We were lucky to catch up with Jaylin Leslie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jaylin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Saying underserved is ironic in a land of opportunity. In a world that advertises inclusivity. Where anyone can open up a Mexican spot or make a dance to hip-hop.

Being a nonprofit founder is something that I am most proud of thus far in my journey. It was the first line of “work,” where I was intentional. I had got to a point in my life of burnout and exhaustion. I sincerely could do anything that I put my mind to. I had always been ambitious, and from my track record, I had the confidence to pursue what my heart desired. My dad instilled that belief system in me.

2021 I had worked myself nearly to death. It was terrible; I didn’t sleep for almost three days! I was working different jobs, always going, never stopping, and smelling the roses. I knew that it wasn’t the lifestyle for me, but hustle culture is addictive, and the thrill that you get from rushing can be exhilarating. It makes you feel like you’re doing something.

I remember having a moment with myself where I sat and thought about the next few years of my life. I saw myself where I was so eager to go, and I was deeply unfulfilled. I felt like God was speaking to me, showing me what my future would be like if I continued to pursue my will.

I started to unravel many of the messages around success and began questioning what personal fulfillment looks like for me. I remember 2018 when I started my personal development work and became a writer. I remember listening to a plethora of motivational speakers (back when the messages were authentic and you couldn’t be self-proclaimed or hypocritical), and I remember seeking my purpose. I heard a pastor say that if you ask God your purpose, He will show you within six months. I remember writing down that I wanted to inspire young women.

When I started connecting the dots and thinking about my life and what experiences and people I met along the way who inspired me, it was during my younger years, and it was black women. Twenty years old, and I didn’t know the medium. I wasn’t sure what gift or avenue, but I was sure of the vision and held onto that.

I didn’t have many female role models growing up, but my grandma would take me to the Kenwood every weekend, and I remember seeing black women who were classy and just appeared to be so elegant and graceful. At the time, it was a perfect depiction of womanhood, and it helped me paint the picture of who I wanted to be.

I had a drill team coach in the sixth grade. Her name was Ms. DD; she was the most genuine, dopest woman to me. She had long nails and piercings and was just herself. She poured into us, taught us strength, and also had us praise dancing. She had an impression on me and my life. She wasn’t like the women in Kenwood, but she was still an extension and expression of womanhood and what it means to be an inspiration; she was authentic.

Fast forward, and the pieces have finally come together. This is my second year as the founder of my nonprofit, Gifts of Haven. Gifts of Haven gifts mentorship programs to serve as a role model for young women, providing nourishment and resources for personal development and leadership training while cultivating sisterhood in underserved communities.

I saw what I didn’t have, and I saw a need in the community, and I sought to meet that need. It means everything to me. I am so humbled and grateful to be able to give back to my community. I’m privileged to be able to pay it forward. As I grow older, I realize not many people have had silver lining moments in their lives, and as of today, with the abundance of advice, not many people have found their purpose or have the courage to walk in it.

Gifts of Haven will be that guiding light for young girls in today’s generation, and I hope that if I can’t reach many, I can inspire one.

Jaylin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Entrepreneurship is something that comes naturally to me. I am the eldest sibling, so I always assume leadership roles. I also come from a family of entrepreneurs, so the lifestyle was familiar to me. Although I was apprehensive when I first began writing and podcasting, that was our natural inclination when starting something new. We all have the fear of failing.
It took a while to admit that I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and it took time for me to learn the skills necessary, and I am still learning. I’ve had over 28 jobs, ranging from sales to pharmacy technician to managerial roles. I’ve worked in every industry. When I was younger, I took many positions, primarily for experience. I was eager to learn and try things. My innate curiosity has a way of guiding me. It gives me courage.

But so much about employment, the quality of jobs, and retention and all the things, high turnover rates, etc.– is about how you treat people.

Many times, leaders are given leadership roles based on mere networking opportunities. They usually get the positions because they know or are related to someone. I’ve seen many times where people were given jobs because they had a friend in the business. Sometimes it’s given to maintain white supremacist ideologies, but either way, it’s a huge disservice to businesses.

Managers are not leaders, and leaders need time for cultivation.

I care about people. I’m grateful for my journey, and I am enjoying the process.

How’d you meet your business partner?

It was my first solo trip to NYC. I was headed there to finalize my dreams of moving to NYC and being a writer. I had moved downtown in my city as a test run before my planned big move to the big apple. I was unsure if I still wanted to move to NYC because I had grown so tired of fast-paced environments, so I booked one last trip alone to see if the dream was still in my heart.

I was sitting at the airport, charging my cell, when I noticed her. She was a black girl. I always notice black women whenever I am out. I’m not sure if it’s because I am a black woman, but it’s almost like a radar goes out whenever I am alone, and I see them, and it’s like I have to acknowledge them.

I remember praying to God about my nonprofit, telling Him how much work it was to do it all alone and how if I was going to carry out this mission, He needed to send me help ASAP!

As I began to board my plane, she spoke to me. Our seats ended up being assigned right next to one another, and we talked the entire flight to NYC. The guy beside us said, “You two should stay in touch!”

She had a layover, we grabbed lunch, and the rest is history.

Oh, and did I mention that she is from NYC?!

It’s true what they say, what’s for you will be for you. You don’t have to fight for it. Just trust.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My entire life is a resemblance of resilience. They say that adults are just children who survived. My story is still being written.  

Contact Info:

• Instagram: giftsofhaven
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaylin-leslie-320350157/
• Other: https://medium.com/@jaylinleslie