Meet Jazzmine DuBose | Photographer/Videographer/Writer/ & Director

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

Hi Jazzmine, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Well I am a bit of a spiritual being, and I believe with every new level there is a new devil. Just because things seem a bit hard, doesn’t mean to quit. When you know and feel in your heart that you are right where you’re supposed to be, like literally walking in the manifestation of what you prayed, cried and worked so hard for. well then that is your sign to not give up. Always keep going after your dream, no matter what tried to go up against you, whats for you will always be for you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was told as a black women that I couldn’t do several things behind the scenes like work the camera or lighting, but through my time at Grambling State I learned that was just a stereotype and that this black girl can do anything she puts her mind too film, writing, directing, and editing. It’s an even playing field and since my lines sisters call me black girl because my chocolate skin, why not brand it to fit my passion in media and productions, hence the birth of BlackGirl Media & Productions.

I range creatively from writing scripts which I began at 7 years old. First thing I ever wrote was my own version of Romeo and Juliet, my family was so proud that my grandma hung it up on her refrigerator,I which is pretty big for southern grandmas lol. I also have a love for poetry so I began poems at about age 12 or 13, my mom would buy so many journals for me. I also love filming, I honestly fell in love with that craft and started taking it serious in college, even though I was a Theatre major, one day they brought in a film crew and a film director to teach us how to act on camera, and I ended up getting the business card to the one woman I seen on the entire crew, talked for a few weeks, loved her story and fell in love with it. So before then I was mostly taking pictures, directing, acting and even singing.

I try to make sure I keep my hands in all of these so I can stay sharp on every corner, I never know which creative door will open for me first, so I cannot box myself nor let anybody else box me into to doing one thing. However, if I really had to choose, it would be to direct and create amazing films and television shows.

Nothing about my journey has been easy, some business ventures didn’t go through that I was depending on, and some relationships were lost, what was the hardest for me and tugged on me mentally the most was me having to put a really important project on hold because of bad judgement of other creatives that I tried to put on board. Everything has been trial and error, but it has been worth it, I would never trade my story, tears, disappointments nor the lessons learned from them, that was MY journey and God intended for me to go through it, and with a a lot of prayer I ‘m able to overcome everything thrown my way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, growing up being a musician and singers kid I grew a strong love for music, so I love going out to hear live music. So I would take them to either UnluggedlA, Black Friday Music group, they also have amazing shows, HourFest, shoutout to Hour the Band, a dope group of musicians that always put on amazing shows; or we will go so Rome type of festival.

I Love God so we definitely going to church and it will be fun because it aways is.

Favorite spots to eat, whew thats hard because I love food. But since I have to choose lol, brunch at The Coffee Company, lunch or dinner at The District by GS where we can hear live music and an amazing DJ. Perch rooftop looked pretty amazing, I have not been but me and my friends love trying new places. Grab some coffee or Tea from Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen in Inglewood. Definitely taking them to my favorite donut shop on Century and Normandie named Kindle’s Donut(the best in the city). Saddle ranch on sunset is good, and we can ride the mechanical bull.

Hiking in Altadena is a MUST, bike riding in Manhattan Beach, grabbing tacos from American junkie at Hermosa Beach. Shopping at the Citadel Outlet. There are so many things that I can even type it all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother, Penny May who has been nothing short of amazing, every decision I have made she stood by my side and supported me, she is still standing by my side supporting me. She has always let me be me, through and through, no judgements just love. she is my.

My sister Dominique DuBose, we didn’t used to see eye to eye on things, but she trust my creative side with her whole heart and she supports it. When I first got my camera my sister allowed me to practice on her, even when I was down and feeling bad she made me get out my camera and get some shots, it always cheered me up in the end, she doesn’t know how much that has meant to me. She’s become my muse and I’m grateful to her for just being the amazing big sis she has been; She is actually a true talent herself.

Lastly my two amazing, and closest friends. Cheyenne who I call my twin, she’s had my front and back since we were in kindergarten, we have literally grown together. We don’t judge, we’re just us and that’s rare but its beautiful. Then Terri, my partner in praise, my partner in crime, my sister. They have both seen and helped me through my worst, because being a creative in Los Angeles can really mess with you mentally, and it hit me badly.

Even on my darkest days these 4 women never gave up on me. They stood 10 toes down holding me accountable for things but they were always gentle when I needed it most.

Of course I have a great support system beside those 4, my family The May Family is a solid foundation.

BlackGirl Media & Productions, is growing and will continue to grow and thrive because God blessed me with some prayer WARRIORS and not worriers and thats something we all need.

Instagram: blck.girlmedia_

Twitter: jaazzzzminee

Youtube: Jazzmine DuBose

Other: My main instagram is the same as my twitter, the one I put is my business one that I am currently trying to grow.

Image Credits
credits: Jazzmine “BlackGirl” DuBose