Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jalilah Jackman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jalilah with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Wow! My work ethic is truly just naturally in me! Since I was a child, I was always making up games where I could be the leader or teacher. I have always enjoyed just doing things and helping people. I also always enjoyed creating and making all kinds of projects and games. As I grew older, my work ethic developed even more when I started working as at first a babysitter, and then at a daycare after I was finished with my [high school] school day. At that time my work ethic came from wanting to have name brand clothes and shoes for me and my sister- and since my parents couldn’t really afford those things after they paid the mortgage etc., I realized the best way to get those things was to start working. And it worked too! I was able to buy all kinds of name brand clothes for both me and my sister with my after school jobs. After high school, I worked full time and went to school full time. Looking back I have no idea how I did that, but again, I think it was the end goal that kept me fueled. The end goal for working full time and being in school full time was being able to buy textbooks, clothes, lunch etc. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.
Now as a full time employee and a business owner, I view my work ethic slightly different than I did in the past. Work ethic in my life looks like doing the best I can without overexerting myself to the point of burn out, because working full time and running a business can easily lead to that. I’ve burned myself out before and I vowed to never do that again, simply because I realized over working can lead to unhappiness in so many areas of your life. Overworking yourself doesn’t make anything happen any faster than it’s supposed to anyway! At this time in my life, work ethic is about knowing what needs my attention the most and prioritizing that above anything else. How do I know what I should prioritize? It’s simple- I work on tasks that move the needle closer towards my goals. Work ethic is working on things slowly and consistently each day, while still prioritizing my joy, happiness, and simple life pleasures.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My business Kreative University originally started as Jalilah’s Art Studio in 2018. I really started putting my products and services out there in 2020. I started with online art classes for kids and their families and I also sold digital products. The goal at that time was to help families connect, bond and relax through the arts during a time that was so uncertain. Fast forward, I still offer online classes online but I am also working on developing a product of paint by number kits for children ages 4-11 and relaunching digital products. I am super excited to share the process with my audience and help their children have something fresh, exciting and creative to work on in the comfort of their own home.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First I would say, the ability to learn and be teachable is a huge skill that has impacted my journey. Following the advice and strategies of other successful business owners will not only save you time, energy, and heartache, but also money. I truly believe in mentorship- whether it’s a person, a class, or a book on the topic you need support in- being able to learn and follow the advice of people who are where you want to be is a skill. Investing in my professional development has literally never hurt me- only made me better, especially when I implement what I’ve learned.
The second quality that I think is important is the ability to be reflective and let go of what’s not working. When something doesn’t work for my business, I let it go and try something else. When something doesn’t work for my audience I let it go and provide more of what they do like. The only tricky thing with letting things go that aren’t working, is that you have to give certain things time to see if it truly doesn’t work and this is where I’ve had to learn to use discernment, data and research to inform these decisions.
Finally, I would say releasing the need to PERFECT. Nothing or no business is perfect nor makes perfect decisions all the time. I’ve made so many mistakes within my business it’s not even funny! But I just pick up and keep going. And I advise anyone who suffers from the need to be perfect to be gentle with themselves and talk to yourself the way you would want someone to speak to you. We are our own worst enemies sometimes and that needs to stop.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
First things first, I allow myself to acknowledge that I feel overwhelmed. Pretending or ignoring the feeling isn’t wise because it either makes you explode in the long run or you’ll become out of touch with your feelings. Once I’ve acknowledged that I’m feeling overwhelmed, I do a few things. First I check my planner (I use it daily) and shorten my to-do list for the day. Sometimes, I’ll even just break up the to-do list over the course of a few days. This is actually something I learned from my mom. Then I just sit down. I sit down, I relax, and do something that brings me joy. Sometimes, it’s watching a show, sometimes it’s taking a nap. I am the queen of naps! Other times, I’ll talk with my sister about how I’m feeling or I’ll go take a walk outside with my dog- I love taking long walks with him. Other things that I do when I’m feeling overwhelmed are create art, journal, go get my nails done, or read (I love romance novels the most). These are all things that bring me back to a happy place. So in short, I would say, know what makes you happy and/or relaxes you and take time to do those things when you’re feeling like life is just too much.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kreativeuniversity.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreativeuniversity___/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kreativeuniversity
