Rising Stars: Meet Jasmine Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Smith.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
My name is Jasmine Smith. I am a native of Philadelphia. I am the owner of Extraordinary Dreamers LLC, which is the parent company to 2 Early Learning Academies Located in East Germantown and the Nicetown sections of Philadelphia. I currently Hold My Associate’s Degree in Child Developments, Bachelors in Human Services, and my Masters Of Educations Leadership. I also scheduled to begin my Ph.D. of Education this upcoming fall. All this is just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to sharing my story, getting here has come with many obstacles and Hurdles I’ve had to overcome. I’m just honestly Grateful to have been able to push through. 

I have been working in the childcare field for over 14 years. I have been a lead teacher as well 

as an assistant from a director to an owner. I genuinely have a passion for teaching young children and motivating and encouraging Educators. It’s amazing to me watching Children learn and grow. I believe in learning through play 

and developmentally appropriate practices. In my centers, I encourage students 

to learn through experience. That has literally been my life’s model. Going through it to GROW through, so I teach My students and staff the same way. 

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?
Absolutely not! Nothing in life worth having is going to come easy. I think that a lesson life showed me at a very early age. I always understood everything took some effort! On this road, I have been arrested loss Friends, Family members, and jobs! You name it. However, I know for a fact that many of my achievements not have been possible without the struggles that lead up to it! My struggles made me stronger and heavily prepared me for the journey that I am still traveling to this day. 

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?
Outside of Owning Extraordinary Dreamers LLC, I own a Catering Company Jazzies Taste Of Soul that I founded in 2015, solely because I Loved cooking! I am a self-taught chef (Well not really self-taught. Thank you to My grandparents, Mama, and Aunties for all the game in the kitchen). Jazzies specializes in soul food catering based in Philadelphia. We offer catering for Parties, Events, Pop-up shops, etc. If you in Philadelphia you can catch Jazzies at a StockMarket Pop-up, along with Stocked Up Brand and many other creatives. 

In The summer, I am a part of a community Collective PHLJUNETEENTH. We host an annual Peace Rally/Picnic on Juneteenth. The Goal is to bring like-minded creatives from the African American Diaspora in Philadelphia. Sponsors, Volunteers, and Artist all come together to inform and encourage Our People. This cause is something so near and Dear to my heart! This Collaborative is something I am very proud of being a part of. 

I would say there are many things that sets me apart from others! I have no desire to keep up or be like anyone other than myself. I literally fought so hard to love who I am, Love what I see in the mirror. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.extraordinarydreamers.org
• Instagram: extraordinary_Dreamersela