Maya Angelou said “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” With that being said, I am always excited to see former interviewees not just meeting goals, but smashing them. You may remember my interview with Jasmine York-Ball from my 2016 interview, if not Black Tie Interview (click the link). Then Black Tie was really just beginning and just the first issue was the manifestation of Jasmine and her husband, Chris. Now, two years later BlackTie has grown and Mrs. York Ball is on her Bozoma St. John-ish (and you know how much I love her!). Please let me re-introduce Jasmine…
You recently quit your corporate job and have fully immersed yourself into the entrepreneurial world. Congratulations! How did you know you were ready?
It was never the plan to stay in corporate for long. I knew upon starting my intentions were to get what I needed to get and move on to bigger and better. I saw the experience as me “getting my masters in marketing”. I learned so much over the years writing on the marketing team of a management group.
Talk about how the magazine has grown and what you’ve learned since launching in 2016.
The magazine has grown a lot faster than I could have ever imagined. Granted – with growth comes a lot of work. I’ve struggled sometimes with keeping up, so I’ve had to expand my team to keep things going smoothly. Now we have a personal assistant, virtual assistant, graphic designer, a team of writers, and more. I’m always looking for more team members: interns, associate publishers, and writers, etc.
Back in 2016, you talked about expanding into other regions, how has that gone for you?What are some new goals?
Because the content is so universal and relevant to all African Americans, we now have subscribers in other regions and other states like TX, CA, GA, MD, NJ, etc. We are always in the market to launch a BlackTie Magazine – Birmingham or Biloxi for example, so if you’re interested in making some extra money as an Associate Publisher to get BlackTie in your city, please contact us at info@theblacktiemagazine.com to inquire about franchise opportunities.
As a subscriber to the magazine, I have thoroughly enjoyed your content. How do you get ready for each edition?
We host live events, so we really listen to what the people want, crave, and need. Our mission is to include lifestyle pieces that we as a people can benefit from, so we can move forward as a community. We’re all about unity and community. You know “each one, teach one”.
Now let’s talk about content marketing and how you’ve been helping other businesses succeed.
I’ve been freelance writing and editing since college (so for about 7 or 8 years). However, through networking and meeting fellow business owners via the magazine, I learned that some entrepreneurs were getting stuck on creating content for their business. That’s why I started offering more writing services to apply what I learned and did for others in corporate America to help more solo entrepreneurs and small businesses owners attract their ideal clients and grow their business.
What are your goals for both businesses over the next two years?
My goal with the magazine is to continue to expand my team. I’m looking for associate publishers and always looking for excellent interns or writers.
Why is working for yourself important to you?
Working for myself is important because I appreciate the flexibility and privilege that comes with being able to work from home and have a laptop lifestyle. While my husband and I don’t have kids (yet), it is one of my dreams to be a work-from-home mom and be able to earn a living from home so I could be more present in their lives.
I’m not afraid of hard work, but for years I was burnt out while at my full-time and trying to work my business afterward. I knew if we were to start a family, something would have to give (and it wasn’t going to be my business). I used that as motivation that I had to “figure this thing out” with urgency. I had faith and knew God didn’t place these desires in my heart for no reason. The Bible says He has plans to prosper and not harm us, to give us hope and a future.
Your website is gorgeous! Did you design it yourself? When someone visits the site what impression do you want them to leave with?
Screenshot of the website…gorgeous right???
Thank you! Yes, I designed it myself, and I help my clients set theirs up too haha. My intentions for the site were to help people get to know the face and heart behind the writing and content marketing services they’ll receive. As you’ll see, I offer content marketing solutions for busy entrepreneurs whether they want to D.I.Y or get it done for them.
How can people contact you?
People can stay connected with me on social media. I love growing my network and meeting new friends.
H.E.R- by Renee` 