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

Hi Jasmine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is an important part of growth and innovation. Taking a significant risk in my career occurred when I left my corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship. Despite not having a concrete plan, the decision allowed me to capitalize on a short window of opportunity after signing my first freelance contract. This experience taught me the value of embracing uncertainty, adaptability, and leveraging opportunities when they arise. The risk-taking mindset has played a huge role in shaping my life and career, providing me with lessons in resilience and the importance of seizing favorable circumstances for professional development.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic journey is a fusion of storytelling, journalism, and a desire to have a voice in the narrative. Starting as a blogger and working with K 97.5 on sharing impactful stories and shadowing a prestigious radio personality laid the foundation for my journalistic pursuits. My commitment to amplifying voices led me to pursue a master’s in Journalism Innovation from Syracuse U, and I spent six years in corporate communications honing my skills.

However, my desire for greater led me to venture into freelancing. Today, I take pride in serving over 30 business owners and professionals through freelance social media marketing and writing services. What sets me apart is not just the quality of my work, but the commitment to capturing authentic narratives.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. Overcoming challenges required resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of growth. I’ve learned that embracing change is crucial, and challenges are opportunities for refinement. My brand represents a dedication to impactful storytelling, authentic representation, and a passion for giving voices to the unheard.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that I am more than a writer or marketer; I am a storyteller who strives to make a meaningful impact, one narrative at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I am between two places (Raleigh, NC, and Atlanta) I would recommend to my best friend to spend a day or 2 in Raleigh, NC. Start the day at Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant for a classic Southern breakfast. Explore Downtown Raleigh: Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History. Grab lunch at The Pit for some barbecue. Head to Brewery Bhavana for a unique dinner experience and afterward catch a live performance at The Pour House Music Hall. A good 3-4 days in Atlanta could begin with a visit to the historic Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Try The Varsity for classic Atlanta fast food. Dine at Two Urban Licks for a trendy atmosphere and great views. Take a stroll around Piedmont Park or visit the Georgia Aquarium.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my daughter Ivory for being my motivation and my network for continuously investing in me, supporting me, and sharing opportunities they see fit me well. This has been a key factor to my success working in radio, with BET and so much more simply because someone I know vouched for me and saw my value. I’d love to add some self-help books that have also been useful tools during this journey in entrepreneurship. The Black Girls Guide to Financial Freedom by Paris Woods, Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny, and Emotional Detox by Sherianna Boyle are all reads I recommend!

Website: https://jasminemcclain.journoportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ello.brooklyn/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminemc919/

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