Meet Jamé Jackson | On-Camera Personality & Founder of TheBlondeMisfit

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamé Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamé, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Like probably most entrepreneurs, the word “balance” did not exist in my vocabulary for the longest time. More times than I’d like to admit, I worked myself into the ground chasing various success metrics I needed for myself and my business. Today, I actually have a bit more balance in my life because of a few things.

First, I made the intentional decision a few years ago (due to the pandemic) to only pursue projects that heavily aligned with my goals and work. So often, you’ll want to say yes to everything because you’re afraid it’s the one time you’ll say “no” that your life will change. Incorporating balance for me meant understanding that not every project is worth pursuing, and that’s okay.

Secondly, I delegate. You don’t need a million people on your team to make a difference, but even one or two people to disseminate responsibilities to give you back time and freedom. I will say that I completely understand the privilege I have to say that, but it wasn’t easy. The first five years of my business made no money and I footed every bill through my 9-5 pay. Finding balance is a very personal journey and you just have to find what’s worth it for you. I stay off social media more than necessary, I put my phone away while out at dinner, and I block off weekends to spend with my dogs or go out and explore.

Today, I see balance as a conscious daily choice. Some days, you’ll feel balanced and in alignment. Other days, you may feel like you’re still figuring it all out. I don’t beat myself up on those days. I just try to make sure I’m having more balanced days than non-balanced days.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Whew, where do I even begin? For the majority of my life, I always saw my differences as a negative. I didn’t have the easiest time growing up for a variety of reasons. I was an auto immuno-compromised kid who was seen as a book worm and thespian. I was bullied a lot in middle school and high school, and it greatly impacted how I saw myself and my worth in the world. Years later, I channeled all those things that made me different and identified myself as “misfit”. It was the basis for what became my brand, TheBlondeMisfit, in an effort to show others that their uniqueness is found in their differences. I was on a mission to show others that they can be and do anything in this world if they simply believed they could, long before I even believed it for myself.

I’ve been a business owner for a number of years and have only grown in confidence and community. What I’m most proud of is that I never gave up, despite the roadblocks and obstacles that made it feel easier to do so. I’m also proud that, although there were more no’s than yes’s, I always stood by my morals to climb up the ladder and find my own space in this industry. So often people want you to mold and conform to what they want you to be — but you were made to stand out and be different. I’m only excited for the future. Even when you don’t know what it holds, I know it’s going to only be more experiences to grow and learn from.

Now, was it easy? Ha! I won’t lie – I never wanted my journey to be easy but I sure would have appreciated had it been a little less rough. Situations like people not extending a hand, opportunities falling through, not growing or scaling, not having industry friends to help, all made my journey feel significantly slower than what I wanted. But it’s funny because although my journey may have appeared delayed, I’ve still achieved so much more than many others have. And that’s not a flex, it’s a genuine observation of the power of knowing what’s for you will be for you. To overcome those challenges, I had to remind myself every day what was I doing it for. I had to remind myself that I was worthy even if I didn’t make a top list or get the accolade or faced issues of gatekeeping. I’ve learned that so much of your self-worth starts with how you see yourself and you have to take the rest of the stuff off the table to understand that. Release and let go of others’ expectations of you and walk in what you know you are supposed to do. It won’t always be easy, but you’ll arrive at your destination proud of the journey you’ve been on.

When people see me or my brand, I want them to know there’s never been a handout. I’ve worked for everything you see (and don’t see). I also want people to know that the only thing on the other side of their dream life is fear. Once you get over that fear, you can make your dreams come true. Lastly, I am nothing without God and my community. I always give honor where it is due because I know a lot of people would not have stuck it out as long. But it takes a village to raise a child, and I am the sum parts of a lot of prayers from others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, you’re talking to a true foodie here so I am excited! New York City in the summertime is unparalleled, in heat and in vibes. I love to eat, so I’m definitely taking them to get tacos in Harlem. And not at the fancy restaurants, either. You have to go to the mom-and-pop smaller restaurants. Funny enough, there’s a place I’ve gone for years. I still don’t even know the name of it, I just know how to get to it. While we’re in Harlem, I’m also going to take them on a minibar crawl to a few of my favorite Harlem Black-owned restaurants and bars. It’s always good vibes and usually a big screen around.

I also LOVE Chinese food, so of course, I’m taking them to Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown. I also go to a body massage place around the corner and have sworn by them for years. Let’s go sit in a chair and get a 10 PM reflexology massage.

Next, I’m bringing them back to my area, Brooklyn. Brooklyn is a treasure trove for any creative, so honestly, we’d start with a random party or rave-up in Williamsburg and head down to Crown Heights or downtown to hit up more delicious eateries along the way. I also love the arts scene, so maybe we would chat an exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum or even take a stroll through the Botanical Garden to see the flowers.

Now you can’t come to Brooklyn without eating some delicious Caribbean food. We’ll hop in an Uber and head down to Flatbush to whine, party and eat all the oxtail and rasta pasta our bellies can allow.

And don’t worry, if you think your face may break out from all the food. My favorite spa, Cynergy Spa, is right in Brooklyn and will get your skin looking right.

As you can see, my love language centers a lot around food and smaller vibes, so just be prepared to eat when you’re with me!

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?
My greatest shoutout has to go to my mom. She is my biggest cheerleader and encourager; but more importantly, she is my prayer partner. Even when there were days I could not pray for myself, she always prayed for and with me. To some, that doesn’t mean a lot. However, I understand that it means everything to have someone who will cover you spiritually as you walk through this journey in life.

My mom has also stood by my side every step of my entrepreneurship journey. When I wanted to give up and move back home because I felt it wasn’t working out, she encouraged me to keep going and even stepped in financially at times to help me figure things out.

In life, we all need someone who believes in us. My journey has been anything but linear or easy — I owe her everything in my journey and I am just happy she’s along for the ride.

Website: www.jamejackson.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theblondemisfit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamejackson/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/theblondemisfit

Other: Also can check out TheBlondeMisfit content at www.theblondemisfit.com and my podcast at www.anchor.fm/theblondemisfit

Image Credits
Credits: Marta Skovro, Nneka Peters, Dadouchic, and Thomas Kirk