Meet Jaslyn Harris | Entrepreneur, Dancer & Mental Health Advocate

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

Hi Jaslyn, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Ooo, this is a great question… #TeamNoSleep! #GrindDon’tStop!

This notion of constant working with no rest, grinding hard every single day, is just not it.

Yes, it is absolutely true that you should put forth/dedicate time and effort on your craft, your goals, business(s), etc. But in this society, we’ve all been tainted with the belief that we’re only accepted and valued by producing, creating, selling, and accomplishing feat after feat. While achieving your goals is commendable, we tend to forget that, WE’RE HUMAN! We only have one body, one lifetime; and frankly, I don’t want to remember my years as times full of exhaustion and stress. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way, Wayyy too many times. I like to be productive, and since high school, I’ve been known as a “busy bee”, so much so where some of my close friends knew not to invite me out because they automatically assumed that my plate was already full. Now, I am learning more and more every day how to properly listen to my body. Yes, I still have many projects and tasks to accomplish; however I take everything one day at a time. If I don’t complete my to-do list for the day, it’s fine! It’ll be completed when the time is right. My health and my sanity matters more. My therapist constantly reminds me that rest IS productive (Shout out to Kennyetta Watkins of Relentless Counseling!), so with that understanding, I’m able to give myself more grace when I need to take breaks. My success will come regardless; because it’s no one else’s timeline but mine and the God that I serve.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am so happy to be back interviewing with Shoutout Atlanta, this feature is coming at such a special time! For those who don’t know, my name is Jaslyn Harris, and I am the Founder & CEO of MyMovesMoveU LLC. MyMovesMoveU LLC is an Atlanta based organization made to cultivate safe spaces for people growing in their creativity, entrepreneurship and well-being.

As we approach our 3 year mark, entrepreneurship has been quite the journey! January of 2020, we originally went public as a creative/dance based business, but as time went on, we feel the need to re-brand. (Stay tuned for our re-brand coming soon!) MyMovesMoveU LLC will still incorporate culture and creativity within the brand, however we’re looking to shift our focus more towards entrepreneurship, well-being and mental health advocacy! This journey has honestly been a challenging one, as change can be stressful. I’ve spent a lot of time over the past year soul searching; to gain more clarity on my God-given purpose, and what that means when it comes to being obedient once given divine direction. That can look like a lot of things. One example for me, is learning how to peacefully let go of the vision/plan I originally had for myself, in order to trust the process of where God is leading me with this platform. So, I will be honest when I say this is NOT easy. I am not the most consistent, I’m not an expert in business/marketing strategies, and I’m only still in the early years of having a business. However, I take pride in being transparent during this journey, so that others understand what it truly takes to build a brand, vision and legacy. I am still learning every single day, making mistakes, coming up with new ideas, and switching approaches. I would like the world to know that change is okay. It doesn’t matter what vision others had for you, or what they think they know about you and what you’re capable of. This is your story. Feel free to rewrite the story as many times as you see fit. The mess ups, the re-dos, the still moments, the self-reflection; they’re all the stepping stones to your legacy. It’s never a finite destination. It’s all about the purpose you’re serving during your time on this Earth.

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday May 20th from 12-3pm is our 2nd annual Mental Moves Workshop in Atlanta.
Mental Moves is our annual interactive workshop on a mission to bridge the gap between mental health awareness and those in our communities. This year, we’re diving head first into the scope of Mental Health and Black Men in America. Our team has joined forces to create a safe space where everyone can engage in open conversation, participate in reflective exercises, connect with self-care related small businesses and more. Join us as we begin our unique self healing journey that will keep us moving towards happiness, purpose and success!
Visit MyMovesMoveU.com for tickets. Live Stream access is available!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just discovered this really cute Cafe known as the Sober Social! It’s a great place to enjoy non-alcoholic drinks and coffee/baked goods. The drinks are crafted just as if they were actual cocktails, so it’s so fun to go for a cute drink without feeling like you’re missing out with alcohol.

I have not been in long time, but there’s this event called Feels ATL at the Westside Cultural Arts Center every Thursday. For all of my music lovers out there, this is such an experience. Local talent from all over comes to perform covers as weekly tributes to well-known artists. It’s a lounge type of feel with a live band, food and drinks. I had such an amazing time. I can’t wait to plan my next girls night out there.

Lastly, Atlanta is known for its brunch spots all over the city. Make sure you try Gocha’s Breakfast Bar on Cascade Road. They’re Black Owned, with nice and snug space and delicious food (try the Shrimp Grit Cake)!

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?
I may have said this before, but this still stands true today. My entire village! I am so blessed to have such wonderful support from my family, friends, mentors, and more. Let me shout out a few here (apologies if I didn’t mention you!)

Thank you to my mother and father, Zena and Michael Harris, my sister, Maya, my aunt Zwella, my mentors Angela, Yvette, Taneisha, Monique, my therapist, Kennyetta Watkins, my friends Mara, Tahbia, Zaleigh, Three, Jaye, Micah, Terria, and so so so many more. It truly takes a village and none of this would’ve been possible without you all.

Website: https://www.mymovesmoveu.com/copy-of-who-s-making-moves

Instagram: @mymovesmoveullc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaslyn-harris-1a144b6a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herecomes.thestorm3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaslynharris_stormy/featured

Other: Dance Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/herecomes_thestorm/

Image Credits
Three (Pax Unlimited)