We had the good fortune of connecting with Jazma Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jazma, how do you think about risk?
There is no reward without taking risks. Being stagnant in your comfort zone will only delay your full potential. Taking risks is scary, its difficult. It takes faith, courage, and strength to ignore that little voice of doubt in your head. So, my thoughts on risk taking…… DO IT! Ignore the naysayers (haters) and NEVER allow other people to project their fright and insecurities on to you. I am a free spirit so risk taking is natural for me. I’m a pretty random being, if there is something that I want to try and/or do.. I do it. But, I wasn’t always this way. For a long time I would self sabotage my ideas out of fear of failure. It didn’t matter that everyone I met would say, “you know you should look into podcasting.” I was terrified! After a long and painful self healing journey I jumped out the window head first into creating my podcast “The Hood Shrink”. I told myself not to worry about the backlash that may come from me telling my childhood stories and that my story may help someone else. The risk I took could have possibly gotten me disowned, but I no longer care because my purpose for helping others was bigger than any family secret.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of the reactions and comments I receive from my fans. When creating the platform for the Hood Shrink I wanted to reach those individuals that I related to. People who may come from similar backgrounds and can understand the struggles of living with family secrets that were pushed under the rug to never been spoken of again. My goal was to get others to open up and speak on the feelings that they have had bottled up inside for decades because no one would listen or no one cared to listen or no one believed them while encouraging the black community to seek professional mental health help. During this journey, I realized there was a group of individuals who didn’t feel comfortable seeking help from a professional but instead found solace in speaking with me. Gaining the trust of those who do not know me personally to tell their stories was the biggest challenge. I overcame this challenge by being raw, real, listening, never judging, and open to their life stories. I did what most people failed to do. I listened to understand and not to reply. I learned to become a vault. Any information that is said to me in confidence stays with me. I want the world to know, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are selfless people who care about the overall health of our culture. It is my promise that even on your darkest days, The Hood Shrink can/will provide peace, love and light into you.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
We would definitely check out First Friday’s! We would grab a bite to eat at Flavorz Fish and Chicken or Moes ‘Gimme Moe” Kitchen. Before going out to party in Downtown Phoenix, we would check out Rich Dreams Boutique for the most fashionable clothing. Glam Shoe Boutique has you covered on the footwear. We CANNOT hit the town without smell goods from Essence of Life Fragrances. If you’re into poetry, spoken word etc Phoenix Soul is an option with great poets like Kia Moore for example. If you’re looking to open a business and you’re in need of an attorney The Rigsbee Law Firm has you covered. We would definitely hit up The Full Figured and Fabulous Fashion show. There are a lot of hidden gems in the city. Get out and have fun!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people that I could shout out for my success. Most importantly would be the most high. Without prayer and patience I would have never stepped out of my comfort zone. My close friends and a few family members who talked me off of the ledge, who sat down with me for hours listening to my ideas, helping me edit photos, logos, sound bites etc… I love each of them for all that they have done for me!

Instagram: instagram.com/TheHoodShrink
Twitter: TheHoodShrinkPodcast
Facebook: TheHoodShrinkPodcats with Butterfly Brix

Image Credits
Photo cred: Christina Mata

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