Jasmine Luv is a multitalented digital star with a superpower in social media influence. After finishing a graduate degree in accounting, she left Columbia, South Carolina for Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment full time. VH1 named her one of the “top influencers” slaying the online comedy world, and she received accolades as an “It Girl” at the BET Social Awards. Now with a promising acting and hosting career on the horizon, she endeavors to be a voice for women of color, as well as an advocate for healthy friendships and financial literacy among young women — and having a good time while at it.
Why is it important for women of color to lead or work in leadership roles and decision making capacities?
It’s important for women of color to lead and work in leadership roles because we must inspire the younger generation. It’s important that they see someone that looks just like them in a powerful position. This gives young women a sense of hope that one day they too can take on a leadership role. We must continue motivating our youth by letting them know that they are great and capable of changing the world.
How do you feel about the hashtag #CollaborationOverCompetition? What qualities or values do you deem indispensable in your business partners or collaborators?
I absolutely love this hashtag. You’ll never be able to advance in life by knocking others down. Everything in life isn’t a competition … it’s a lesson. I look for business partners that share the same vision and motivation as I do. To achieve greatness, you and your team must be motivated and want the same end goal.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
I’m inspired by my supporters. I receive so many messages about how my videos help and put a smile on their faces. You never know what someone is going through and to have the ability to make someone smile gives me great satisfaction.
How did you determine your career path?
Before I started making videos, I was working as an accountant. Although I enjoyed my job, It wasn’t something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I began to make comedy sketches in my free time and as time went by, I realized how much I enjoyed writing, editing and producing. When I first started creating sketches, it would take me hours to finish one video but I didn’t care because I had so much fun doing it. I would feel free and excited and it was then that I realized my career path wasn’t accounting … it was entertaining.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
When it comes to my craft, I am a complete perfectionist. I spend more time than necessary trying to make things perfect, but in life nothing is. I tend to beat myself up and work myself too hard.
What are the do’s and don’ts for young women in business?
Do stay true to who you are and never compromise your morals. If you have to sacrifice what you believe in to advance, imagine the energy it would take to stay there. Do carry yourself with dignity and class. Always believe in your craft and remain positive.
Don’t settle and don’t take no for an answer. Let this be an encouragement for you to continue working hard until you get a “yes.” Also, don’t compare yourself to others. You can’t compare your life to someone else’s because what’s meant for you is meant for you.
Name three successful female role models and explain why you admire them.
Three successful female role models I admire are Oprah, Michelle Obama, and Beyonce. Oprah brought forth topics to the mainstream that others were afraid to talk about. She is fearless, ambitious and a great example of a successful female role model. Michelle Obama is a leader and inspiration. She is an amazing speaker and the epitome of a classy woman. Lastly, Beyhive stand up. I admire Beyonce because she is a feminist, relatable, and promotes independence. She teaches young girls to love themselves and embrace their femininity while also going after what you believe in.
How do you successfully grow from business failure?
Accept that failure happened and move on from it. Even the most successful people have experienced failure at one point. Learn from the failure and use it as a way to make changes that will prevent you from repeating the same mistake in the future.
