We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmine Wallace a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmine , appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew I first wanted to pursue teaching when I realized how much I made an impact in the lives of the children around me. I noticed how Elementary children would cling to me. Children enjoyed playing games, and interacting with me at the daycare I was working for at the time. I was also the Youth Dance Instructor and Leader at the church that I attended at the time and noticed how I would be often portrayed as the “example” to those who were watching. When I discovered that teaching wasn’t just a job but a purpose; I changed my Psychology major to Education. I noticed that I wasn’t just playfully interacting with these children; but there were times I would literally provide them with life lessons and get ambushed with tons of mathematical questions (because young children are so amazed that adults know what 50 x 8 is lol). So, after I graduated college I decided to become an Elementary School teacher. Although my passion altogether is teaching; my heart goes out to those students who are in Specialized Learning Programs because they may have learning gaps in their education. These students typically may have a hard time grasping certain concepts and may learn things a lot differently than their peers.

I was once that student. I remember growing up absolutely hating math. I couldn’t grasp the content to save my life! I had a difficult time understanding algebraic reasoning and solving problems. I remember being that student that got pulled out of Athletics to receive extra support. I remember barely passing my Math tests with C’s and D’s. Even in college, I had to re-take all of my algebra and statistics math courses because of the D Average I accumulated. So, I decided to be the impact that my previous teachers were for me.

My story has been motivation for me as a teacher to be patient with my students who may be experiencing what I once experienced. I actually make it my business to tell them my story to let them know that although they are currently struggling; they will one day be the same person who will be teaching others the same thing they once struggled in.

THE AUTHOR

My desire to write actually started at a young age, I would always produce wonderful stories for my teachers and get straight 100’s. I remember in High School, I wrote a story that was so realistic that my teacher pulled me to the side and asked me was the story true. She was so concerned because, I wrote about a teenage girl dealing with home and school trauma. It wasn’t about me but I was able to out myself in the shoes of someone who may have been experiencing what I was writing. I also use to write poems at home during my spare time. It wasn’t until last year I pursued my career in writing.

I am a believer of Christ. So, I remember waking up in the middle night and having this strong desire to write a book. Not just any ordinary book; but a book that was going to guide many young women on their journey of healing, identity, and wholeness. God literally gave me every blueprint for the book and I produced it a year later in 2022. I am currently working on my second and third book simultaneously with the hopes of producing both of them in 2024.

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

THE TEACHER

Most effective teachers are also effective leaders. When you are an effective leader with good character you tend to attract those who want to learn and gleam from you. Outside of the classroom, I started a 501c3 Organization called Dear Young Dancer (now called Dear Young Daughter) to help cultivate, nurture, and mentor young women who are in college, business, and/or ministry. Overall, the organization caters to young women who are in the Christian Faith to help guide them in their journey of self-discovery. We have produced two conferences since the launch in 2020 and have weekly prayer meetings. We also provide mentorship for those who may need it in the areas of healing from trauma, mental warfare, and discovering their true purpose on this Earth.

THE AUTHOR

The books that I produce are typically books for three audiences.

1. Teachers.
2. Young Women
3. Those who Pray.

Most of which will come from Biblical and natural principles. I’m planning on working on some workbooks, strategic manuals, and tools for the Educational System to grow effectively and realistically. I can’t release all the information right now but I cannot wait until it’s all released in the right timing. I’m excited!

However, my current book; Dear Young Daughter: The Vault, is a book that consist of 50 letters that encourage young women of their journey of womanhood. These letters are written by myself in 11 other people. Readers are given key principles in different aspects of their lives. They include:

Relationships
Business
Leadership
Mental Health
Faith
Hope
Restoration
Identity and Discovery and so much more!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes! One particular goal that I have in mind is creating a tutoring center for the students that may need that extra push. Not just any tutoring center. But a center that will host community days and accommodate families and children the way that I really know they could be accommodated.

One of my goals is to create a program that will allow Learning Gaps to decrease a lot quicker than we see in todays society.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a teacher is witnessing my students grow throughout the year. The maturation that happens in one year is absolutely life changing and motivation for me to keep going. Teaching at conferences and Christian Events has also been a great reward for me also. It’s something about seeing people free from the words that were spoke because I decided to be strong and courageous and allowed God to flow through me. Seeing people free and walking towards true destiny is one of the things that matters most.

Lastly, producing the content is never the reward, it’s the lives that are shifted after the seeds have been planted in their lives. There’s no purpose in producing content that will not change the trajectory of those who are around you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _JasmineWallace_
• Facebook: Jasmine Wallace
• Twitter: iam_Wallace_
• LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/jasminetwallace

Image Credits
Book Cover Design: Chris Williams of ICEEDUBB Productions Professional Shots: Antoine Wiley and WIFIVE Studios