Jasmine Cecilia Jonas is a fast-rising writer, blogger and influencer based in London who is featured in our top micro-influencers in the UK: 10 under 30k female influencers.
As well as dabbling in a few other side hustles including graphic design and digital consultancy, she’s a lover of books and travels. Paving the way in this niche, she’s worked with well-known brands including Barclays, Topshop and Superdrug to name a few.
Eager to find out more about the bold and beautiful entrepreneur, I caught up with Jasmine to ask some questions.
How did you get introduced to the world of books?
So, I have been into Literature my entire life really. I did creative writing at university, and I then went on to do a diploma in journalism. My dad is very much into fiction (even though he is also into design himself). He would always make me read books on art and history, design, and culture but I did love reading growing up.
Do you remember the first book you ever read that made a strong impression on you?
There were many. I would say the first book I ever read that made an impact on me was in my late teens. It was ‘Shadow of The Wind’ By Carlos Zafon. It’s probably one of my all-time favourite books. I’ve read it countless times; I think like every couple of years ‘cos I think it has a completely different meaning every time. It’s one I really couldn’t put down.
I noticed on your blog that you enjoy writing think pieces
Definitely. Yeah.
I especially enjoyed the one where you were talking to your seventeen-year-old self.
Aww, thank you!
What topic would you say you find the urge to come back to again and again?
Err… often about Identity, a lot about self-confidence like paving a way almost. I think a lot of my readers tend to be about the same age bracket (mid-20s to you know, mid-30s, mid-40s) and, I think a lot of us are still trying to uncover our true identities. I think a lot of my writing tends to be about that. I’ve also written about love and relationships, like finding love and marriage and things like that.
How would say your blogging has changed since you started five years ago?
It’s been quite a journey. I think that I have grown a lot within that space and found my own niche within that market. I think when I first started there were the cliché blog posts and content by others at the time that had a lot to do with ‘top 10 lipsticks’, ‘what’s in my bag?’ and generic things like that but I sort of found myself really looking inwards and thought, “what would be useful? What would actually add value?”.
Would you say this is what makes you stand out from other bloggers and influencers?
To be honest, I don’t really know. But I think so. I tend to get a lot of amazing feedback when I am my truest self. I think people really appreciate seeing the more real side of someone. Unfortunately, currently, the online space is heavily filtered in many forms with people trying to show the best versions of themselves but, showing a little bit of vulnerability and you know, like commonality with just everyone, I think is nice and really appreciated. I know that I personally read people’s posts that you know hit a nerve when you can relate to it. I’m just a normal girl and I think it really helps when you create content that other people can relate to. So, yeah, I think that has helped me a lot.
How do you think the blogging industry has changed since you started your blog?
Well, blogging has become less popular which is a real shame because I think a lot of attention is now geared towards platforms like Instagram and other social media, and so I don’t think a lot of people are investing a lot of time in their blogs. The market has changed. I think people are noticing that readers want to get to the core of you. First connecting with your readers and coming away with value is important and I think people are latching on to that.
I found you on Instagram. Which do you think is your best social media platform? And why?
I think they work hand-in-hand for many reasons. I originally started with just a blog. Like I said earlier, I did a diploma in journalism and writing is a huge passion of mine, so this blog is my baby but to promote the blog I went on Instagram five years ago. Because I spend a lot of my time on Instagram and my content there is more consistent and frequent, and you get instant clicks. I feel that I get the most reward there. Although, I still feel most rewarded for writing on my blog and reading comments from people there. It feels more authentic.
Do you remember your first promotion gig? How did you get it and how did it make you feel?
I was gobsmacked! So, when I started, I just sort of threw myself in the deep end, because I think to get anywhere in life, especially our line, you really do have to work hard. Thanks to that work ethic I have gotten quite a lot of collaborations. It started mostly with me getting paid with free gifts but my first paid collaboration I believe many years ago was with Topshop. They had featured me and my blog on their website because I had been posting wearing their clothes so they contacted me and asked if I would like to be featured. At the time I think it was £100 which these days is not a lot of money in the blogging space, but I remember being like, “oh my god! Topshop wanna work with me!” and that they were willing to pay me was manic, and it just started spiralling from there.
Cool. Yay for Topshop!
[We both laugh]
How would you advise anyone who wants to earn a living through blogging and Influencing?
I think literally anyone can do this. I have a friend of mine who just posts normally and has grown just from posting a lot online. You have to be consistent and post frequently, you have to post good content. Other than that, you don’t really need any other special tools as you can shoot from an iPhone these days. As long as you are consistent and engaging with your audience, that’s what’s important. As long as you are also passionate about what you’re posting it’s easier to maintain your platform. It’s so worth it, building a community of people online.
We know you love to travel. How did you cope during the pandemic? Have you been able to catch up on your travels in the last few months?
So, I and my partner really made the most of it. We discovered a lot of the UK which was great because until that point I hadn’t explored much of it and, my god! We have some beautiful things on our doorstep! Even though the pandemic was horrific, that was a silver lining for me.
Where in the UK would you recommend to anyone wanting to explore on a budget?
I think everywhere in the UK caters to every kind of budget. I would say anywhere along the south coast is a good option like Brighton or Bournemouth, the Jurassic coast, or anywhere that has an artist residency I would recommend because I think they have some very good deals.
What can your readers expect from you in the next six months? What are you hoping to accomplish with your blog and brand?
I would concentrate a lot on travel. So you can expect a lot more documenting of my travels and, to be more consistent with my blog you know, thinking about how the last two years have shaped me as a person so, just watch this space.
We will. Thank you so much Jasmine for sharing your time with us. We are looking forward to seeing more of what you do and wish you all the best.
Thank you so much. The pleasure is mine. It was lovely speaking with you.
Interviewed by Cathy Ben-Ameh
Follow Jasmine on Instagram
