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

Hi Jasmine K., we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Ohhhhh that’s a juicy question!

I believe risk is so important for 3 reasons.

1) Risk helps you become your best, authentic self.

I believe deep, intense growth happens when we are not within our comfort zone.

For me, some of the best decisions in my life and career happened on the other side of Brave. Taking that scary step within unfamiliar territory gave a fantastic result.

*Choosing a public university over a private college my mother really desired for me to attend ~ I met my lifelong friends that helped me become the woman I am today (and I have a lot less debt from school)

*Choosing to pursue an art degree instead of something more “tangible” in my parent’s view like Marketing or Business ~ I learned how to view the world thru shapes & colors which developed my problem-solving muscle in a unique way. I could analyze a challenge in numerous ways and provide solutions that were overlooked by my colleagues.

*Choosing to pivot from Art/Design to Education after working in a classroom ~ I fell in love with teaching. The thrilling joy in my students’ eyes when they conquered those math problems that had them confused all week long. Seeing their excitement when I made custom activities for them that looked good, wasn’t cheesy and they asked for more work. I’m grateful to blend my passions for Art, Design & Math and help kids boost their confidence in their abilities.

2) Risk helps keep you humble.

That unfamiliarity provides an opportunity to confront insecurities.

For me, when it’s time to take a risk, that is the moment my anxiety, naturally goes into overdrive. My anxiety is so skilled at finding reasons why something will not work out. Alot of the time, those “reasons” are based on my own insecurities that I haven’t sat down to address yet.

Instead of shaming my anxiety, I have learned to work with it over the years. One of the ways is flipping the question “What if it does not work out?” to “What if it DOES work out?” and forcing myself to find reasons it will be successful based off my strengths.

I also like journal or document accomplishments thru out my life to remind myself of the things that I have been blessed to achieve to adequately fight back when anxiety is super tripping out.

I believe it’s okay to be anxious sometimes; anxiety is there to keep me safe. I don’t believe anxiety should rule over my life and risks are a great way to continually self reflect.

3) Risk is a little bit fun.

The thrill of trying something new, even though it’s scary or unfamiliar, builds great memories.

I believe it’s important to live a full life and create tons of memories.

I didn’t like heights for awhile as a kid then I bravely went on some roller coasters. I now love going to amusement parks and riding the roller coasters (Cedarpoint is my favorite amusement park)

I didn’t like the idea of Ballet because I thought it was too boring then took some classes. I now enjoy the discipline of Ballet and how it improved my dance skills in Jazz, Tap, Modern and even Belly Dancing.

Taking risks can be scary. Do it scared anyway <3

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a graphic designer turned math educator, I use color theory and design principles to create resources that help kids get good at Math.

My area of focus is Middle School – 6th, 7th and 8th Grade to support frustrated kids, reduce their anxiety and boost their confidence in their abilities.

I have an online store (www.heyjasminek.com) and a resource membership for middle school teachers with interactive activities, checklists, note templates and more to support fun Math learning.

It has not been easy at all, especially since I did not take the traditional route to education.

I didn’t major in education for my undergraduate degree.

I’ve spent 100s if not 1000s of hours in self-study of learning theories (how we learn, why we learn), working alongside other teachers and educators, substitute teaching and tutoring kids 1:1 and in small groups.

I continue to put the reps in and work on my craft. I’m still giddy about this work, 8 years later after first day into the classroom.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s say the week-long trip goes from Sunday to Sunday.

We’ll be exploring not just Downtown Detroit and expanding to other surrounding areas.

Day 1: Travel Day, main objective getting settled in.

– happy hour at Ronin in Royal Oak, enjoying the Gyoza and sampling that month’s featured menu

Day 2: Museum Day at the DIA

– Breakfast at Toast in Ferndale (The chicken and waffles are my go-to)

– Explore the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) and have lunch in their cafe

– Dinner at Chartreuse

Day 3: Museum Day at the Charles H. Wright African American History Museum

– Explore the museum

– Lunch at Shangri-La (Dim sum menu is my favorite)

– Dinner at Ima on Cass Ave

Day 4: Movies

– Breakfast Dutch Girl Donuts

– Lunch at Inyo Ferndale

– Hitting up Emagine in Royal Oak for a movie

– Dinner at Mesa Tacos and Tequila

Day 5: Skating

– Relaxing & enjoying the leftovers from all the wonderful places (Gotta have a breather in there :p)

– Skating at Northland Roller Rink

Day 6: Shopping

– Breakfast sandwiches from Iggy’s Eggies

– Explore Savage x Fenty, The Aroma Labs & Campus Martius

– Dance the night away at Spot Lite (the food trucks are amazing)

Day 7: Travel Day

– Lunch at Johnny Noodle King

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout-out to my partner, my best friend, the love of my life – “Soup”.

He embodies what he believes and consistently demonstrates that thru his actions. He has seen me evolve in numerous ways over the years and has been so supportive at each transition.

He tells me the absolute truth even when I don’t want to hear it sometimes.

He pays attention to the smallest details and ensures I’m cared for.

He offers so much knowledge and suggestions that help me level up as well.

I’m truly truly grateful our paths crossed and I’m excitedly delighted to be with him <3

Website: https://www.heyjasminek.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyjasminek/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyjasminek

Other: 14 Day Free Trial for resource membership – Your Math Oasis

https://heyjasminekllc.mvsite.app/products/offers/view/1174008

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.