We recently had the chance to connect with Jasmine Gilliam and have shared our conversation below.
Jasmine , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I feel joy every day. The true gift of joy is being able to find the good in every circumstance. When you can find a moment to be grateful for, wether it’s small or large, you always have an awareness for how blessed you are. If you have a challenge of realizing the joy that is already within you and the blessings that are within and around you, then there’s a gift in realizing that God gave you another day you’ve never seen and a new opportunity to learn, grow, be better and to do something different.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jasmine Gilliam, and I’m the founder and creative force behind Blk + Healthy (Black and Healthy), a South Carolina–based wellness brand dedicated to empowering the Black community through holistic health, creativity, and connection.
About Blk + Healthy
Rooted in Upstate South Carolina, Blk + Healthy is more than a wellness brand, it’s a movement grounded in community, culture, and care. The brand partners with and highlights majority Black-owned businesses, organizations, and creatives to strengthen local ecosystems and reimagine what wellness looks like for the Black community.
Blk + Healthy explores all eight dimensions of wellness:physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental;through experiences that inspire connection and collective growth. From vibrant community events to storytelling that centers Black joy and resilience, Blk + Healthy serves as a bridge between wellness and culture, offering a space where authenticity and healing meet.
What Makes Us Unique
What makes Blk + Healthy unique is its dedication to bridging wellness and economic empowerment. By creating platforms that uplift local businesses and build community resources, the brand is redefining wellness as something that is not only personal but also communal and sustainable.
Looking Ahead
As Blk + Healthy continues to grow, my focus remains on expanding its reach, deepening community connections, and nurturing spaces that reflect the fullness of what it means to be Black + Healthy, mind, body, and community.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Simple, Psalms 139 will tell you.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Plenty of times! Being the change you want to see always co-exists with almost giving up. In my moments of lows, I imagine myself laying down on the ground from the blow I took, breathing, processing my emotions and then asking myself… so what are you going to do about it? Knowing that I can’t stay there. I can kick, whine and cry about it but to my core, I know that I must get back up. Every time I get back up, I’m screaming and hyping myself up! You have to be your biggest cheerleader outside of the Lord.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My spiritual relationship is necessary because it’s my compass to how I am to serve and to be who I was created to be. If an opportunity, environment or relationship does not align with my values, I won’t be within it for long. I believe in adding, improving and building with good intention for the outcome to be better. Seeing people grow into better versions of themselves lights my spirit up. It doesn’t matter if it’s simply smiling at someone, complementing someone or showing up to support or serving in various ways. I am given visions to execute and when I’m given the green light to do so, I move.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Transparently, this is the core question of my life. I told God if I were to have it all, meaning my own successful business, my own family with my husband and kids, I have the luxury to do and buy what I want, I’m a philanthropist and community leader; if I were to lose all of it…I want to always know who I am and who’s I am. My peak of the mountain is knowing I was obedient to the calling of my life. There is pure joy and power in doing the hard work to being a better person everyday. I recognize that I will always learn something new, grow in ways I never knew, experience moments I didn’t expect or imagine and through all of that, I always want to show up for me. I believe showing up for me is God’s fulfillment of me sharing my gifts through serving, finding the positive in every circumstance, reminding myself and others that everything is working out for our good. When you can recognize how blessed you are from the most minute entity, your perspective expands in ways that are beyond a name, a role and possessions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blknhealthy.com
- Instagram: blknhealthy
- Facebook: blknhealthy
- Youtube: @blknhealthy
- Other: The blknhealthy podcast is on apple and spotify
Image Credits
ShotBySanny
Kadeem A. Ellis Photography
Moments By Myles
Mylows Customs
Ariel Moore Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
