We had the good fortune of connecting with Jazmin Brann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jazmin, how do you think about risk?
Risk is the reason for success. This is the motto of my life and how I’ve reached the level of success in such a short amount of time. Growing up in a small town in Michigan, nearly everyone is stuck in a routine. Whether that is a work routine or just what you do on a day to day basis. Seeing this pushed me to step outside of the “norm.” Also, being that there weren’t many creatives and entrepreneurs in my hometown. So, taking a risk, I dropped out of college with only one semester left and decided to move out of Michigan for the first time in 22 years. Making the move to Atlanta, GA was a scary process, so initially I played it safe. I started working at an advertising agency, which is what I studied in college, and hated it. I had many moments of reflection, and finally realized my true purpose for moving to Georgia. So, I took another risk and quit that job to pursue modeling full time. This has been one of my greatest accomplishments and has continued to bless me in so many ways. Now, as a model, I’m taking a risk by stepping into the acting industry. Yes, it has been tough and at times a struggle, but being comfortable can’t breed uncomfortable results. Those uncomfortable results will be the reason for my success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I never envisioned this life for myself. I’m truly living a dream and it’s still unreal when I sit back and reflect. Being a model is something that people have always told me that I should do growing up because I’m tall. But, I was always an athlete and a self proclaimed “tomboy,” so the glitz and glam never really intrigued me. However, being in front of a camera and bringing my personality is one thing I could always do. So, my modeling story begins when I go to college and no longer played sports. Naturally, I was confused on what I should do with all my free time outside of classes, so I joined a club. This just so happen to be a modeling club on campus, where we had runway shows and photo shoots all around campus. I fell in love. I began traveling to Grand Rapids and Detroit to gain more exposure and opportunities. But, I knew I had the potential that surpassed what Michigan could offer me. So, I dropped out of college a semester before graduation and moved to Atlanta, GA. This was the hardest, scariest, and most exciting thing I had done in my whole life. It was unconventional for someone with such little experience to take such a big leap of faith into this industry. But, one thing about me, I’m willing to take a chance, especially when I felt that I had nothing to lose. So, since being in Atlanta, I’ve created and collaborated with so many brands, companies, and other creatives. It has caused me to step outside of my comfort zone completely. Especially, being that I’m new to the industry and because I don’t have the basic look of most models. I’m a 5’9 model, with tattoos and wears a size 7. I’m unique and my body is unconventional. Now that modeling has been a constant, I’m stepping into the acting industry. Acting is something I never thought I would do in a million years because I respect the craft. It’s one of the hardest industries to compete in, which is my reason for continuing. I enjoy a challenge, and I’m able to use my personality to really bring any character to life. But, my overall brand is different. The person I am isn’t always captured at first glance because of the stigma surrounding tattoos. I’m here to change the narrative and open doors to other men and women that look “different.” Being different is beautiful and amazing. I want to be able to one day look back and see that I’ve contributed to the embrace of differences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite places in the city is Hobnob, which is a restaurant located in Atlantic Station. The location is amazing and it’s the perfect place to brunch and enjoy drinks with friends. Also, being able to sit of the rooftop and watch the sunset is top tier. Next, Piedmont Park is amazing. There aren’t any parks like this in Michigan and that’s exactly why is so great to me. Being able to ride scooters or bikes throughout the park is perfect for summer days. Also, being able to just picnic in the middle of the park with a glass of wine is a vibe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest support system and reason for pursuing my dreams is my family. This may seem a bit cliche, but at one point my family is all I had to keep me going. My mother is one of the most caring and kindhearted people that I’ve ever known. She deserves the world and more for all her hard work for not only raising me, but my brother. I’ve seen her make so many sacrifices just so that we didn’t have to, and that’s what really keeps me going. I would also like to highlight my big brother. He has stepped up and always protected and looked out for me when my mother couldn’t. Seeing him grow to be an amazing father to my niece and nephews is inspiring to me. He has truly taken after my mother in his work ethic and values. So, I would love to dedicate this to my mother and brother.

Instagram: @jazminbrann_

Youtube: Jazzy Jay

Other: Email: jazminbrann@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photographers: MarszFilm Slingshot Photography ShotsByAlpha Q11 Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.