step towards the next opportunity. It is with their love and guidance that has created my willingness to try. My father bought my first DSLR camera when I was 14 and I haven’t put a camera down since. That sense of belief that my parents had me inspired me to truly believe in myself.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Hi readers, I am a professional photographer and mommy influencer. I have been a photographer for 12 years now. I have captured many creative concepts, families, graduates and mamas to be. Those subjects have been my favorites. Much thanks to my father for raising me in the arts and teaching me how to use my eyes to see all aspects of life as art. He bought me my first camera and that really launched my creative eye.In high school, I wanted to be a model but actually lacked the confidence to do so, so I thought I’d be best behind the camera. From there, I began doing photo shoots at lunch, after school and at all of the football games. These moments made me realize, I could really become a professional.

In 2014, I moved to North Carolina from Baltimore, Maryland to go to college at North Carolina A&T. Coming to college was the best thing ever for me creatively. Here is where I put together so many ideas and actually saw them come to life. I am so proud of my commitment and my expansive networking. Once I meet someone and shoot with them, not only do they become a forever client but they become family.

Speaking of family, I became a mom to my oldest son in 2018 only a week after my college graduation. I immediately became a stay at home mom and was inspired to share my life as a mom via social media. In 2021, I brought forward my second son and I realized that mom life is not a joke! Not only is it tough but I still have dreams I wanted to make come true. I still needed to learn myself and take care of myself. I began to share my struggles and success with that. Other moms were really appreciating the transparency! So, I decided to become an influencer. It is my hope that my influencing can inspire moms to be honest with themselves and their motherhood experience and to never stop working on themselves regardless of having children. You all can follow me on Instagram at : @okaymamajas !

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media has so many trends to follow. However, the key to winning on social media is for you to become the trend. The best way to do that is to be yourself. If you honestly have a funny side, bring that to social media. If you’re having challenges, it is best to present that rather than always presenting a picture perfect lifestyle. People really love feeling that they can connect. Posting consistent and genuine content are the top methods I’ve used when it comes to building my audience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was originally placed on the waitlist for my dream college, North Carolina A&T State University. I could have just waited to see what the final decision would be but I wanted to be accepted so bad. To prove that I wouldn’t give up or give in, I contacted the director of admissions, the dean of my department and even some alumni. Pretty much, any one that I thought could lend some advice or assistance to my acceptance I emailed them. I even made a video showcasing my love for media and photography and how I planned to use those talents at the university. I was determined and refused to accept the waitlist as a lost. I was ultimately accepted for that next semester!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iwantacidphotos.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okaymamajas/

Image Credits
Adley Haywood Photography D.B.R Photography A.C.I.D Photography