Happy Tuesday #Jontourage, Welcome back to the “Classy Gent Chronicles”, where staying classy is the only way to be. We are back with another “Classy Connections” edition, where I will be interviewing some amazing entrepreneurs. Today for our spotlight, meet Jasmin Harrison. I know her as a great former student of mine but the world knows her as a business owner and natural hair guru. Let’s learn more about Jasmin: Jonathan: Tell us a little about yourself. Jasmin: My name is Jasmin Harrison. I’m 23 years old and a proud alum of Lincoln University, where I met Jonathan! I am currently living in my hometown and working with children with autism and running an after school program. I also tutor through my own private tutoring business. In addition to that, I am a Program Coordinator for 3E Programs which aims to make high school students college-ready and well-versed individuals. I am also learning the art of photography. Jonathan: How did your entrepreneurial journey begin? Jasmin: It was birthed from my natural hair blog, @thefineapple.forum. Although it wasn’t monetized, creating something for myself & managing it myself sparked the idea in me that I could work for myself and make money on my own. Jonathan: How does your brand stand out compared to others in your industry? Jasmin: My tutoring program is based completely on the student. Many other programs have a mold that they want kids to fit into, but I create a mold based on each of the interests, personalities, strengths, and weaknesses of my students. I don’t make them fit into a (lesson plan) mold, I create a mold especially for each of them. Jonathan: What is your favorite subject to tutor students in and why? Jasmin: Math! And I never would’ve guessed that when I started educating but I have an analytical mind and I enjoy problem-solving so much. I also enjoy it because I feel as though I do an exceptional job of breaking down and explaining topics. Being that it’s a topic many children struggle with, I’m happy and proud to explain it in such a way that makes things click for them. Jonathan: Helping a kid with schoolwork can be very challenging for many reasons. What are some of your strategies to helping kids feel more comfortable with you so that you can assist them with school work? Jasmin: Establishing a relationship first! There’s a saying, “kids don’t care what you know until they know that you care” and I wholeheartedly believe that. My first order of business is to get to know my students for who they are and once they see I’m on their side and I care about them as a person, not just as a student, they care about what I have to say and they actually listen. And it makes our sessions much more enjoyable. We work hard but we joke around a lot as well. Jonathan: What was a major misconception about tutoring that most people would not even realize? Jasmin: That a student doesn’t need a tutor if they’re already doing well! Having a tutor even as a straight-A student is a great way for them to receive the individualized attention they might not receive in school BECAUSE of the fact that they’re a high performer. It’s also a great way to keep them ahead of the game. Jonathan: Where do you see yourself in five years? Jasmin: In 5 years, I see myself running about 3 businesses and probably being my own boss. (I should put more certainty behind that statement lol.) Although plans are very important and I do have some concrete plans, I’m still relatively young and I’m honestly just going with the flow and going where God leads me. Jonathan: Who/What do you look to for inspiration?
Jasmin: Nipsey Hussle and Eric Thomas! Jonathan: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to breakthrough in your industry? Jasmin: I would advise aspiring entrepreneurs to practice positive self-talk. Protect their dreams and ideas. Be patient. Be comfortable with failing forward. Study their craft and forever be a student of their field. Network with people who can teach you things for free. Invest time and money into yourself, your growth and the growth of your brand. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Practice self-care! My advice for people who want to enter my specific field would be to find a job in a school! My recommendation would be to find a school/school system that invests in their teachers and provides quality professional development throughout the year. It would also be to find educator friends/acquaintances that you can learn from. Jonathan: Outside of your work, what are your other hobbies/passions? Jasmin: My hobbies include playing and coaching softball, RELAXING lol, and traveling when time permits. My biggest hobby is honestly just listening to music. Jonathan: Do you have any upcoming projects? Jasmin: Yes, 2! I just launched “Crown Jewels Accessory Boutique”. I sell designer durag sand bonnets, velvet durags and other hair accessories for men, women, and children. I’m also launching an online series called “The Full Time Hustle” with a co-host who is a full-time entrepreneur. We’ll be talking about our journeys as entrepreneurs- our different perspectives with me being new to the game and her being seasoned, ups and downs of the process and lots of tips. Jonathan: How can the #Jontourage/followers stay in touch with you? Jasmin: @_jassminnnn on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/_jassminnnn/ @crown.jwls on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/crown.jwls/ Moral of the story: A child can go very far when they are shown love and attention. Thank you, Jasmin, for being an inspiration to everyone you come in contact with. Remember, in order to live out your dreams, you have to think it, feel it, live it! If you know of an amazing entrepreneur who you believe should be featured, please contact me here so that we can connect https://www.authorjon.com/work-with-jonathan.html. Until next time, stay classy... For more Classy Gent Chronicles blog post, be sure to visit https://www.authorjon.com/blog
1 Comment
Jasmin Harrison
6/30/2020 08:46:18 am
Thank you so much for featuring me!! Best wishes in all your future endeavors!
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AuthorJonathan C. Harris is no stranger to leadership, hard work, or success. At the age of ten years old, he earned the right to be a guest weatherman for a day on Fox 5 DC News. He has already received over 100 honors and awards including Forty Under 40 for Prince George’s County, MD, TEDx Talk speaker, American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Outstanding Men’s Program, high school Valedictorian and the Kiwanis Club Citizenship Award. Raised in Fort Washington, Maryland, he has served in leadership positions his entire life, from being the manager of the school store in elementary school to the president of the Homelessness Awareness Club in middle school to the president of the National Honor Society in high school. Archives
September 2020
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