Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacinth Jones
Jacinth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
“Either they don’t know, don’t show, or don’t care about what’s going on in the hood.” – Doughboy, “Boyz N the Hood”
Everyone has a story – especially a story worth telling. Doughboy’s last lines with Tre is why COSMiC is a digital voice to the people and places that shape the news, the culture, the music, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the DMV.
After long talks with one of my closest friends about continued happiness, contentment and legacy, we decided I start writing stories of interests. I was already doing so for another outlet, but started COSMiC to maximize control.
My media journey began in 2014 as a producer/anchor for my school’s news broadcast in Jakarta, Indonesia. After a two-year hiatus, I started writing for The Hilltop – Howard University’s student-run newspaper – as a campus staff writer. Following my stint at The Hilltop, my digital work evolved with Howard’s Alternative Spring Break program and other outlets including NBC News, HBCU Buzz and Teen Vogue.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a one-woman-band, COSMiC is limited in many capacities. For the most part, I run every facet of the company. You’re looking at the social media coordinator, website developer, copyeditor, graphic designer, analytics manager, etc. I’m exhausted. I need help. I’ve wanted to quit several times but something about the untapped stories and knowledge I gain from listening to others keeps me motivated.
Unfortunately, I’ve had to pass on several stories as a full-time professional and part-time graduate student. My time to endeavor into and evolve COSMiC is very limited which is why I’m so intentional and deliberate about who I collaborate with and the stories I invest my energy in.
Since May, it’s been a slow start getting COSMiC off the ground. Partly due to the aforementioned but also from lack of exposure. I’m constantly developing new ideas for social media promotion without having to consistently dip into my pockets for every little thing because it adds up. While I have my struggles, I am very grateful for the help I receive from my sister Jada and do not discredit the continuous contributions and support from Zaire, Sydney, Alex, JaJuan, Tia, Laura, Mikael and Kuka.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“she wants the scoop, now she does the news” – Chance the Rapper & Jeremiah, “Are U Live”
So like Moesha? So like Being Mary Jane? So like Khadijah James? From these responses, I guess you’re able to tell what I’m clearly known for. Other than being Jay-Z’s “Hoya chick” or Drake’s “shawty from Houston,” I’m known plainly for my writing and work in the media.
“know yourself, know your worth” – Drake, “0 to 100/The Catch Up”
I’m most proud of my ability to hone in on stories of importance to me with the little time I have. Each story or post is an extension of who I am. From what I create, readers and followers can tap into my values and morals. I’ve remained authentic in my approach to this hobby turned passion project and hope to instill pride and reassurance in others’ passion and purpose. COSMiC is here to serve others. I’m here to uplift the overlooked and undervalued, document accurate narratives of my present and provide a platform for the voices who aren’t the loudest in the room because I was never the loudest.
What matters most to you? Why?
“Being number one does not mean better quality. And commercial success certainly doesn’t equate to being impactful. Cultural currency is invaluable.” – Beyonce, British Vogue
COSMiC is centered around intentionality, impact, integrity and ownership. Let’s break it down.
Intention: Inevitably, as a small business, COSMiC trails behind market leaders. So, I try harder. When you’re not “the baddest in the school or the baddest in the game,” you have to. COSMiC can’t afford to take readers and followers for granted. I don’t have the luxury of creating anything less than which is why I pursue excellence without excuse.
Impact: While the company may not have the largest of followings or the biggest of revenues, I’m here to tell the untold. As a Howard graduate, I am constantly using COSMiC to seek after the embodiment of truth and service. In the long run, COSMiC will be known for its efforts that improve the quality of life for Black individuals and communities. There’s more to life than how to navigate a headline. Ultimately, I aim to be as transformative as Drake’s nearly one million dollar giveaway in “God’s Plan.”
Integrity: With a bachelor’s in journalism, maintaining journalistic integrity in all work was required and is still a trait I reflect in every post, tweet, or share. COSMiC is not here to bash, gossip or clickbait readers or viewers. The brand follows a specific code of ethics issued by the Society of Professional Journalists centered around accuracy, transparency, fairness, independence and accountability.
Ownership: Black culture is a hot commodity – globally. So why not own it? Working for anyone other than yourself limits your creativity, ambition and impact – especially in content creation. When deciding what to name the company, I wanted a synonym for limitless. COSMiC popped up and everything else followed.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@thecosmicmag.com
- Website: https://www.thecosmicmag.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cosmicmag/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosmicmag/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_cosmicmag
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