Today we’d like to introduce you to Jakaylee Minor
Hi Jakaylee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Pascagoula, Mississippi. At 17, I achieved a major milestone by earning my Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Business Management & Marketing from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before even graduating with my diploma from Pascagoula High School. This early achievement fueled my passion for business, real estate, and law, setting the foundation for the path I continue to pursue today.
Currently, I am earning my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Marketing at Texas Southern University and will graduate at 19. Throughout my time here, I have been deeply involved in both my university and community, seeking ways to create lasting opportunities for students. One of my most significant accomplishments has been founding and serving as the president of the Real Estate Society of Texas Southern University. Recognizing the lack of real estate-focused opportunities for students, I took the initiative to establish this organization, providing a platform for students to connect, network, and gain professional development. As president, I lead efforts to organize industry events, mentorship programs, and skill-building workshops that prepare members for success in real estate. My goal is to create a legacy that will continue to empower TSU students for years to come.
Professionally, I have taken on many roles that have significantly contributed to my growth and expertise across multiple industries. I earned my Entrepreneurship & Small Business (ESB) Certification, a globally recognized credential that validates my knowledge of business principles, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial mindset. This certification has reinforced my ability to navigate diverse business environments and make strategic decisions in my professional roles.
My career began as a Marketing and Finance Intern for First Federal Savings and Loan Association, where I gained foundational experience in marketing and financial operations. I then transitioned into talent acquisition as a Recruitment Sourcing Specialist for HKA Enterprises – Construction Services, LLC, refining my skills in hiring strategies and workforce development. Expanding my expertise in human resources, I became a Recruiter & HR Assistant for Smarter HR Solutions, LLC, where I played a key role in staffing and organizational development. My passion for real estate led me to a role as a Real Estate Agent Administrative Intern for Compass Real Estate on the Rolls Royce Luxury Living Team, where I was introduced to the high-end property market. Now, as a Real Estate Agent Administrative Intern with Urban Luxe Properties in Houston, I work alongside top professionals in the luxury real estate industry, gaining hands-on experience in high-end property sales, client relations, and negotiation strategies.
Having built a diverse portfolio of experiences at such a young age, I have developed a strong foundation in business, marketing, finance, recruitment, human resources, and real estate. This range of expertise has not only broadened my professional perspective but has also positioned me as a well-rounded and adaptable professional. Each role has played a critical part in shaping my skills, reinforcing my leadership abilities, and preparing me to thrive in competitive industries.
Recently, I was selected for the prestigious 2025 Houston Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Future Leaders Program, an exclusive initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of real estate industry leaders. This highly competitive program provides mentorship, advanced industry training, and networking opportunities with top professionals in property management, commercial real estate, and asset development. Being part of IREM’s Future Leaders Program is not only an honor but also a testament to my dedication to excelling in the real estate field and contributing to its future growth.
In addition to my professional endeavors, I am the owner and founder of Minor Images, where I channel my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit into the art of photography. My passion for photography was sparked by my father, whose talent and expertise deeply influenced my journey. From a young age, I was captivated by the power of visual storytelling, and this passion has only grown stronger over the years. Alongside my photography work, I co-manage a YouTube channel with my identical twin sister, The Minor Twins, where we explore video editing and content creation, continuously honing our skills in digital media. Although we have not uploaded videos recently due to being apart for nearly two years while pursuing our education at different universities, we look forward to resuming our channel soon. My twin sister, Jashaylee Minor, currently attends Howard University in Washington, D.C., while I attend Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. We both aspire to attend law school together in Houston and are excited to reunite and begin sharing new content once again.
My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 14 when I founded my first business, A’Minor Apparel, a fashion brand named in honor of my grandmother, Angela Minor, who has had a profound impact on my life. Co-founded with my twin sister, the brand allowed us to explore our passion for fashion and branding while gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, design, and business management. This early venture taught me the fundamentals of running a business, from marketing strategies to customer engagement, shaping my entrepreneurial mindset. While my focus has since shifted to new endeavors, the lessons learned from A’Minor Apparel continue to influence my approach to business and innovation. Now, with Minor Images, I have embraced a new creative venture that allows me to merge my artistic vision with my business acumen, further expanding my entrepreneurial footprint.
Throughout my journey, I have been honored with numerous awards, including scholarships and recognition that reflect my dedication to excellence. One of the highlights of my achievements was being named a top 5 finalist in the prestigious 2023 Miss HBCU Teen Pageant competition as the 2023 Miss Mississippi HBCU Teen, where I had the honor of representing both my home state of Mississippi and my university, Texas Southern University, an HBCU. I was also honored with the Top Interview Award, a recognition I earned for my ability to effectively communicate my passions and goals during the competition. The Miss HBCU Teen pageant was founded in 2020 with the mission to empower young women, build their confidence, and introduce more students to the opportunities provided by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The pageant provides participants with an opportunity to showcase their leadership, community involvement, academic accomplishments, and personal growth, while also promoting the values of sisterhood, service, and academic excellence. I competed with over 30 incredible young women from across the country, representing different states, all of whom shared a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Competing in this event allowed me to connect with other ambitious and talented women and further strengthened my resolve to always pursue my goals with passion and perseverance. These accolades serve as a testament to my drive and my commitment to leaving a lasting impact in every aspect of my life.
Looking ahead, I am set to graduate in 2025 with my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at the age of 19. Shortly after, I plan to pursue both graduate and law school at 20, with the goal of earning my Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Juris Doctor (JD) degrees. My ultimate ambition is to become an international attorney, specializing in corporate and real estate law, before turning 24. In the long run, I envision establishing a global law firm alongside my identical twin sister, who shares my passion for law and leadership. This vision will allow me to combine my expertise in business, marketing, and real estate with my dedication to law, leadership, and strategic growth. Every challenge I have faced, every role I have taken on, and every milestone I have achieved has been a stepping stone toward this larger goal.
My name is Jakaylee Minor, and this is my story. As an African American woman born and raised in the small town of Pascagoula, Mississippi, I made the bold decision to move to Houston, Texas, alone at the age of 18, not knowing what to expect but determined to create opportunities for myself. Stepping out on faith, I navigated a new city, built my network, and embraced every challenge that came my way. Through hard work and perseverance, I secured my own luxury apartment and car, marking a significant milestone in my journey of independence. I carry the values of resilience, ambition, and innovation with me in everything I do. My journey is about more than just personal success. It is about creating pathways for others, breaking barriers, and leaving a lasting legacy.
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?
While my journey has been filled with incredible opportunities and achievements, it has not been without its challenges. The road to success is rarely smooth, and I have faced my share of obstacles that have tested my resilience, determination, and ability to adapt.
At just 18 years old, I made the life-changing decision to move to Houston alone, stepping into the unknown. I did not know what to expect, but I was determined to create opportunities for myself. Navigating a new city while balancing school, jobs, and personal growth was overwhelming at times. I had to learn how to manage my responsibilities, build a network from scratch, and push myself to stay focused on my long-term goals. Despite the uncertainties, my faith and relentless drive pushed me forward. Through hard work and perseverance, I was able to secure my own luxury apartment and car, marking a significant milestone in my journey toward independence.
Balancing multiple roles has also been one of the greatest challenges. As a full-time student, entrepreneur, and leader, I have had to juggle academic excellence, professional commitments, and personal responsibilities all at once. My jobs, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial ventures required a level of time management and discipline that I had to develop quickly. There were moments when I felt stretched thin, but I refused to let obstacles define me. I remained focused, learned to prioritize effectively, and adapted to the demands of each new opportunity.
Breaking barriers as a young African American woman in competitive industries has been another hurdle. Real estate, business, and law are fields where young women, especially women of color, often have to work twice as hard to prove themselves. Stepping into leadership positions at a young age, I have had to establish credibility, gain respect, and prove that I belong in spaces where I am often one of the few who look like me. Rather than seeing this as a setback, I have embraced it as motivation to inspire and create pathways for others who may face similar challenges.
My entrepreneurial journey has also come with its own set of struggles. At just 14, I launched my first business, A’Minor Apparel, with my twin sister. While the business allowed us to develop essential skills in branding and entrepreneurship, it also came with financial, operational, and marketing challenges that we had to navigate as young entrepreneurs. Although I have since shifted my focus to new ventures, the lessons I learned from this experience continue to shape my approach to business and innovation.
Perhaps one of the most personal challenges I have faced is being apart from my twin sister, Jashaylee. We have always shared the same dreams, ambitions, and drive for success, yet we have spent the past two years at different universities pursuing our individual paths. Adjusting to life without my twin by my side was difficult, but it also allowed me to grow as an individual, strengthen my independence, and develop a deeper appreciation for the journey we are both on. As we prepare to reunite for law school in Houston, I am even more excited for the future we are building together.
Every challenge I have faced has shaped me into the woman I am today. Rather than allowing obstacles to discourage me, I have used them as stepping stones to push forward, learn, and grow. My journey is not just about personal success. It is about proving that anything is possible with faith, determination, and a willingness to overcome adversity. I know that the road ahead will come with new challenges, but I am prepared to face them with the same resilience that has carried me this far.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a young and driven entrepreneur, aspiring attorney, and aspiring real estate professional committed to making a lasting impact in every field I pursue. My work spans multiple industries, including real estate, marketing, finance, business, human resources, and creative media. I specialize in leadership, strategic branding, real estate administration, and entrepreneurship, all while balancing my academic journey at Texas Southern University.
One of my most significant accomplishments is founding and serving as the president of the Real Estate Society of Texas Southern University. Recognizing the lack of real estate-focused opportunities for students, I took the initiative to create an organization that provides networking, mentorship, and professional development. Under my leadership, the organization has grown rapidly, connected students with industry professionals, and created valuable internship opportunities. I am most proud of this accomplishment because it is leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit students for years to come.
Beyond real estate, I have developed a well-rounded professional background through roles in business, marketing, finance, recruitment, human resources, and luxury real estate. I began my career as a marketing and finance intern, then transitioned into talent acquisition as a recruitment sourcing specialist. Expanding my expertise further, I worked as a recruiter and human resources assistant before stepping into the real estate industry as an administrative intern for a luxury real estate team. Now, I continue to gain hands-on experience in the luxury real estate sector as a real estate agent administrative intern.
What sets me apart from others is my relentless ambition, adaptability, and willingness to step outside my comfort zone. I moved to Houston alone at 18, not knowing what to expect, but determined to build my future. Through perseverance, I secured my own luxury apartment and car while juggling multiple internships, jobs, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial ventures. I have never limited myself to just one path, and my ability to excel in different industries at such a young age is a testament to my work ethic and determination.
Additionally, my entrepreneurial mindset has allowed me to create and build businesses from a young age. At just 14, I co-founded A’Minor Apparel, a fashion brand named after my grandmother, which provided me with invaluable experience in branding, business operations, and marketing. While my focus has shifted, I continue to embrace entrepreneurship through my newest venture, Minor Images, where I combine my passion for photography with my business acumen.
Every challenge I have faced has only fueled my determination to succeed. Whether it is through real estate, business, or law, my goal is to inspire others, break barriers, and create opportunities for those who come after me. My journey is just beginning, but I am proud of the foundation I have built and the impact I am making along the way.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating opportunities, building a legacy, and making a lasting impact in everything I do. I believe that success is not just about personal achievements but about how you use your knowledge, skills, and experiences to uplift others.
From a young age, I recognized the importance of hard work, resilience, and the power of taking initiative. Moving to Houston alone at 18, stepping into leadership roles, and navigating multiple industries have reinforced my belief that opportunities are created, not just given. That is why I am passionate about leadership, mentorship, and breaking barriers, especially for young women and people of color who may not always see themselves represented in certain fields.
I want my journey to inspire others to pursue their goals fearlessly, knowing that with faith, determination, and the right mindset, anything is possible. Whether it is through real estate, entrepreneurship, or law, my ultimate goal is to build something greater than myself, something that continues to open doors for others long after I have reached my own milestones.
At the end of the day, what drives me is the desire to leave an impact that extends beyond personal success. I want to create pathways, break barriers, and show that no dream is too big when backed by ambition, strategy, and perseverance.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakayleeminor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakaylee.minor.79/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakayleeminor/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinorTwins
