Meet Jasmin Taylor | Performing Artist, Teaching Artist, Producer

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

Hi Jasmin, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve chosen to pursue an artistic career because I’ve chosen to live my life as me. I’m an artist to my core, and before the last few years of my life I was living for everyone and everything else– family, finance, “friendships”, etc and I was so disconnected from myself, and my gifts weren’t making room for me. The start of me truly choosing to pursue my creative lifestyle was when I decided to accept that I am a co-creator of my own reality, through my spirit and emotions. I need to live from a place where I am safe spiritually and emotionally, within my own body and thoughts FIRST, from there, all blessings and creativity have been flowing, and I’m never looking back. I’ve tried working in other industries, it doesn’t work– I’m exactly where I belong, living and working as a full time performing artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most excited right now about my show ‘Trust Coming Home’ set to premier at the Steppenwolf Theater January 2023, and for the release of my debut album in 2023. I’ve gotten to where I am professionally through honestly just never giving up fully, lots of prayer and tears, and this feeling in my heart, in my gut that I’m made to do these things (sing, dance, act, orate, etc)

Easy is not the word I’d use, and honestly it wouldn’t have built the character or courage I have now as a creative, so I’m glad it wasn’t and still isn’t.

I want the world to know that I’m a whole living testimony, learning what count it all joy means, and that God is real. There’s another side to whatever hand you’re dealt if you decide to play the game believing you’ve already won. I winning, and I’ve been winning a lot behind closed doors, and it’s about time for my reveal–simply so I can minister and nurture that little light and voice on the inside that let’s others know they are no different– winning is your birthright too. Peace is your birthright too. Safety is your birthright too. Love is your birthright too. Growth and courage belong to you too. You belong, period.

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.
This is almost too hard of a question because I’m a native Chicagoan, so I’m going to say everywhere. But, for Mexican you gotta go to Los Comales on 18th and Ashland.

AP Deli for corned beef sandwiches, duh.
Mr, Greeks for the city’s best Gyro.
Hugo’s Frog Bar for the city’s best $1 oyster and half off ALL WINE happy hour Sun-Thursday baby.
Shinju’s Sushi in hyde park for the best bottomless sushi deal, and BYOB situation you’ll ever encounter
Noodles Etc. in hyde park for the best thai you’ll ever have.

high Five Ramen- no explanation needed.

Steak 48, no explanation needed.

Green Street Meats in West Loop for the best shot deal, delicious BBQ and big vibes.
MoneyGun for movie-looking bar vibes and a $6 beer and shot combo, no happy hour baby!

I could go on and on about food places, but hubs and I are homebodies after the pandemic, and prefer to either travel, or eat lol.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate a shoutout to my husband Tevin Taylor! He’s in engineering/construction management and he’s my biggest physical support. Tevin is from Englewood in Chicago, and has defied every single odd against him, much like myself within art. My husband reminds me there’s an art to everything, including loving 🙂 Much of my staying committed to the promise of being myself and staying connected with myself as a co-creator of my life and story, has to do with the commitment that Tevin has shared with and shown me. Marrying him is the best decision I’ve ever made, because it’s encouraged all the decisions I make as an individual, and every choice has made me better. I mean that, truly.

Website: https://www.jasmintaylor.org/

Instagram: imjasmintaylor_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmin-taylor-0a512a24/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jazzy.jay.56

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW2d6XiBWcEt_bbHjqLcckg

Image Credits
Photos are courtesy of Art on theMART. Individual shot is courtesy of Chip Moody