We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Jasmine Kearse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Jasmine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Mental health has an ever-evolving stigma that changes due to a lack of understanding and education. I vowed that as a psychiatrist, I would spend my career trying to bridge the game between those with mental illness, those suffering in silence, and those who do not believe in the wellness of others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I now believe anyone starting a business should take business and sales/marketing courses. My biggest challenges come from starting from point zero and not knowing how to make that number grow. It is a slow, painful process if you have no clue how to run a business. Achieving the goal of opening your business is a task in itself, but maintaining your business is another. I am a physician specializing in psychiatry, one of the most misunderstood medical specialties. Most people are unaware that psychiatrists are medical doctors! While I assist my patients, I also try to educate them on why they have a diagnosis, my thought process on choosing their medication(s) or therapy, and the biological aspect of their illness. This is one of the reasons for the two books I have written. Many wonder why the books are short and not filled with unnecessary information. It is because I waste no time describing mental illness. Let’s get down to business in a creative way. The first book, To Whom It May Concern; Thoughts From a Psychiatrist, starts each section as if you are sitting in that person’s thoughts, then I explain their mental illness while providing a small task to be completed. The second book is an educational coloring book called Hues Of Mental Illness. Each mental disorder I choose to highlight has it’s own imaginary attached to bring it to life. They are unique and give the community a chance to understand some chosen mental conditions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We must go to Decatur Glassblowing which is an excellent way to blow off steam. Then enjoy a day of Kaya Vineyards off-road 4X4 tour and Bordeaux blending experience. Have pre-drinks at Polaris and watch as we rotate around the city. Go to Blue Whiskey for yet another chance to view Atlanta at night. Dinner at Imperial Fez. Next day breakfast at Another Broken Egg, then off to the Human & Civil Rights Museum for cultural time. We would stay at the Ritz Carlton Atlanta or St. Regis; therefore, massages are in our immediate future. If the Friday is correct, either High Museum or Aquarium at night. Dinner at Stoney Rivers or Oceanaire. There are so many great places in Atlanta to visit.

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?
First, I have to thank God because I prayed for my career, success, and setbacks. Yes, that’s correct setbacks because that only strengthens your desire to continue on the path you ask for in your prayers. I also have to thank my family. There are many sacrifices that they have given me for me to succeed. My daughter has been with me every step, watching, learning, and asking questions, which only helps keep me on my toes. My brothers continue to challenge my way of thinking about my career and where I want it to go. “This isn’t it; you’re just getting started,” as I look on, exhausted. They’re right. There is so much more work to be done. My patients deserve more, and the community at large deserves more.

Website: www.alignedcognition.com

Instagram: www.instagram/alignedcognition

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-k-76176218

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alignedcognition

Other: Store: https://linktr.ee/alignedcognition Pre-Screen Form: http://app2.luminello.com/jasminekearsemd/form Amazon: To Whom It May Concern; Thoughts From A Psychiatrist: Thoughts From A Psychiatrist https://a.co/d/hzrbien Amazon: Hues Of Mental Illness https://a.co/d/007UueV

Image Credits
Monica Wilkerson

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