An Inspired Chat with JAZMIA BATTLE

JAZMIA BATTLE shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning JAZMIA, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that is bringing me joy right now are the musicals and plays I’ve been seeing when I volunteer at the theatre. Also, the books I’ve been reading have been bringing me joy. I’m currently exploring James Baldwin’s ” Just Above My Head” and I’m loving it!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a model,dancer,actress, and writer in the Atlanta area. I got my start in the entertainment industry after graduating from North Atlanta High School with a degree in Performing Arts and a concentration in Dance. Upon graduating I would go on to perform in Debbie Allen’s Brothers of the Knight, the musical It’s Dance time at Disneyland Resort Paris, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre rendition of Langston Hughes ‘ Black Nativity, Cheesecake Boiz and The Diva, Joseph Jones Funeral Home Where Anything Can Go Wrong as Kendall Michelle, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive, and Dames Aflame Burlesque Troupe as Josephine Baker and Lil Miss Egypt. My film credits include Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls, Big Momma’s House 3 as Diva #1 alongside Martin Lawrence, and A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song. My modeling resume includes a Coca Cola Print ad, Eurotard Dance Catalog, BET Hip Hop awards red carpet model, and Gay Girls Rock Runway Fashion Show. I am probably most known for dancing for Beyonce on Oprah’s Surprise Spectacular and The Billboard Awards where Beyonce was honored as Woman of the Millennium. I have an Associate of Arts degree in Journalism from Georgia State University Perimeter College where I made the Fall 2020 Dean’s List, and a women’s empowerment blog called moodsofaphrodite blogspot.com. My wealth of experiences across multiple artistic genres is what sets me apart.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful is when I won the Ben Carson Spring Cotillion in 1998 when I was in the second grade. It was my first time in a serious competition and we had to engage in multiple activities for the title of the Queen and the benefits that came with winning the Cotillion. I won the Cotillion and I remember feeling powerful because I showed myself that I can partake in healthy competition.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the most defining wounds of my life is grappling with the pain that stems from growing up in a single parent home environment. My father was not present for most of my life and that has created deep pain for me. I have healed those wounds by taking responsibility for my life. I believe that our parents were just people with their own pain and dreams before they were assigned the responsibility of being our parents. By seeing them as human beings first and taking responsibility and accountability for how we want our lives to be, can we then heal those deep wounds .

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the artistic integrity of technically trained African American dancers. Being black and being technically trained is a testimony to the artistic integrity and visibility that our ancestors fought for in the Arts. Being black and being technically trained is an artistic miracle that deserves to have more visibility and credibility in the Art world. Companies like Alvin Ailey, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Complexions Contemporary Ballet are some of the cultural values I protect at all costs.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I make offerings to my ancestors, Osun, and Obatala on Sunday, and after taking an Osun Bath. I also feel most peaceful after doing a yoga and meditation session, going swimming, or gardening.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Moodsofaphrodite.blogspot.com
• Instagram: JazmiaElan
• Linkedin: Jazmia Battle
• Twitter: Mermaidyemi3000
• Facebook: Jazmia Elàn Battle
• Youtube: JazmiaBattle

Image Credits
Spencer Charles Photography, Cece Tor, Joshua Brown Photography