What’s in your “9–5 with a Side Hustle” Toolkit? — Jasmine Smith

Drumroll, please!

Our final October toolkit storyteller is none other than the Jasmine Smith, founder and producer of DC Wedding Week and SmithCo

The first time I laid my eyes on Jasmine was about 3 years ago. A friend and colleague in the wedding industry invited me to a holiday party, and I jumped at the opportunity to dress up. I could count the black women present at the party on one hand. So when I spotted Jasmine, she stood out. Yes, because she is a Black woman, but there was something else…

Jasmine has a powerful presence!

We made a beeline for each other and introduced ourselves. My friend who invited me joined us and as usual…connections were made. When I started my Brunch with AdeOla series last year, she was one of the first people I wanted at the table.

I deeply respect Jasmine, and when I think of her, I think Powerful and Focused.

Jasmine Smith — Entrepreneur | Founder • Producer, SmithCo | Social Innovator, DC Wedding Week

Tools: Tenacity, Time Management & Faith

For the last 15+ years, I have somehow managed the demands of a traditional 9 to 5 career simultaneously with growing and working on my own business and creative projects. Oh and let me also add that I’ve done this while being a single momma. There were moments when I was exhausted, faced with self-doubt regarding my ability to do either well and the one time where I quit, both the side-hustle and my job. Thinking back, it was tenacity, time management, and faith that helped me navigate the stress and strain that come with being a woman who has to do what she has to do to make life and dreams work together.

Tenacity is the ability to be persistent over time while working towards something you desire over an extended period of time. It requires patience and being able to stay focused on the vision while living and dealing with the realities that exist in the moment. It was only a few years ago I discovered and began to manage the art of juggling being an employee and an…