We recently connected with Jazmine Keith and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jazmine, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
While studying during a particular semester of business management courses at the University of St Thomas I began drawing ideas in a notebook for a brand that I would begin creating. Through drawings, words maps and countless messy pages of ideas I landed on Northcast and a rough draft for what is now the logo. Losing my grandma just a few years prior was really hard on me; she was my biggest fan and was such a fun-loving and creative spirit that was at peace when she was outdoors.
Northcast came as a calling to create a brand that would not only inspire others to be creative and be themselves, but would also support youth organizations that encourage and help kids to get outdoors and learn how to fish or camp.
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?
Before Northcast I had many interesting jobs – working in private aviation; hosting the executive lounge in an upscale hotel; selling Cadillac; selling commercial trucks; working in bars/restaurants; interior design and merchandising for a furniture showfloor… to name a few.
Now I have become full-time Northcast, which has been an absolute blessing. For years I have known that the only way to grow the business and take the next steps in pursuing my mission would be to go all in.
The best part about being my own boss now is setting my schedule and making time for creativity, self care and family time whenever I need it. One of my happy places is when I’m in my office making jewelry – I could stay up all night doing it.
To make ends meet, I’m also a brand ambassador for Modern Talent, a local agency that offers promotional staffing to the beverage industry and other companies looking for event help.
I am doing 2-3 farmers markets each week and always looking for art shows/fairs that I could be a part of as well. It’s so much fun to set up the Northcast display and make it just right with all of the gifts I have to offer.
My focus lately has been to get our dry rub seasoning and fish fry batter licensed so that we can enter retail stores. It’s time to choose a commercial kitchen, get inspected and start producing!
Another thing coming up as the seasons change is there will be a lot of new jewelry and maybe some art/decor pieces too. Autumn and winter will bring about lots of leather in the shop – so be sure to check it out often as things get added each week!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Confidence – in myself, my ideas and my ability to achieve what I set out to. It really has helped to have a core belief in myself and know that no matter what, I am giving this my heart and time.
Resourcefulness – It pays to be smart with money and know how to make things work using what you have. I’ve found it very valuable to be resourceful with my materials and display items, saving money and energy – working smarter not harder.
Networking – It’s always been about who you know. Something that I find extremely important is the ability to leverage your network, acknowledge people; and shake hands. There is confidence in all of that too.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’d love to collaborate with other local companies that share a similar mission of getting kids outside more and helping them pursue outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hiking, hunting etc. It would be great to host community events together and raise money for a cause of this nature.
Something along the lines of golf tournament, fishing contest, art building contest or anything – I’m open to all ideas!
If you’re interested in partnering up, please email admin@northcastmn.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.northcastmn.com
- Instagram: @northcastmn
- Facebook: @northcastmn
- Linkedin: @northcastmn
- Youtube: @northcastmn
