We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Ruff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Trying to balance life and work has been a task for me. Previously I worked full-time while running my businesses and caring for my children. I had a supportive family that allowed me to be flexible up until my mom passed at the end of 2021 and my sister began having seizures. Now I have a new baby and have relocated to Dallas. I do not know many people here and I am basically starting from scratch with my business while managing my business in Cincinnati. I have began to find my rhythm so far although things aren’t as easy as they were I am able to manage. The biggest lesson I have learned as far as balancing life Is to prioritize the important things and tackle the difficult tasks first so they aren’t weighing over my head. It makes my life a lot easier. I have been making connections with The DFW Black Moms Walking Group and The Dallas Social Butterflies group which has been helpful for an introverted newbie like me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an event planner I started out literally planning my own 12th birthday party, then participating as an event coordinator of my college organization and assisting others with their baby showers. I literally did all of this for free. One day I realized I could actually get paid to do it and I started playing around with pricing and charging others. I officially became a business in 2014 and focused on it on the weekends when I was off from my full-time job in Children Services. After working a tough job, decorating parties was a breath of fresh air. I eventually opened a venue in Cincinnati, which turned into 3 venues and began coaching others and just carving out my life to allow me to make money doing what I loved to do. So partying and traveling were my outlets. I began booking travel and getting paid to do so. I incorporated the two as a creative outlet. I curate trips down to the details of excursions and restaurants and etc as well as curate events down to the smallest detail of place settings, balloons and even the guest list. When I curate trips or parties I focus on connecting the theme from start to finish. For example my baby shower was Arabian Nights theme and you better believe the menu matched, I am talking about the Arabian vibes with lamb chops, salmon and etc. I also spray a perfume/ air freshener to invite guests in to the event it gives a great touch to the experience. I am also where I am today because I collaborate with other people in my field. I do not gate keep or view anyone as competition. We can all learn from each other and grow together and that has worked for me in numerous ways. Which has led to me working on building other business owners up; assisting them with building their business and collaborating on projects.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow. this is tough because I haven’t been living in Dallas too long but I will definitely say. We are going to be outside starting with a Monday brunch at Tupelo Honey at the star, shopping at Northpark because me and my girls love to shop. Taco Tuesday at the Five Bistro, Wednesday we are going to slow it down a little and hit the Dallas Museum of Art and hit Kiss for R&B night. Thursday I am going to take them to make a perfume at Amir Oud and then later that evening we will go for Happy Hour at STKn or Monarch and Mr. X on R & B night. .Friday we are going to Cafe 214 to stand on tables and have a good time. Saturday we are going to the Reserve and Sunday we going to church at One Community, Brunch at fusion Vibes and we back outside at the Garden.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I literally would not be here today without the love and support of my family. My mom passed away in 2021 but literally up until her last breath she was my biggest cheerleader. My Dad has been helpful in ensuring that I stay on the right track and push through. My sisters have been my biggest cheer leaders as far as ALL of my business ventures and keeping me afloat within so many of my hurdles. I have always been a hard worker, I hustle harder than anybody you know. I hustle to achieve my goals but also because the people who believe in me are my rock and I don’t want to let them down. I have friends that collaborate with me on events and projects; we are able to discuss future endeavors and hold each other accountable. I know that without these lovely people in my life I wouldn’t be able to flourish as much as I do. And ultimately my 3 children DJ, Kyrie and Jasmine Junioress; they fuel me to keep going and breaking out of my comfort zone. my move To Dallas was completely put of my comfort zone but I know that a new environment will help me grind harder to new heights.

Website: www.blusheventsdtx.com www.vacationoverload.com

Instagram: @blush.dtx @vacationoverload

Facebook: Jazzyandelegenatevents

Youtube: koldestlife

Image Credits
I have rights and permission to these photos.

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