Conversations with Jazminn Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazminn Williams.

Hi Jazminn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native who never wanted to leave Pittsburgh. I hopped around to different cities over the past 10 years. I like to mention that because I wouldn’t have learned so much about myself without taking a chance. I am a content creator and blogger who is new to Baltimore. I grew up loving all types of snacks and sweets. Little Debbie Cakes were my go-to! Believe it or not, I ate an entire box in one sitting! After growing up in Pittsburgh and living in Chicago, Fort Myers and more recently, New Orleans, exploring bakeries and donut shops became my solace to take a break from work, school, news cycles and social media feeds. Fast forward to a year or so after living in New Orleans, I knew I had to start an Instagram blog. It was only right to focus on sweets. My guilty pleasure and low key what I was known for.

While living in New Orleans, I slowly engulfed myself in the food and city culture. I learned the value of sharing a meal together and further creating community. In December 2019/January 2020, I put my “what if” thoughts to the side and decided to start a blog and BAM @deauxgirl_ was born. The support was overwhelming! I continuously reflected on my purpose, events happening to Black and Brown folks at the time and the need for joy. Once COVID-19 had all of us quarantining, supporting local Black businesses became more of a priority for me. New Orleans is a place with such rich culture and the city really took a hit. Not to mention it being 60 percent Black. I figured if just one person knew about an establishment, it would help the owner and those who work there tremendously – like a domino effect. While at the same time, I get to do what I love.

I want Baltimore to become that for me too. If you take a look at my Instagram page, you will see a variety of bakeries and donut shops but know amplifying Black and locally-owned businesses on a social platform is my main goal that not only increases exposure but showcases unknown existing talents. Although new to Baltimore, I am hoping to continue what started as a hobby and is now a platform for me to be my authentic self through food and culture.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, I am grateful to be at this place. I’ve gained a following of people who enjoy the content I put out and look forward to my reviews. I must say, I never thought people would rock with me this way! It’s primarily been pretty smooth for me. Between folx reaching out for me to try their products to being recognized at donut shops. There’s a genuine mutual investment! After reaching 300 followers last summer, I figured why not drop some @deauxgirl_ merch. It started with stickers, then keychains and now I have hats too. It’s pretty cool to have people support in that way: buying from a blogger that was just getting started.

I, of course, can’t talk about my smooth road without my family and friends. They tag me in things all the time, repost, comment, share my content and really help me build the @deauxgirl_ brand. I would be nothing without them. Lastly, I have to mention some hiccups. In the world of instant gratification, I sometimes find myself caught up in the numbers or comparing myself to other creatives. This thought doesn’t linger for long and I remind myself that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. After moving to Baltimore these thoughts began to surface a little. Relocating to a new city where I knew almost no one, I felt as if I was starting over. Luckily, that feeling didn’t last 2 minutes! Exploring with my sister and niece has allowed me to put myself out there and enjoy getting content throughout the charmed city.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My profession has predominantly been in higher education. I have a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Higher Education. Before relocating to Baltimore, I worked in Student Affairs at a University where I focused on the development of college students. I truly enjoyed working with my colleagues and students to create transformational collegiate experiences.

Although I am known in my work for educational leadership and curriculum design, I needed a hard reset. Moving to Baltimore opened the door for me to spend more time creating while helping my family. I am proud of many things, BUT leaving a full time job/my field to pursue what will make me happy, is the biggest leap of faith and proudest moment for me. Now I am on a journey to do what is best for me, while getting to know Jazminn the community seeker, supporter and creative.

What matters most to you?
This is a long long list for me. When I narrow it down, the intersection of joy and Blackness matters most to me. As a Black woman, my lens is wide and scope is deep when it pertains to my worldview. There is so much messaging around what it means to be Black in America (US) that constantly needs to be shifted and dissected. Whether it’s in my personal or professional life, I’m met with microaggressions, anti-Blackness and the list goes on for people who look like me. Blogging amplifies my voice.

Because of my blog, I get to find joy through my pallet and exploring, while building community through food and culture. Joy has many meanings and interpretations. For me it is an act of resistance. It’s the cashier knowing my order in a donut shop. It’s folks believing they can do this too. Blackness and joy matter most to me because the narrative needs to be shifted.

Bringing joy and my Blackness to @deauxgirl_ is representation and authenticity my way.

Pricing:

• @deauxgirl_ stickers $5
• @deauxgirl_ dad hats $25
• @deauxgirl_ keychains $5
• @deauxgirl 3×3 magnets FREE

Contact Info:

• Email: info@thedeauxgirl.com
• Website: www.thedeauxgirl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deauxgirl_
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedeauxgirl_

Image Credits
Jazminn Williams
Shanice Williams