Meet Jasmin Goodman, professor and founder of an online TV network!

What is it that you do for a living? Describe in full detail. What are your day-to-day tasks? 

I am a professor of Video Production at the Art Institute of Atlanta. I am also the Founder and President of Project Blaq, an online TV network that features high-quality black web series, documentaries and short films.

My schedule changes every. single. day. I typically teach early- to mid-mornings…followed by whatever God brings my way. I get to work early to prep for class before heading in to a two- to four-hour lecture. Most days I’m interrupted by former students dropping by to say hello, ask questions, vent about life and (sometimes) keep my current students in check (which I appreciate!)

For Project Blaq, most of my time is spent surfing the web looking for new film content. We are such a creative people and I love discovering new content.

Describe the absolute coolest part of your workday. 

Best part of my workday would have to be interacting with my students–some of the brightest and most creative minds I’ve ever met! I also enjoy a very flexible schedule. On a good day,  I may teach for a couple hours in the morning, meet my line sisters for lunch and then head to a few meetings for Project Blaq….only to meet my friends for drinks!

Was this always what you wanted to do? Did you pursue this sort of work while in school? How did you become what you are today?

I always wanted to teach, but I definitely did not imagine teaching so soon! I am close to my students in age, which makes for a very fun learning experience. I was a TA in graduate school and taught workshops in undergrad–so I was very accustomed to the classroom. I always pictured retiring into teaching, but quite the opposite has happened!

In regards to Project Blaq, I’ve always wanted to own a TV network, but saw the online space as a more viable option. I started in video production, moved to TV programming (working with TV show schedules ) and now I’ve managed to combine the two. Balancing two hustles can be tough, but  also exhilarating because I know I have an opportunity to do what very few people can–pursue my passion with full force (and still pay the bills).

Oprah once said that at her core, she is a teacher. What do you consider yourself to be at your core?

Although I teach, I would definitely say I’m a motivator at core. Teaching is an avenue that allows me to share my knowledge, but also motivate my students to pursue their passion in life. Motivating and inspiring others is at the very core of not only my business ventures, but my personal relationships as well.

What are some initial reactions when people find out what you do? What do they say? What are their expressions?

No one believes me! I typically say I’m a teacher (because some professors are soooo pretentious!) and people assume I’m a grade school teacher. Trust me, if you ever meet me, nothing about me screams grade school! I think it’s interesting for people to see a twenty-something little black girl with glasses, articulate, and educated…teaching college.

Sadly, some people still don’t know what I do outside of teaching. They know I own a company but there’s always the: “So, what is that you do?? I just know you’re always busy!”

Any advice to someone considered in going into your line of work? 

Teaching can be a very rewarding (cue the violins) experience! Young educators are needed in the classroom to continue to connect with students and show them what’s truly possible within higher education. Have fun, but take it seriously.

About starting a business? Ha! How much space do I have? Starting a business has been the most amazing, exhausting and tumultuous time of my life. A true test of faith. I do believe that any and every idea is a divine inspiration–so who are you to NOT act upon it? Also, if being an entrepreneur is truly what you want, you must be willing to sacrifice in every aspect of your life. Financial, social and spiritual. I literally moved into less than impressive housing to put more money towards my dreams. In the early stages of development for my company, I was MIA from the world. If you found me, I was on the couch, wrapped in a blanket with my MacBook Pro in my lap. Lastly, but most importantly, starting a business requires a spiritual sacrifice. The faith it takes to build your venture and the strength needed to “see it through” will require you to submit your entire plan to God and yield to His leading. It is the only way.

Check out Project Blaq online here! Got a Got a cool job? Want to share it with our readers? Email us: [email protected]