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

Hi Jasmine, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I define success as having the freedom to spend my time how I choose to and doing what matters most to me–spending time with my loved ones, traveling, and participating in activities that spark joy for me. Success also means making an impact on the lives of others while making an income that supports the lifestyle that I desire.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner of two businesses. Empowered to Thrive Counseling and Wellness, LLC is my first “business baby”, as I birthed her in October 2018. Empowered to Thrive is my mental health private practice where I serve ambitious adults seeking to enhance their overall mental well-being through mindfulness-based and empowerment-focused practices. Empowering others to thrive in their lives is my mission, and I recognize that thriving looks different for everyone. I am here to help others become the version of themselves that sparks joy for them, excites them, and ignites their souls.

I have served hundreds of clients over the past few years–the majority of whom I met during the pandemic. There have been many highs and a few lows, and I am grateful for the journey. I have learned so much about myself personally and professionally over the past two years, and I am so proud of the decisions I have made to support my own well-being and reclaim my time, space, and peace as a business owner, including setting healthier boundaries around my schedule, saying “yes” to myself and my needs and “no” to people and opportunities that do not support me, my mission, or the uplifting of others. I am all about lifting as I climb, and I am excited about the opportunity to educate, inspire, and nurture other mental health therapists and social workers as a clinical supervisor, in addition to my role as a mental health therapist.

Thrive Splendidly Coaching and Consulting, LLC is my second “business baby” that I founded in late July 2021. In my coaching business and signature coaching program, I support professional women and women entrepreneurs in taking back their time, making more space for self-care in their lives, careers, and businesses, and recovering from and/or preventing burnout. As a woman who has experienced professional burnout and recovered, I aspire to help other women do the same. Living through a global pandemic for the past two years has not been easy–personally or professionally. As a mental health therapist, providing care for lovely humans has been both rewarding and exhausting. I am a living and breathing example of the power of radical self-care and putting systems in place that allow women to live lives and run businesses that allow us to thrive. I recognize that I am the most important person in my life and in my business. I have to treat myself accordingly so that I can continue my mission to uplift and empower other women.

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.
We would hit up Hiro Sushi for some of the best tofu teriyaki and salmon bento boxes around. For dinner one night, we would go to Southern Kitchen for some amazing fried fish, collard greens, and mac and cheese. For Sunday Brunch, we would delight in the taste of corn and jalapeño hushpuppies with honey sriracha butter, veggie omelettes, and crab cakes at the Boathouse at City Point Restaurant while overlooking the waters of the James and Appomattox Rivers.

I’m always down for a good hike and walk in the park, so we would visit Brown’s Island, Forest Hill Park, and Iron Bridge Park. We would explore the Black History Museum for an incredible cultural experience and get in touch with our artistic sides at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

And I can’t forget about dancing to some good music. To tap into that “It’s Friday and I just got paid” feeling while enjoying a delectable seafood boil, we would check out Boil Bay Cajun Seafood and Bar. And for some Saturday night shenanigans and to shake a tail feather or two, we would vibe to soulful sounds during one of UnlockingRVA’s silent headphone parties.

My city–Richmond, VA–has so much to offer. My best friend would not be disappointed!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jennifer Turner : She is my sister and twin flame. We share so many interests, including advancing social justice, radically caring for ourselves, yoga, and wellness. I have witnessed her incredible strength, courage, and self-advocacy and it inspires me every day.

Website: www.empoweredtothriverva.com

Instagram: @empoweredtothriverva (therapy business page), @thrivewithjasmine (coaching business page)

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

Twitter: @thrivewithjas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredtoThriveRVA/ (therapy business page), https://www.facebook.com/ThriveSplendidlyCoaching/ (coaching business page)

Other: Sisters Thriving Splendidly podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sisters-thriving-splendidly-the-podcast/id1553795861?uo=4

Image Credits
Courtney Jones (The Jones Photography & Media Co.)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.