A note from Wendy Zook, Rising Tide Executive Director:
We believe very strongly that the backbone of the Rising Tide Society are our volunteer chapter leaders – the ones who provide feedback on what members need and want from a community; the ones that dedicate time and energy to nurturing small business owners in their areas. We’re so excited to begin a Leader Spotlight Series for the RTS blog. In each one, you’ll get to “meet” one of our incredible chapter leaders and learn more about them, what makes RTS so special to them and about the work they’re doing in their chapters. I’m so excited for you to get to know them!
Meet Jasmine Newton, Rising Tide Knoxville Leader and Chapter Support Coordinator for new Rising Tide Society leaders
Question (Q): So, Jasmine, tell us who you are, who you REALLY are! (This is a great place to share where you’re from, where you live, what you do. You can also share about your family, hobbies, etc, here.
Jasmine (J): I am portrait photographer, speaker, mentor, and community leader.
I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and I always had a passion for photography, but initially pursued a career in customer service doing various roles. However, in June 2015, I decided to follow my true passion full-time and launched Javon Renee Portraits in Knoxville, TN.
As a portrait photographer, I am dedicated to helping my clients discover their worth and bring out their unique personalities and confidence. I excel at capturing the essence of my subjects, creating portraits that are both timeless and authentic.
In June 2024, I expanded my impact by launching TheJasmineNewton.com . Through this platform, I share my journey and insights on creating a life of balance, boundaries, and authenticity. TheJasmineNewton.com offers practical advice on work-life balance, effective boundary setting, and embracing authenticity, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and individuals seeking personal and professional growth.
I am deeply committed to my community and to giving back. I serve as the Knoxville Chapter Leader and Chapter Support Coordinator for the Rising Tide Society, an international community of small business entrepreneurs who believe in the power of community over competition.
I also served two terms on the Mayor’s Maker Council and chaired the 2022 & 2023 Maker City Summit, an annual conference that brings together makers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to share ideas, collaborate, and grow.
Additionally, I serve on the Pellissippi State Photography Advisory Board and the board for The Women of Knoxville, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting small businesses with the financial resources they need to excel. I am also a proud Goldman Sachs OMBW: Black in Business alumna.
With my talent, passion, and dedication, I believe that I am a highly-respected entrepreneur, mentor, and a valuable member of my community. I continue to inspire and uplift those around me, helping others to discover their own worth and potential.
Q: What’s the best part of being a small business owner?
J: The best part of being a small business owner is the freedom to shape my business in a way that aligns with my values and passions. I love the ability to make an impact on my clients’ lives, helping them see their own beauty and strength through my lens. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch my business grow as I grow, and to know that I’m building something that reflects who I am.
Q: What’s the hardest part of being a small business owner?
J: The hardest part is definitely the constant balancing act. Juggling the demands of running a business while maintaining a personal life and staying true to my core values can be challenging. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of myself so that I can continue to give my best to my clients and my community.
Q: When and how did you first hear about the Rising Tide Society?
J: I first heard about the Rising Tide Society in 2015 through a fellow creative entrepreneur. I was instantly drawn to the community’s mission of “community over competition,” and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. It’s rare to find a space where creatives are so open to sharing knowledge and lifting each other up, and I knew I had found my people.
Q: What does Rising Tide Society mean to you, personally?
J: Rising Tide Society means everything to me. It’s a community that embodies the values I believe in—authenticity, support, and collaboration. It’s a place where I can connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who understand the ups and downs of running a creative business. RTS has provided me with invaluable resources, friendships, and the encouragement to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.
Q: How long have you been in a leadership / key player role with Rising Tide Society? What areas do you support behind the scenes? (list anything and everything over the years!)
J: I’ve been in a leadership role with Rising Tide Society since 2019 when I became the Knoxville Chapter Leader. I also serve as a Chapter Support Coordinator, providing support and guidance to other chapter leaders across the United States.
Over the years, I’ve assisted with moderating the Rising Tide group on Facebook, been on various committees, helped organize local meetups, facilitated workshops, and contributed to the RTS blog, all with the goal of fostering a strong, supportive community for creatives.
Q: Why does that role(s) bring you joy? What’s the best part of supporting RTS’s team?
J: Supporting the RTS team brings me joy because I get to be a part of something bigger than myself. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact that RTS has on the lives of so many creative entrepreneurs. The best part of my role is watching others grow, both personally and professionally, through the connections and resources they gain from the community. Knowing that I’m helping to create a space where people feel valued and supported is what keeps me going.
Q: Shout-out your support! Is there someone in our Rising Tide community who has made an impact in your world, personally or in business? Give them a shout-out here! (Please include full name, business name + business link)
J: Erika Biddix, Aught Community.
Q: Tell us about your business a little bit more – we want to know the business ownership side of YOU. (IE: when did you start your business, how has your business changed, who is your ideal client, what are your offerings?)
J: I started Javon Renee Portraits in 2015 after getting fired from my 9-5 and deciding to pursue my true passion for photography full-time. My business has evolved into running a full-service luxury portrait studio. My ideal clients are women entrepreneurs, who want to capture their authentic essence through personal branding and legacy portraits. I offer a transformative portrait experience that includes professional styling, a design consultation, and heirloom-quality photography products. Recently, I’ve expanded my brand to include TheJasmineNewton.com, where I focus on sharing my journey and helping others create a life of balance, boundaries, and authenticity.
Q: What’s the best part of what you do?
J: The best part of what I do is the moment when my clients see their portraits for the first time and realize just how beautiful and powerful they are. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to show someone a side of themselves that they may not have seen before. I also love the creative process of designing a photoshoot that truly reflects who my clients are, and I enjoy the connections I make along the way.
Q: What’s been your proudest moment as a small business owner?
J: My proudest moment as a small business owner was when I opened my first studio space. It was a huge milestone that represented years of hard work, perseverance, and growth. It was a dream come true to have a space that I could call my own, where I could fully realize my vision for my business and provide an even better experience for my clients.
Q: How can people find and follow you? (Share any links here)
J: Websites: thejasminenewton.com and javonreneeportraits.com.
Socials: @Javonreneeportraits or @the.jasminenewton
