Jasmine Chinnery is Dismantling Imposter Syndrome One Blog Post at a Time

Thanks for joining us on the Pedestal, Jasmine! Tell us about yourself and a bit about your platform.

Until recently, I worked in the higher education sector as a Student Affairs professional. I created and managed volunteer opportunities for college students and ran a college readiness program for high school students. One day, I decided the professional space was no longer conducive to my well-being and decided to leave. It was a huge decision for me, and I’m still unpacking all that it means for me. If you’re interested in hearing more about that journey, be sure to check out my blog!

Currently,  I am the creator and editor of ItsJasmineSymone.com. It’s Jasmine Symone is a digital space for millennial women of color to explore topics on wellness, culture, and lifestyle. I created this space as an outlet for me to express my creativity, but most importantly, to empower women on their life’s journey. I wanted a space where I could talk about how trash Kanye is, explore a woman’s story on abstinence, and discuss self-care…all at the same time. I am a multifaceted woman that enjoys many things and that’s what I wanted for ItsJasmineSymone.com. To be a space where women can be and discuss all things. 

Can you share with our readers how you got started?

I started blogging in 2014 with a group of my friends under the brand “Any Given Hump Day.” We released content on Wednesdays, hence the name. My section of the blog was called “A Rose Colored Lens” where I shared stories of how I shifted my perspective on life challenges. Basically, I shared with my readers how to look at life through a rose-colored lens, again hence the name lol. Unfortunately, our blogging group dissolved and we went our separate ways. I didn’t want to keep blogging, because honestly, it’s hella work, but I began receiving feedback from readers stating how much my blog really helped them out and that they miss the content. So from there, ItsJasmineSymone.com was created. 

Tell us about your educational journey.

I was a first-generation college student and I attended Clayton State University for undergrad and the University of West Georgia for grad school. My educational journey was challenging in that I didn’t really know why I was in college and what I wanted to do with my life. I changed my major 4 times in undergrad. Academically, I was confused for the majority of undergrad, but I knew that I loved being involved and cultivating experiences for my peers, which led me to Student Affairs and Higher Education. 

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do?

Simply put, helping others is the most rewarding part of what I do. Whether its through my blog or through my past jobs as a SA Pro, I help people. When students tell me they came to college because of something I said to them…priceless. When readers send notes that detail how they got through a difficult situation because of my blog…priceless. When someone tells me they didn’t give up on life because of something I said to them…again, priceless. These are the most rewarding parts of what I do.

Did you encounter any challenges along your journey? If so, how did you overcome them?

Whew, chile! I struggle with imposter syndrome, heavy. Both in my blog life and my career, I often get caught up in thoughts like “Who am I to touch on subjects like this?,” or “Am I really qualified to do this work? I’m sure there are others out there that are more qualified than me.” One of my favorite writers, Luvvie Ajayi, once said that if you’re invited to the table, then you belong there. I have to remind myself everyday that I belong in the spaces that I’m afforded the opportunity to be in. It helps combat the whole imposter syndrome stigma. 

In your opinion, what is unique about being a professional Black Woman? 

Black women possess a level of drive, creativity, and resourcefulness that, in my opinion, is unmatched. It’s hard to explain, but it’s what makes us unique. Our culture, in and of itself, is unique. And people see that. The world sees that. Other people bit off of it everyday, but I won’t go there. Bringing that type of energy into the workplace is what sets us apart. 

What’s your personal mantra? 

“I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength” I know, a little cliche’, but it helps lol. It lets me know that 1. I don’t have to do this on my own and 2. that I can do anything.