We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmin Swinton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jasmin, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Definitely, knowing when to walk away.
When I first founded Essential Associates I was a stay at home mom looking for a way to utilize my skills, I launched the business as a virtual assistant. In time, I accepted an opportunity that required that I wear many hats within a clients organization. The hours, responsibility, and pay began to feel like an overworked and under paid 9-5 however I loved what I was doing and truly valued everything I was learning. I struggled with delegating as I was responsible for the end result of each project however I was going home to children who demanded my attention and the workload needed to be completed. It got to a point that I began to fumble and in my heart I knew I had to make a decision.
The business model I was creating as a mom of 1 was so I could be home with my daughter. As a mom of 2 at this point especially with my toddler constantly getting sick while in daycare, I had to accept that that particular opportunity wasn’t for me. In walking away I have aligned with experts and learned to delegate, which allows me to focus on improving systems and processes as well as growing the team and client base.
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?
At Essential Associates, we pride ourselves on being the Swiss Army knife of support and efficiency. We seamlessly integrate into our clients’ team, anticipate their needs, and deliver exceptional results. But what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to infuse fun and profoundness into everything we do.
We believe that work should not only be productive but also enjoyable. Our team approaches each task with enthusiasm, injecting creativity and humor into our interactions. By fostering a positive and lighthearted environment, we not only elevate the spirits of those we work with but also inspire innovative solutions and foster strong relationships.
Getting to where we are today has been a remarkable journey, and it certainly hasn’t been without its challenges. Building a successful business is rarely easy, but we’ve overcome obstacles by embracing a growth mindset and tenacity. We view challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement, using them as stepping stones towards achieving our goals.
Throughout this journey, we’ve learned invaluable lessons. We understand the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving business landscape. We embrace change and leverage emerging technologies to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, we have come to appreciate the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from forming strategic partnerships. By pooling our skills and resources, we can tackle complex projects with ease.
What we want the world to know about our brand is that we are not just another service provider; we are a catalyst for success. Our passion for what we do shines through in the exceptional quality of our work. We are committed to delivering tangible value and exceeding expectations. With our expertise in virtual assistance, recruiting, and project management, we empower businesses to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Our story is one of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our clients. We continuously strive to create meaningful connections, foster growth, and make a lasting impact in the world of business support. When you choose us, you choose a partner who will go above and beyond to transform your vision into reality.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Great question.
Day 1:
Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden followed by breakfast at Flying Biscuit or try something new like Cafe Kulture.
Afternoon: Head to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Take a guided tour of Dr. King’s birth home, visit the Ebenezer Baptist, and walk through the exhibits at the Visitor Center to learn more about his life and legacy.
Evening: Dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Roomer another favorite Poor Calvin’s.
Day 2:
Morning: Visit the World of Coca-Cola and Breakfast At Barney’s.
Afternoon: Head to the Atlanta BeltLine, rent bicycles and ride along the Eastside Trail.
Evening: Ponce City Market. Enjoy dinner explore the shops and rooftop amusement park.
Day 3:
Morning: Sleep in…..
Afternoon: Head to the Georgia Aquarium, followed by lunch at Asian Vegan Kitchen.
Evening: Enjoy a night out in Midtown area. Dinner, followed by a show at the Fox Theatre.
Day 4:
Morning: A hike up Stone Mountain, followed by a visit to Sweathouz.
Afternoon: Midday pampering at Iwi Fresh, followed by shopping and lunch at Atlantic Station.
Evening: Take the vibes from the day into the night with some fun at Suite Food Lounge.
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 would love to shoutout my first paying client, my sister, and friend Empress Yana. She is a wife, mother, serial entrepreneur, and complete badass. She is a poet/musician, a personal chef and the owner of Fork with Me as well as Empress Lyfe where she helps clients elevate and heal with self care and her EmpressLyfe podcast.
Website: www.essentialassociates.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essentialassociates/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/essentialassociates/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EssentialAssociates/
Image Credits
Third Eye Media Derrick Barnhill