Meet Jasmine McClain: Journalist & Brand Strategist

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

Hi Jasmine, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
People see journalists and assume the work is all glitz and glam (writing, interviewing and attending events) but many don’t realize it takes strong networking skills and a unique niche to break into the industry. This is a DEADLINE driven industry and very competitive. On the flip side, we are taught to be calm in the midst of chaos and take risks! Working in media means having a voice and a platform to change the narrative of societal standards. It means being your harshest critic and investing your best energy. I think many aspiring journalists need to know how much work goes into creating your own lane and standing out from the crowd.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a full time Social Media Specialist in corporate America for an IT certification school. I am also a freelance journalist and entrepreneur. My business, Millennial Diaries, helps small businesses and working professionals take their brands to the next level by incorporating unique verbiage in their social media content. I started writing after I realized I wasn’t passionate about my undergrad degree in Recreational Therapy. I wanted to be heard but was shy in front of the camera. After starting my own blog, I received a lot of traction and positive feedback. This led to me freelancing and writing for other outlets. From there, I was picked to assist a radio personality in the area where I wrote and coordinated different ventures. I learned so much from this experience and it felt good to be paid doing what I love. Eventually, I went back to school and received my Masters in Journalism Innovation from Syracuse University. I started my own business, began paid partnerships and the rest is history! I want everyone to know, never settle! Whatever you want, you can have. All is costs is a little time and passion.

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.
In my city, there’s so many small, sophisticated lounges and restaurants it would be hard to choose! But I would definitely start with brunch. Ladies love brunch! There’s a place downtown that serves bottomless mimosas and really good food. It’s a rustic feel with light signs and an outside area. Across the street, there’s a hotel museum that gets a lot of traction. The architecture is tasteful and modern. They have a bar and restaurant and upstairs is the museum! A few exits away, we have Duke University and there’s a nice strip with independent businesses like coffee shops and vintage stores. There’s also plenty to eat, which is something I truly enjoy (I’m a foodie lol). But in any city, I love a nice restaurant and shopping at stores that aren’t in my city. It makes the moment more fulfilling.Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout Autumn Joi Live, Radio Personality and Creative, from the DMV area, for giving me the opportunity to have a voice. She started as my boss and evolved into a friend and mentor. Being someone of her stature, it’s hard to trust people and she let me in without any guards up. She is also so supportive of my journey from shouting me out or purchasing a product from my small business. She’s taught me so many lessons and showed me how to navigate in this industry. I admire her willingness to never settle and her kind spirit.

Website: https://www.millennialdiaries.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ello.brooklyn/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTiffanybrand

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCIkkNf1rIw-wZSYS63BSJrg

Image Credits
MaxResphotos