We recently connected with Jasmine Renee Madkins and have shared our conversation below.
Jasmine Renee, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes first from my faith. I truly believe that God is always working things out for my good, even when I cannot see it yet. That belief keeps me grounded and hopeful no matter what season I am in.
It also comes from my foundation. My mother, Renee Lee, my father, Eric McCreight, and my family instilled confidence in me from an early age. They introduced me to cheerleading as a little girl, and that sport built so much confidence in me at an early age. Today, I am a cheer coach, and I have the privilege of instilling that same confidence in my own girls that my coaches once poured into me.
That foundation is what fueled me to build Be Courageous, not just as a brand but as a movement that encourages others to walk boldly in their purpose.
My optimism is strengthened by the understanding that every challenge I face is shaping me, every setback is setting me up for something greater, and every win is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and my family’s legacy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the founder of Be Courageous by Jasmine Renee, an apparel and lifestyle brand that has become so much more than clothing. It is a movement of boldness, faith, and purpose. Every piece I create carries a message that speaks life, from “I Am Courageous, Confident & Worthy” to “God is Good All the Time.”
Be Courageous was birthed out of one of the darkest seasons of my life. In 2021, I reached a breaking point where I wanted to give up completely, even to the point of considering suicide. But in that moment, God stepped in. He used this brand to remind me of my courage, my purpose, and the assignment on my life. Be Courageous was not just something I built. It was something that saved me. That is why I push this movement so passionately, because I know what it feels like to desperately need hope and finally find it.
Earlier this year, I lost my job after praying to God for clarity. My prayer was, “Lord, if this job is for me, let it be, but if it is not, allow me to put my two weeks in.” I guess I was moving too slow because instead of me leaving, I was let go. That moment pushed me to go all in with Be Courageous, and that is when Be Courageous, Girl was birthed. From there, the meet ups began, and we launched our private Facebook community as a safe space for women to come together, be encouraged, and build lasting connections.
Today, the most exciting part of my journey is watching Be Courageous grow beyond me. I get to hear from women who share how our apparel or devotionals gave them the confidence to walk differently or the encouragement to keep going. We have launched the Be Courageous, Girl Movement with events, meet ups, and our online community where women pour into one another. We are also creating devotionals and digital resources so the encouragement reaches even further.
My prayer is simple. Whenever someone shops with us or attends an event, I want them to leave with more than clothes or an experience. I want them to leave with courage. I want every woman to be reminded that she is worthy, she is loved, and she can boldly step into who God created her to be.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three things that have been most impactful for me are faith, resilience, and creativity. My faith anchored me when life got dark, especially in 2021. Resilience kept me moving forward through setbacks and slow seasons. And creativity allowed me to turn my story into a brand and movement that inspires others.
For anyone just starting out, I’d say: strengthen your faith and your ‘why,’ because that’s what keeps you steady; don’t be afraid of failure, it’s just part of the process; and lean into your creativity—your unique story is your superpower. Progress takes time, but every step matters.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The greatest influences in my journey have been God, my husband, and my family.
First and foremost, God carried me through my darkest moments. In 2021, when I felt like giving up completely, His presence reminded me that my story wasn’t over. Out of that season of pain and uncertainty, Be Courageous was born—not just as an idea, but as my God-given purpose.
My husband, Marcus, has been my biggest supporter and encourager. He pushes me when I need strength, reminds me of my purpose when I begin to doubt, and covers me with love and faith when I feel empty. He has truly been my partner in every sense of the word.
My family has been my foundation. From my parents instilling confidence in me as a child, to my loved ones consistently cheering me on, their unwavering support has helped me stand tall and continue moving forward.
Together, that combination of God, my husband, and my family has given me the resilience, confidence, and strength to keep going—and to grow Be Courageous into what it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.becourageousgirl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becourageousbyjrenee/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563617885126
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jasmine-rene%25C3%25A9-madkins-389043146/?skipRedirect=true
Image Credits
Sed Askew of Impact Lyfe
