Meet Jelissa Brooks: Digital Content Creator and Brand Consultant

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

Hi Jelissa, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Hard work is the key to success. I strongly disagree with this widely used statement. I feel we glorify hard work and we become gluttonous for the go, go, go way of life. We don’t tell the true story of hard work not always working in our favor, but it’s common. And because we’re overworked, we’re too burned out to put on a different lens, assess our situations and devise a more efficient plan. I’ve seen people work hard continuously and have nothing to show for their labor. And because it was so normalized in my upbringing, I thought it was the only way. And I began to follow suit until I grew physically and emotionally tired and gave myself permission to get off the hamster wheel that was passed down to me. Building my brand and business while simultaneously managing my career has taught me to slow down and realize hard work isn’t the way. Strategy and rest are. They’re the way. I’m determined to crack the code on how to reap all the benefits due to me minus all the hassle. I don’t feel that’s to be equated with being lazy, but instead strategic. I’m a firm believer in doing everything with excellence. However, by dethroning hard work and giving a higher place to strategy and rest in my life, I believe it’s opening me up to experience a different level of success. My observant nature has saved me. It’s taught me to preserve my energy and to play chess, not checkers in my quest to the top. It’s allowed me to show up differently in my business, yet still yield results. Success for me is defined by being able to teach the next generation new systems to live by that I’ve tried and excelled at myself that defy the conventional advice we commonly get. Success to me involves living with more time on my hands, not less. It involves me “thinking” my way out of the poverty mindset and being invited to tables to share how I did it. Success to me is becoming well-traveled, which will only sharpen my lens and enhance my strategy to cultivate relationships and help others. To do all of this requires rest and a clear mind, which are things hard work often is incapable of producing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Digital Content Creator and Brand Consultant. My journey began on social media in February of 2019. I started out as a fashion and lifestyle blogger on Instagram and my ultimate goal was to work with brands to receive paid collaborations. After achieving this goal and working with various brands like Neutrogena, Revlon Realistic, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, Urban Skin Rx and more, I desired to move beyond relying on brand deals as my only source of income. I then began to play around with Canva to design custom digital products to sell in my online shop and also offer one-on-one brand strategy consultations for entrepreneurs and small business owners. I’m most proud of how I haven’t given up in the times when progress was slow and it’s paying off because I’m gaining more visibility, clientele and more opportunities to speak at events about my expertise. I’m excited that there’s a strong need for what I provide. Most people don’t know how to brand themselves to show up differently in the market. But I offer one-on-one consulting and digital products to help them achieve that and I do it with a high level of excellence and detail.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d have to go to Ponce City Market! That’s one of my favorite spots because there’s great food spots to choose from and you’re near the beltline, so you have easy access to explore the city. Cascade is always a fun go-to. To me, it’s a staple to experience in Atlanta and I feel you’re never too old to throw on a pair of roller skates and have fun. Top Golf is another favorite near West Midtown. Their impossible burgers are the best and it’s a relaxing gathering spot. The sites at Stone Mountain are necessary to see, especially if you decide to take the climb up. The views are a beautiful payoff. If we’re in the mood to have an upscale dining experience, I’d have Marcel in West Midtown at the top of our list. They have the best customer service, and the food and atmosphere are top-notch. Marcel never disappoints. Lastly, I’d recommend we do a Segway tour. It’s a fun way to explore the city and meet new people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person that deserves credit and recognition in my story is my sister. She’s older than me and has been someone who I’ve modeled certain parts of my life after since I was young. Through the choices she made for her life, she unknowingly guided me in the path I should take as well. Our paths led us both to Atlanta and we’ve been achieving and transforming as women together and I’m grateful for her continued support, love, and sisterhood.

Website: www.jelissabrooks.com

Instagram: @jelissabrooks

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

Other: https://bookwithjelissa.as.me/