Interview with a Female Entrepreneur - Featuring Jerra Mitchell of Jasmine Publishing, LLC

Jerra Mitchell of Jasmine Publishing

Welcome to our new blog series: Interview with a Female Entrepreneur! The objective of this series is to showcase fellow lady bosses who are making major moves. We believe that you can learn from others' successes and mishaps, so continue reading to get a glimpse into the business lives of each amazing woman!

1. Please tell us about your business. What do you make/sell/offer?
Jasmine Publishing, LLC offers editing and proofreading services, resume and cover letter assistance, as well as consultations for aspiring authors.

2. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I have always had a passion for writing, and I am a stickler for misspelled words and words used out of context. My fulfillment in life is also derived from being able to help others. After working several years in finance, I realized it was time for a change.

With that being said, I made my decision to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. I self-published my book ('I Was Bitter, Now I'm Better'), and formed Jasmine Publishing to assist others with publishing their book(s). As mentioned earlier, my company also provides services such as proofreading documents, editing scholarship essays, and revamping resumes and cover letters.

3. How did you come up with your business name?
If I were to ever have a child, I would name her Jasmine. That is such a beautiful name to me, and in a sense, everything I accomplish in life is for my future offspring. The jasmine flower is associated with love and beauty. Furthermore, the name Jasmine means courageous, honest, determined, and creative. Jasmine Publishing, LLC is a perfect embodiment of the attributes described here.

4. Name a few challenges or "bumps in the road" that you have faced after becoming an entrepreneur.
Definitely technology-related issues. Admittedly, I am not the most tech-savvy person. When I first opened my site to offer customers a chance to pre-order my book, a few complained they could not access Paypal. There was also an issue that involved the site listing my books as sold out, even though they were not.

5. What sets your business apart from your competition? What makes your business unique?
The individuals at Jasmine Publishing, LLC genuinely care about our customers. We also work tirelessly to meet deadlines and provide quality work. In addition, we do not charge outrageous prices for our services and keep our customers as our number one priority. 

6. What was the first thing you did to get started?
Pray!!!!

7. If you could give one piece of advice to someone looking to start a business, what would it be?
Pursue your passion in life. Follow what is in your heart and keep in mind that your intuition never steers you wrong. Once you discover your passion, research, network, WORK, and maintain a positive demeanor. There will be plenty of late nights and early mornings. When starting a business, sometimes things will occur that may cause you to get discouraged - but keep in mind that trouble does not always last. A positive attitude will take you very far in life.

8. Where do you see your business in five years? What are your goals?
Within five years, I foresee Jasmine Publishing, LLC as the premiere source for editing and publishing services. It is my aim to produce the type of quality work that when others ask, "Who do you recommend for resume revamping, or editing/proofreading documents?", the first company people mention is Jasmine Publishing. Also, my goal is to tour, host seminars in different cities and states, and consult with customers all over the world regarding writing a book. All in all, I want Jasmine Publishing to become a global brand.

9. Who or what motivates you? Do you have a mentor? If you have someone or something that pushes or inspires you, please tell us about them/it.
I am inspired by a long list of educators. As a child, my second grade teacher, Mrs. Reed inspired me to become a teacher. I love to learn new things as well as teach and mentor others. Oftentimes, teachers do not receive the recognition they deserve - so I will take the time to say thank you to all (passionate) educators. You are amazing individuals and I appreciate you!

10. Please leave us with any motivational words, your favorite quote, or any final thoughts.
"What you go through, grows you." -Unknown


Contact Jerra:
Instagram: just_1jerra
Facebook: Jerra Latrice
Email: jerralatrice@hotmail.com

View her website and purchase her book "I Was Bitter, Now I'm Better" and other services here: www.jerralatrice.com