Meet Jasmine Phillips | Author | Social Media and PR Strategist

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

Hi Jasmine, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My most favorite scripture comes from Roman 8:18. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.”

This scripture has kept me in so many seasons of my life. It provided encouragement and increased my faith in knowing that better is on the way. Although times may be tough, I still hold on to His words that tough times won’t last always.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently a marketing associate at a prestigious, Black-Owned marketing & public relations firm, Trust Marketing & Communications, that is located in Memphis, TN. I also own a boutique social media and public relations company, Phillips Media Agency, that has been running officially since 2018.
Before coming into the marketing & media industry, I was a banking & finance professional. I realized within a couple of years after graduating from college that the banking industry was not for me so I decided to pivot into the marketing and media world. I did have some prior marketing and media experience. I served as the yearbook editor in both high school and college and was very familiar with digital media, writing, and creating content. I remember exactly where I was when I created my first Facebook business page to help promote my college yearbook. I remember those high school days of using a disposable camera and going to the local pharmacy to print photos to scan in order to upload to a computer. I have enjoyed writing since I was a little girl so telling stories was very natural to me. Those creative feelings didn’t disappear even while working in the banking industry.

Making the transition to a new industry was not an easy task and didn’t happen overnight. I re-enrolled in school to pursue a degree in social media marketing to make sure I learned the basics about marketing, advertising, and all of the above. I was working full-time for a bank while pursuing my 2nd degree. I ended up leaving my banking position to become a full-time student. I had two internships that were unpaid so I took a part-time job as a cashier at Publix and worked there until I finished my degree. It was actually a blessing to work for Publix because they had a tuition reimbursement program that helped me pay for school.

As school came to a close, I started getting clients that needed help with managing their social media. At that time I was charging anywhere between $50 – $250 each month just to manage a client’s social media platform. That amount seems so small now but at that time I just wanted the experience. I made some mistakes here and there but I got better and better at understanding how social media worked and teaching my clients how they can leverage it for their businesses.

Deanna “Dee” Reed, who was my boss during my internship with 95.7 Jamz in Birmingham, introduced to me Rashada LeRoy, CEO of LRY Media Group, an event production company in the Spring of 2017. I had the honor of working on some events and became very hands-on when it came to event logistics that would include working with media/press. I knew working in this industry was my calling after working as a PR/Media assistant at Essence Fest during summer 2017. I found that gig while scrolling on Instagram. (see how social media works 🙂 ) I clicked a link and applied and a couple of months later, I was in New Orleans gaining some life-changing experiences.

Due to health reasons, I moved back to my hometown in Mississippi from Birmingham in the fall of 2017. However, I was still able to work remotely on some projects with LRY and others companies. I got much better and was trained in all things media, communications, and logistics.

Fast forward to 2018, I moved to Memphis, TN, and was introduced to my now bosses, Howard and Beverly Robertson, principals at Trust Marketing. I began working with them and immediately learned so much about marketing & advertising. Both of my bosses combined have over 40+ years of experience and have worked with major brands such as the National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Records, Holiday Inn, Nike, Toyota, and many more. My bosses have been very supportive of what I do outside of work and even provide support and input if I need it. LRY Media Group is now one of my biggest clients, where I serve as Director of Public Relations. I have been honored to work with other brands and companies such as Birmingham Freedom Fest, Woke Vote, Magic City Classic, Coca-Cola, Morgan Debaun & Compay, and many more.

I am most proud of how I never gave up on myself. Over the last few years, life has had its shares of ups and downs but I have learned so many lessons. The biggest lesson would be learning how to find the balance between work & personal. I use to be one of those hustlers who never slept because I felt like I had to grind 24/7. I didn’t prioritize my health and sanity and eventually burned out to the point where I had to take months off to get my health back on track. As someone who suffers from a mental health condition, I had to make my health a priority. It’s great to make all of these major career moves and do amazing things, but it won’t be worth it if I am too burned out and mentally exhausted to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

I recently released my first published book entitled As Jasmines Bloom; No Matter The Season, You Can Still Bloom. It is perhaps the best accomplishment to date in my life. I put my all into writing this memoir as a way to pay tribute to my late father. It tells the story of a young Black girl who comes to grips with loss at an early age. Though life continued to throw more punches, she always found just enough strength to rise above it all. This memoir reflects on various instances that are good, bad, ugly in order to give inspiration, encouragement, and hope. The ultimate goal of As Jasmines Bloom is to show other young Black women that they are more than their trauma, their past, and their mistakes.

What I want the world to know about me is that I am a survivor. My life hasn’t always been the prettiest and my journey has had bumps along the way. I have learned that there will be different seasons of your life. You can have everything planned out to the exact detail but things can and will happen. And that’s okay. What matters the most is how you respond when adversity strikes. You have the choice to either sit back and be defeated or pull yourself up, dust your shoulders off and get back in the ring.

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?
Memphis has a lot to offer and is a city where our culture runs deep. From food to entertainment you name it, Memphis has it.

First thing first, I would have to take my friend to a bbq spot because what’s a trip to Memphis without experiencing some of the world’s best bbq. A few of the spots that I love to go to are Interstate BBQ, Payne’s BBQ or Central BBQ. You have to love a good happy hour so Tug’s in Harber Town is one of my personal favorite spots and also Sage which is Black-owned and located in the Downtown area. Brunch is an absolute must. My favorite brunch spot at this moment is Local’s in Overton Square. There is a new place called Curfew that is located downtown that is very good.

Memphis has a variety of entertainment and attractions such as Stax Museum, National Civil Rights Museum, Brooks Museum of Art, Mud Island and so many more. Depends on the season, we can always catch a Memphis Grizzlies game too.

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?
Wow. There are so many people who have made a positive influence on my life.

I would first like to dedicate this shoutout to my amazing family. Since I was a child they have nurtured me and supported me in every season of my life. I wouldn’t be the Jasmine that I am today without the foundation they created for me and their unconditional love.

Secondly, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my tribe. It’s too many to name, but I honestly believe that I have the dopest friends in the entire world. They are always a phone call away and never hesitate to pull up on me if needed.

Lastly, I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my friend, business partner, and sister in the movement, Deanna “Dee” Reed. She has changed my professional life forever since we met in January 2015 at a brunch in Atlanta. She took a chance on me and gave me a seat at so many tables. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without her prayers, support, and love.

Website: www.asjasminesbloom.com

Instagram: @j_michellep

Image Credits
Photos by Shaneisa Abrams