Jasmine Green Is Updating Advertising by Redefining Beauty

Jasmine Green is not just strolling down the catwalk … she’s re-creating it. Inspired by her late mother, Marzetta, Jasmine created the modeling agency—MARZ—based on the principle that “everyone has their own version of beautiful” and to empower women to create their own beauty standards instead of trying to fit into outdated ones. The company features women from all walks of life and provides resources to manage mental health, sexual harassment and eating disorders. Protection of women and transparency are top priorities at MARZ, as is the mission to provide clients and brands with diverse talent to increase representation in advertising. Jasmine is the MARZ brand. As CEO, she makes the major decisions and manages the overall operations, but she is also the bridge in communications between the talent and clients/brands. She is involved in everything from recruiting to conceptualizing creative output. Her persona is imprinted on everything that leaves MARZ doors and goes out into the world. For more background on the creator of the modeling agency disrupting the industry, check out how Jasmine describes her work, her friendly take on how to approach professional relationship-building and the life lessons she’s held close since childhood that have carried her to where she is today. How did you get to where you are today? I started modeling at the age of 12 and around that time I had lost both my parents. I moved from home to home until around the age of 18 years old. My experiences as a freelance model in conjunction with losing my parents at an early age placed a tenacity in me that regardless of the “no’s” you will receive in life, there will always be a “yes” that will get you closer to your heart's desires. I took that and applied that to our business. Everything I have walked, crawled or ran through made me who I am today. I am a strong believer in my faith in God. I believe that if it had not been for the pressing, I would not have been able to walk into my destiny. Tell us about what you are doing now. I am a sister, aunt, daughter, niece, entrepreneur, founder, model agent, beauty influence and diversity and inclusion advocate. I am mostly known for bringing people joy. On a day-to-day basis, I have several roles in MARZ Enterprise. I am also on the board of Hearts and Homes, a non-profit that works to find safe spaces for foster youth, teen mothers and juveniles. This is near and dear to my heart because I know what it feels like to try to find your place in the world. When people ask me what I do, I am learning to say: “I make an impact.” How do you foster strong professional relationships as you grow in your career? By being authentic and leading conversations. Every networking event that I went to was an opportunity to build community and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether it be in finances, science, or the fashion industry, I always introduce myself and spark up a conversation that leads to long-lasting relationships. It is typically informal simply because people talk to people, not computers, so in an age where everything is digital you have to create personability through social media, emails or direct messages. This then allows an honest connection to be created. What’s one way you’ve invested in yourself that’s had the most impact over the course of your career? The time I have spent learning business operations and learning about finances. The organization is one thing, but business operations is another aspect of a successful business. I had the opportunity to connect with a business coach that had helped me lay out my plan, build out my audience and create systems. I came from a family where money was not the topic of discussion and, like many families who lived in poverty, it is a cycle of ignorance that limits our ability to successfully build companies. I had to take the time to intentionally learn about what money means and how it is to be used as a vehicle. These were pivotal aspects that impacted my business the most. How do you view work-life integration, especially now, and what advice can you share with others who may be struggling with it? At the beginning of my business, I worked my 9 to 5 and then 5:30 pm to 3:00 am for two years. I do not recommend it! Those years were the least productive. It was not until I was released from a job that I dedicated organization and strategy into my business and then saw the fruits of my labor. This showed me it was not how much time I put in; it was how intentional I was willing to be that changed the trajectory of my business. We are taught to balance so much as women, that it seems natural to always be on the move and never sleep and that is a lot of pressure. It was not how much time I put in; it was how intentional I was willing to be. My advice is to prioritize joy-filled moments and self-care. We only have one body; we must treat it well. I would also share that how you show up for yourself will eventually show up in your work. Be intentional. Can you recall a situation where you've dealt with typecasting in the workplace? And what advice do you have for other women on how to overcome typecasting at work? As a Black woman in the model industry, I have often seen women chosen because they were from an underrepresented group, especially when it pertained to advertisements. We see this taking place in the modern-day, through advertisements and roles specifically created for a Black woman to fill. This was significantly displayed recently after the George Floyd protest. It is safe to say everyone wants to be chosen but to be selected based on race or gender does nothing but divide us. To overcome typecasting in the workplace I would say, do not be afraid to speak up. Do your research and keep everything in writing when offered an opportunity, promotion, contract, etc. Come back with market research and compare it with what you desire. What’s one tip you can share or something you’ve learned on how to handle salary negotiations or raises? Do not be afraid to ask or negotiate because you are worth it. What is the worst that can happen if you ask good questions? They may say no or ask to get back to you, and you learn to pivot from there. We do not have to take everything offered to us but instead evaluate it and then come back with questions and expectations. Who has helped you in your journey and how did they help shape your career? Every mentorship I have secured was built on fostered relationships: my sisters, my aunt, business coaches and investors. Each of them has poured into me in ways I could not even imagine. They have helped me develop confidence and strategy, showed me what financial success looks like, helped protect my brand and elevate my business model to be set apart. What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? "You don’t become what you want, you become what you believe." This was a quote I have lived by since high school. What it means to me is that I can have all the ideas I want but unless I believe, it is null and void. What does success mean for you? Freedom. We choose what success looks like at different stages. What it looked like when I was a child is not the same today. Success for me [now] is to generously impact people and change their lives through my story and companies. To set up a life that my future children and grandchildren will have much gratitude for—for the paths that were paved before they were born. In business, success to me [is] being able to make an impact through advertisements and campaigns that people will remember years from now. The Impact Behind City Football Group CMO’s Leaps of Faith and Cultural Curiosity

Women Trailblazers

Jasmine Green Is Changing the Face of Advertising by Redefining Beauty Standards

The story behind the CEO and founder of MARZ, the modeling agency prioritizing diversity and mental health

Luz Corona

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Luz Corona