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

Hi Jasmyn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Although photography has always been a passion of mine, I never once thought about turning it into a business. It wasn’t until a few close friends started a clothing line, and asked me to photograph the products for their website. I remember being super nervous and not wanting to “mess up”. After I received great reviews and a welcoming response from all my peers, it was evident I had found my “dream job”.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started Jasmyn Renee Photography in 2014. I was the “picture girl” walking around in the clubs and day parties asking friends to “pose” or “smile for the camera”. I would work weekends only from 10pm to sometimes 3 in the morning. This was all after working a 50 hour work week at my corporate job. 2014-2016 was definitely a humbling experience. I remember being dead tired Monday morning going to work because I had just got done editing 5 in the morning. Although I was tired, I still was having FUN. I met so many people during that time in my photo career. I mainly stood out because I was woman and photography has always been associated with men (especially on the club scene). During this time is where people found out who I was, put a name to a face. I’ve always been personable, I can pretty much talk to a brick wall if I knew it would talk back. I made sure people knew who I was and left an imprint. Fast forward to 2017-2020, those same connections helped me stay relevant outside of the club scene. I was eventually able to stop taking photos in those type of environments and started portraits, and engagement sessions. Once word of mouth hit, and clients would share my work with their friends, coworkers, and family, my clientele grew even larger.

2019, my old teammate and friend from high school basketball got the head coaching job at Duncanville High School. She asked me to be their official photographer. I had never taken photos for a high school before —honestly, I had never taken photos for a school before. Duncanville High School was the number one girl basketball program in the state. It was also the school she and I graduated from. I did not want to mess this up! Fortunately, I accepted the amazing opportunity, and the girls team actually won the state title that same year I started my sports photography path. That indeed is one of the most proudest moments I have had in my career.

With the line of work I am in, networking and customer service will get you so far. I treat everyone with respect, and make sure I keep a positive attitude. My business has my name on it, so I want everyone to associate their experience with me as top tier. Of course you are not going please everyone, however my job as the owner is to always figure out how to make things right with the client. I learn from every experience and try to do better than the last one.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them to Yolk for brunch. It’s one of my favorite breakfast spots down in the arts district. While in that area, we would head over to the art museum, they usually have some nice galleries/shows year round. If it’s basketball season, we could hit up HERO, which is one of my favorite sports bars located right by the American Airlines center. Ocean Prime which is located in uptown is definitely a must for happy hour — drinks and food! Sunday funday, would be the finale. Hitting up Bitter End in Deep Ellum, Dec on Dragon for a follow up day party, and then Clutch Bar for a night cap!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would definitely want to dedicate my shout out to my friends and family. I know that sounds very cliché, however without the amazing support of them, I would not be where I am today. I’m such an overthinker, and tend to second guess myself A LOT. If my friends weren’t there to reassure me, or if my mom wasn’t in my ear constantly reminding me of the goals I had set for myself, I can honestly say most of my achievements wouldn’t have been accomplished. I tell everyone, a support system is one of the most crucial parts of starting a business. You need it to fall back on, to vent to, and most of all reassurance. I’m so appreciative of mine!

Website: www.JasmynRenee.com

Instagram: @Jasmyn_Renee

Facebook: Jasmyn Renee Photography

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