Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Mathew
Hi Jasmine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Recreational Therapist that found that field of study while searching for a way to be a therapist with an indefinite means to helping people while also using what intrinsically motivates them and using their flow to get to their goals. Recreation Therapy is a therapy that covers social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual goals through leisure education, finding new leisure pursuits, providing leisure opportunities, finding their intrinsic motivation and encouraging community re-integration while having any variety of a disability. I worked in a variety of populations, including nursing homes, pediatric rehab hospitals, medical day centers, subacute rehab centers, medi-psych hospitals, and now home health, I found that in every age group, every disability group, music and movement spoke to them drastically than most other modalities. Personally, I have always had an affinity for dance, having been a dance student of classical Indian dance as a child, and then as a Bollywood and Bollyfit dance instructor as well as a pre-school jazz and ballet dance instructor. Upon realizing that there were limited adaptive dance opportunities in North Texas, I spoke with some clients I was helping through Recreation Therapy and created a business that catered to their specific needs, no matter the age, the disability, or the location. While still learning the ins and outs of business and disabilities, we are still expanding and making the world a better place!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in life is easy, as they say. Definitely not a smooth road. I have zero experience with marketing and business. So, I have had to shut down classes because it did not make enough for a partnership. I have had to speak with other business owners and my own staff and ask for help or advice, no matter what I thought I should do. Letting go of control and making sure your business and your staff is set up properly and continuously has been a learning curve. It will definitely change my perspective on how to be a better business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We choreograph and teach adaptive dance classes, ranging in styles from introductory levels of Ballet, Hiphop, Jazz, Ballroom, Bollywood and Tap (Tap is provided by my staff as I have never taken it! Thank goodness for them!). We don’t shy away from someone who has a severe disability, versus a learning disability or an invisible disability. We don’t need a diagnosis to work with clients who don’t feel ready to share that information. However, we work with what the students state as a need or a modification. We encourage all bodies, wheelchairs, limited mobility, complete assistance for mobility, mental or cognitive needs, developmental disabilities, toddlers to senior citizens and find a way to share with the community the need for inclusion in the arts. Through Recreational Therapy foundations, we created a training platform within our instructors to share the same ideals and teach dance while also creating a safe space with knowledgeable individuals leading our classes. I think all of this is what sets us apart. We find a way.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Although I have always been quite shy, I was a theater and choir geek in high school, coming out of my shell with the performing arts. You won’t find me singing in public anymore though-ha!
Pricing:
- Pricing based on location.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jasminesbeat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminesbeat
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasminesbeat
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jasminesbeat
