We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Fairley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jasmine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is a part of who I am. I love taking risks in life because I feel like you’re either going to “barbeque or mildew” meaning either you choose to go after what you want in life, or you lay down and just let life just pass on by. I took a huge risk moving to Atlanta from my hometown of Tupelo, MS. I’ve always been the “small- town girl with big dreams”. So, I knew I needed to leave home and everything that I knew to put myself in position and go after the life I want for myself. People were scared for me, some even doubted if I could last in the city, but I’ve always been a risk taker (dare devil if you will), be unique, and ride my own wave. I moved to Atlanta to finish my bachelor’s degree at Clark Atlanta University where I graduated with a Mass Communications Degree. I was in a city where I knew no one so I had to rely on my people skills and personality to network. I was inspired by all of the successful Black women and I was determined to become one. My aspirations were to work in media (radio, tv, and film) but I had to work full time while being a full-time student in order to survive, so I turned down a lot of opportunities at the time. Life happens so fast sometimes you will find yourself giving up on your goals and ready to throw in the towel. Fast Forward to 2020, The Pandemic happened, and it hit me so hard. I didn’t have a job for 2 years but during that time I took advantage of free online business courses. I thought about what I was good at and then it hit me that I love to get dressed up, take aesthetically pleasing pictures, and have fun. However, I needed income and cute pictures were not going to pay my bills, so I decided I wanted to start my own clothing business (SAJ by Jas.) SAJ is my nickname Jas spelled backwards, I sell fast -fashion clothing items. I took the risk and invested money in my business at a time where I didn’t have a job or know what was next for me. I then thought to myself that I could tie all of my passions up in one. I then started turning my clothing brand’s content into videos, reels, Tik Toks as well as showcase my lifestyle on my YouTube Channel; TheJasmineShow. Everything is unfolding just the way it is supposed to. I said all that to say this, risk taking has made me the woman I am today.
What should our readers know about your business?
SAJ by Jas started off as a side hustle turned passion. I’ve always loved fashion & modeling. I launched in the middle of the pandemic so I was “unemployed.” But I’ve always been a hustler working multiple jobs so I knew I could do this. The pandemic really shifted my mindset on working for someone vs. working for myself and having the freedom to do the things I really enjoyed. I have been working since I was 15 years old and most of time multiple jobs like I mentioned earlier. I remember signing up for free online business courses for sometimes six hours or more without an idea or a business plan. God positioned me to be just where he needed me to be. I don’t come from a family with tons of money, a trust fund, and sometimes I didn’t have a savings. Being a business owner can be stressful at times, it’s definitely not easy or an overnight success. For six months I had been working and housing my inventory out of my living room in a one bedroom apartment. I have finally upgraded into a small warehouse for now as SAJ by Jas continues to grow. I worked on my brand everyday as if it was a 9-5. For 6mths I had been working out of my living room until finally I moved into a mini warehouse. I am still working out the kinks and figuring out what works best for my business as well as getting systems in place to run effectively. In business I have learned to take necessary breaks when needed, hire people to take the load off of myself, be a walking billboard, and remain consistent. I funded my business out of pocket because that was all I knew to do however, I wouldn’t encourage unless you have a lot of funds to spare. My only hope is that I pave the way for the girls who start with a dream & a savings with whatever it is they want to do, Do It!
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.
Whenever I have friends in town I always plan for us to go out and get good food + drinks. My first stop would be Bar Taco, I love that place because it reminds me of the beach, the tacos are bomb, and drinks are everything plus the staff is like family to me. Usually for a night time vibe I will go to Lily’s, Hide, or Copper & Cove in Buckhead. All of the restaurants are black owned with good food, hookah, and drinks. The girls love a good hookah. Saturday I would have us all get dressed and ready to brunch. I love Toast on Lennox it’s a nice vibe, beautiful ambiance and the food is literally the best.. After I would take us to Fin & Feathers on Edgewood and take cute pics by the mural and show them around to the bars I used to hang at while in school. Saturday night vibes would be me taking us to Dive Bar in Buckhead because the clubs are overrated these days. Sunday we would hit Ponce City Market rooftop (the skyline view is sick) for some carnival fun, drinks, and the market has food suitable for any taste you desire.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well I don’t have a specific person in mind but I would like to dedicate this shout out to everyone who truly believes in me, my SBJGirls who shop the brand, and all of my supporters on YouTube.
Website: https://shopsajbyjas.com/
Instagram: @_thejasmineshow
Twitter: @_thejasmineshow
Facebook: SAJ by Jas
Youtube: TheJasmineShow
Image Credits
The picture in the orange credit belong to @shotbysed on Instagram