We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaslyn Bailey, LCSW, LMSW-G and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jaslyn, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson of my career has been… don’t be afraid to try new things and pivot. Working in mental health, it is important to find the population/identities that are in alignment with one’s purpose and mission while working in the field. For me, it was hard to make the determination at first as I had a mindset that I wanted to work with everyone! I began to realize that mentality was going to lead to burnout therefore, I had to become more intentional about my purpose and efforts. I needed to pivot towards those that felt in alignment with myself and serving in my passion field. I would have never realized this if I had not worked with multiple populations in various settings to assist in identifying the moments fulfilled with passion vs the moments that were based in obligation. By realizing this, I then gave myself permission to pivot into what felt right with full force.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Journeying Beyond Measure truly feels like my baby! I am the parent and it is the child. Engaging in a reciprocal learning experience where we are learning uncharted waters together. I am most proud of the progress and consistency in relation to business acumen as well as most excited about where Journeying Beyond Measure is headed. It is a business goal to begin adding Plant Medicine Integration Services. We look forward to providing and engaging with more Queer and BIPOC communities who are seeking a safe space to process journeys they have experienced while utilizing more conscious mediums.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE ATLANTA!!! I truly enjoy taking people around the city and sharing MY places. Any activity works for just about any day of the week. If it is a bright Tuesday, you know we do taco’s on Tuesday so I love going to Bar Taco Inman to have a really great time with light drinks. Dependent upon time, we may even hit the Beltline to hop over to Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market for some additional drinks, dessert, and views! If it’s a Friday and we are winding down from the week, I love starting the night off at Jojo’s Beloved or the James Room for a quick speakeasy vibe before dinner. The crafty cocktails are just a prelude to what the night has to offer. Then we’d head over to Apartment 4B for a Caribbean dinner with a live Dj on the one’s and two’s! I love Apartment 4B as it has one of my most favorite things on Earth as eye candy, VINYL RECORDS! After dinner, we’d head over to RockSteady for some lounge time upstairs. This is also a hidden gem and most often a vibe as it offers an additional Dj and bar that most people rarely get to experience. Sunday’s are FUNDAY’S! We brunch and play! Typically, brunch ranges from Breakfast at Barney’s, Atlanta Breakfast Club, 5Church Midtown, or Sun In My Belly. After great mimosa’s, it’s typically activity time whether it’s Puttshack or Painted Duck we are working the food off. Lastly, dependent upon time, we end the night at Barcelona Wine Bar. Then grab a scooter to end the festivities to get ready for the week.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, I have to choose one! Ok, before select, I am extremely thankful for so many energies that I have been fortunate to encounter throughout my life and career (My Mother & Family, My Soul Sister Tribe, My Clients, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, and I can’t forget Iyanla Vanzant books!) . If I had to select one, I would say Dr. Monica Lyn Thompson, the Founder of Therapy for Queer People of Color. She is BOLD. She is REAL. She is a MENTOR. I am so grateful for the path she dared to walk and her ability to share it with those around her. Her mentorship has been a priceless addition to my career and personal journey, therefore she deserves this shoutout plus so much more!
Website: www.jbmcounseling.org
Instagram: @JBMcounseling
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JBMCounseling
Image Credits
Allie Hine- Photographer