Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Johnson.
Hi Jasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Growing up as a kid from Little Rock, I did not come from much. I grew up in a single-parent household with my mom, big brother, and little sister. My mom taught me how to survive. And in order to survive, you have to work. She constantly told us working builds character. Well, my character must be off the richter scale because I have been working nonstop since the age of 14. I have always known that I wanted to have my own business someday. I had SO many ideas but I did not know which avenue to choose. I knew I wanted my business to be something that I was passionate about and that could help others. So, I prayed and asked God to guide me!
Honestly, I believe two work experiences laid the foundation for my business. As an accomplished young black woman, I have caught both positive and negative energy throughout my career. Either people are in disbelief that I have attained so much knowledge or they are stunned that I do not have any children yet. Therefore, I do my best to maintain professionalism and never give anyone a reason to question my intellect. While working a job, that I detested, my director basically called me “The Angry Black Woman” in the middle of a meeting. I completely shut down and literally could not speak for the duration of the meeting. I had never been so offended nor enraged. Moreover, I was disgusted because I knew that my behavior did not depict that common misconception.
The second instance happened while working another position. A serious patient situation had occurred on hospital grounds. When we were notified of the incident, I checked my surroundings. I was the only black person in the room and I was the only social worker in the room. I immediately went into survival mode. I was contemplating getting a lawyer to protect myself. Next thing I know, I was being questioned by administration and people I had never met. My documentation was being examined and I was called into interviews with risk management. I felt so bad because a situation had affected someone’s life but I could not be “human” in that moment. I did not have time to “feel my feelings” because I had to go into survival mode. In that moment, I thought to myself…”I know I am not the only one that goes through this.” Thus, began the idea of Uplifting Melanin Queens, LLC!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I started this process, I promised myself that I would not become one of those owners or CEOs that has no idea about the inner workings of their own company. Therefore, I have made it my mission to learn every aspect of this “startup” process that I can. That includes regulation paperwork, media for my website, business finances, trademarks, etc. I am also still working a full-time job. It has definitely been an experience! I completed research for MONTHS before putting action behind the idea. If I did not know it before, I know now that patience is a virtue. Startup costs are no joke! I hate social media but I know that it is crucial for marketing purposes. Consequently, I have had to step outside of my comfort zone in order to help my business grow. I have moments where I overanalyze and question my ability to succeed. But I know that is fear and I have to bet on myself to be an impactful entrepreneur. I would not say “Obstacles” per se, but I have come across challenges ever since I decided to go into business for myself. Yet, I am grateful for the challenges because I am continuously learning.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Uplifting Melanin Queens, LLC’s mission is to provide extraordinary conferences and/or professional events where African American female social workers can flourish by building lasting relationships with their colleagues and gaining the expertise necessary to succeed not only in their careers but in life. My goal is to create a platform where African American female social workers are given the opportunity to display their skills. We are underrepresented at conferences yet we publish articles, write textbooks, and contribute to research. We are out there; we have the credentials and expertise but our field is dominated by women of European decent. So, like history has shown us if you do not want to include us at your table, then we will make a path of our own.
Our conferences and/or professional events will be FOR us and BY us! WE will lead the breakout sessions for continuing education units. WE will offer attendees with the opportunities to meet with prospective employers. WE will focus on our own mental health, reiterate that we have feelings too and that we are not superwoman. WE will create a safe space to talk about the daily career challenges we face as African American women in the workforce. WE are going to unapologetically showcase black excellence!
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Currently, I am a travel social worker for Emerald Health Services. As social workers, we wear many hats. For the most part, we connect clients to resources to help them tackle the daily stresses of life. Moreover, we aim to focus on the client’s strengths and assist with their ability to function on their own. In addition, we perform biopsychosocial assessments, conduct therapy groups, compose treatment plans, aide in medication management, enroll or connect clients with Medicaid benefits…just to name a few. Given that I am a Licensed School Social Worker (LSSW), I could say my specialty is school social work. But I haven’t worked in a school setting in years. Moreover, I have worked with multiple populations (adolescents, adults, and geriatrics) in a multitude of settings (inpatient, outpatient, behavioral health) so I work in all aspects of social work.
If anything, I would think I am known for “keeping it real” with my patients. Every one of my patients know that “Ms. Jasmine” does not play. I love my patients and truly want them to succeed in life. Yet, I cannot do it for them. I cannot care more about my patient’s situation than they do. I have to fully know myself in order to be effective in social services.
I want readers to know that just because my business is “Pro Black” does not mean I am “anti” everybody else. I chose to focus on black female social workers because that is who I am. I identify with this population. I am fervent about this particular topic! I am proud to be linked with this group! I also want readers to know that it is not about making money for me. It is about the vision and what I want to accomplish. Completing my goal will make it all worthwhile! I am pleased to announce that we will be hosting our first conference in June 2022!
How do you define success?
I define success as being happy and content with where you are and/or what you are doing in life. If you can look yourself in the mirror every day and not cringe (based off decisions made) then keep that same energy.
Contact Info:
- Email: information@upliftingmq.com
- Website: https://upliftingmq.com
- Instagram: upmqs
- Twitter: upliftingmq
- Facebook: Uplifting Melanin Queens, LLC
