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Meet Jaisha (J.Couture) Smalls of Atlanta

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaisha (J.Couture) Smalls

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2022, I graduated from Bennett College for Women with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies. I had big dreams of working in the media industry. I was excited, motivated, and ready to start my career—but the journey wasn’t what I expected. For months, I applied to job after job, only to be met with rejection. Hundreds of “no’s” later, I hit a low point I had never experienced before. I felt stuck, defeated, and ready to give up.

Then, one day while lying in bed, I started scrolling through TikTok. My ‘For You’ page was filled with people sharing their stories—recent graduates like me, trying to figure out how to break into their fields. Listening to them made me realize something important: I wasn’t alone. Their stories gave me the spark I needed, and an idea started to form.

I wanted to create a space where 20-somethings could talk about life in their twenties—the ups, the downs, and everything in between. I grabbed my laptop, typed out every idea I had, and gave myself something I’d been waiting on from everyone else: a “yes.” That’s how The Twenty ‘Til Podcast™ came to life—a platform for sharing honest stories, solid advice, and relatable reflections that resonate with the journey of your 20s.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing worth building comes without effort and persistence. The journey with The Twenty ‘Til Podcast™ has been anything but smooth. I wear a lot of hats—host, editor, creative director, graphic designer, social media manager—you name it, I do it! Balancing all these roles is challenging, but I’ve learned to pace myself. I remind myself that while I can strive for excellence, not everything has to be perfect.

My biggest hurdle, though, was overcoming fear. At the start, I was excited, but I couldn’t shake the nagging thoughts: Who would want to listen to my podcast? That doubt held me back until I sought help through mental health life coaching. It was a game-changer. I learned tools and strategies to quiet my overthinking and move forward with confidence.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Above all, I am a Multimedia Journalist and Social Media Video Content Creator. Blending my love for storytelling, multimedia, and the latest digital tools – I possess the ability to produce engaging and compelling content for diverse audiences that reflects everyday experiences. I am eager to bring a fresh perspective to journalism, where I can give voice to the community.

During my time at Bennett College for Women, I was the host of the campus radio show called, “BelleAir Radio”, for three consecutive years, which aired on SiriusXM’s HBCU channel. Notable interviews I did during this time were: Suzanne Walsh (19th President of Bennett College), Martha S. Jones, Erica P. Loewe, Chris Paul, and Jayson Tatum.

My proudest moment during college was my first production internship at UNC-TV’s “Black Issues Forum”, where I produced a documentary about the contributions of the women of Bennett College during the 1960s Sit-In Movement in Greensboro, N.C. In light of my work, my documentary was showcased at numerous campus events and I was rewarded the “Ida B. Wells Journalism Award” at Bennett College’s 2019 Recognition Day. After that day, I found my purpose in journalism.

Since 2019, I’ve been doing social media video content creation, where I specialized in capturing video content at live events and creating recap videos for social media. I collaborate with clients to bring their vision to life, ensuring each project aligns with their brand marketing goals. My experience spans a variety of industries, including athletic events, community events, and youth programs.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey was the power of giving myself permission to grow, learn, and take up space – even when doubt tries to hold me back.

Starting The Twenty ‘Til Podcast™ wasn’t about having all the answers or feeling completely ready. Honestly, there were moments when I questioned whether anyone would care about my content or if my voice even mattered. That self-doubt was paralyzing at times.

However, I realized that waiting for perfection or external validation was only keeping me stuck. Progress doesn’t happen when you wait for someone else’s “yes”—it happens when you give yourself permission to move forward. I’ve had to embrace imperfection and trust that growth is a process. Each episode, each creative decision, and even each mistake has been a step toward becoming the host, creator, and storyteller I want to be.

Wearing multiple hats—host, editor, creative director, social media manager—has taught me the importance of balance and pacing myself. I’ve learned that while I can strive for excellence, not everything has to be flawless. Giving myself grace has been a huge part of my journey.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that taking up space is about owning your voice and your story unapologetically. It’s about believing that what you have to say matters, even if you don’t have all the answers yet. That shift—from letting fear guide me to stepping confidently into my purpose—has made all the difference. Every challenge has been a reminder that I’m allowed to learn, evolve, and grow!

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Image Credits
Twenty ‘Til Podcast Photos by FocusTheArtGod.

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