Urban Beauties Magazine
Every woman needs/wants a place to go and feel empowered. A place where our everyday issues are recognized and discussed, even from the most sensitive subjects to the most complicated trials of our everyday lives. Sometimes people take the strength of a woman for granted. They forget the real power that a woman possesses.
In my day to day virtual travels, and through my many social networking outlets, I came across Jazmyn Ife' Jefferson, CEO/Founder of Urban Beauties, LLC and Creator/Editor In Chief of Urban Beauties Magazine who is providing one of those places where we can go to get away from it all for a little while. Be sure to check out her latest issue at www.urbanbeautiesmag.com.
Jazmyn & Free
Tell me a little bit about Jazmyn… (20 words or less)
I am a happily married mother of two who found her life's purpose in the women's empowerment movement.
Why did you start Urban Beauties Magazine?
Well, I'm a writer...it's what I do...it's what I love. But I needed a platform to express myself, and I wanted to create my own. At the same time, just as my heart and mind were bursting with things that I wanted to share with the world, I found myself immersed in the then expanding world of "vixen modeling" and it lit a fire under me. I saw friends with real runway model aspirations reduced to nude pics in booty mags and it really bothered me. Don't get me wrong, if that's what you want to do - more power to you - but if you aspire to something more, those opportunities should be available to you too. AND, you shouldn't have to be a 6 foot tall, anorexic anglo-saxon either! Lol. For real though, how many of US look like that? We come in all shapes and all sizes...and they're ALL beautiful. So, I guess, Urban Beauties Magazine was my response to an industry which does not always embrace the woman of color as the regal work of art that she is...and it became my platform to share my words.
What does the name "Urban Beauties" represent?
Well, urban is just another word for city...the inner city...but to me, it's different than "hood" or "ghetto"...although some of us like to use all those words interchangeably. Urban represents city life. And Beauties...well, that's simple...it's what I consider all women of color to be. I guess you could say it's my answer to mainstream beauty standards...we set our own. Urban Beautiful...
What do you do when you aren't working on the magazine?
Urban Beauties Magazine is part of my company, Urban Beautiful LLC, under which I also run a not-for-profit, a clothing line, and several blogs. All of these things keep me very busy. But any free time I do have is always spent with my family. My husband and children mean the world to me.
I noticed in your bio, that you mentioned you grew up without a mother or father… how did that affect what you wanted to do with your future?
I don't know if growing up the way I did affected what I wanted to do so much as it prepared me for the struggle I would face along my journey. I am a woman with an indomitable will who knows she can do anything she puts her mind to. Why? Because I fought my way through mile-high obstacles my whole life. I don't expect life to be easy or fair...it just is what it is. But I'm not afraid and I won't stop...ever. That's what my pain and struggle did for me. But you know what else though, it is also why I have such a strong commitment to the youth; I want to be a positive role model in the lives of those who don't have someone to look to for support and guidance...or love. And it's also probably why I smother my own children with so much love and affection!
What are your plans for Urban Beauties Magazine in the next 3 years?
I'd love to go from bi-annual to bi-monthly or at least quarterly and just see the brand continue to grow. We hope to secure national distribution
What advice would you give to women or young entrepreneurs who are wanting to start their own journey to being a business owner?
Once you have visualized what you want for yourself, make a plan, prepare yourself for the journey, and move forward...persevere. It may sound cliché, but there really ain't nothing to it but to do it. Truly and simply. Will it be easy? No. Nothing worth having every really is. But if you REALLY want it, then nothing will stand in your way. Just bring your A game though...PREPAREDNESS is half the battle. And dedication to follow through when the going gets tough will be vital. Most of all, try turning something you love and do well ...something you'd do for free...into a viable business. Those ventures will find the greatest long-term success and bring you the most happiness.
Contact Jazmyn:
(B) 914.45.UBMAG
(E) jazzife@UrbanBeautiesMag.com
MY SITES:
FOLLOW ME: Twitter.com/jazzife
FOLLOW US: Twitter.com/UBMag
Thank you for featuring me and Urban Beauties Magazine!
ReplyDeleteI love the UBM movement and magazine. I have a copy sitting right on my coffee table. Jaz and the women of UBM are uplifting, inspiring, talented, beautiful and supportive women that are making a difference in the community and lives of many. Keep up the great work UBM!
ReplyDeleteMo Diamond
EEB founder/President
Great interview Jazz! We are on our way to the top! www.urbanbeautiesmag.com
ReplyDeleteMonica Nicole