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

Hi Jordyn, is there something you believe many others might not?
One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is, ‘You can’t do it all.’ I’ve been told that by many mentors, learned it in school, read it in books. And I agree with it to a degree — No matter how many things you have going on, you must be focused with a clear end goal in sight. However, I believe sometimes you need to find your passion and that takes time and trying new things. Your passion may even start out as a side hustle, and that’s okay! Main gigs fund dreams. The goal is to grow into your side hustle until your side hustle can become your main thing. I do a couple things right now. I work full time in strategy for a nonprofit. I work full time as an artist manager. One keeps me creative. The other keeps me structured. I learn a lot from both things that can crossover to the other. And most importantly, it keeps me on my toes. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know where it will lead.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Both a Creative/Professional. I am most proud of the fact that I’ve become something I never even imagined. I started off as a pre-med major in college at Notre Dame. I was getting a C in Calculus and had gotten As my entire life. My dean told me ‘Maybe you’re not cut out to be a doctor.’ She was wrong, I could’ve been anything I wanted but it was the best advice I’ve ever gotten. That one conversation, while upsetting at the time, forced me to open up my mind to different career possibilities. I switched my pathway to creative marketing and landed jobs I never imagined— working at TLC, for Usher, and now having my own entertainment company. I’ve written songs, designed clothing lines. I’ve done so many things all because one person told me I couldn’t do one thing. You’re going to hear no a lot and that means that door wasn’t meant for you. There will be other doors though, don’t worry! That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned. Stay open minded and go with the flow. Everything will work out that’s meant for you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start off by grabbing a light breakfast to-go from Earth on Sunset in South Miami. Then we’d head to kayak to my favorite island in Key Biscayne. After showers and naps, we’d get dressed for a chill evening at Lagniappe in Wynwood. Catching up over conversation and wine and cheese. Then we’d stroll around and check out some murals at Wynwood walls. Next day, we’d kick off the day with a trip to the PAMM. Then rent bikes or scooters and ride around the city. Maybe we’d end up back in Wynwood? We’d grab dumplings and bubble tea at 1-800-Lucky and stay longer than we planned because the DJ was just too good. Then we’d slide to Coyo only to accidentally run into a bunch of my friends. The night would end on my rooftop overlooking the city. Next day, we’d have to explore the OG good time vibe, South Beach. We’d rent a cabana off Ocean dr. and walk up to order ‘call a cabs’ from Wet Willies. Chill at the water and then walk around to buy clothes we don’t really need at those discount fashion stores. We’d stop for Pizza Rustica and take a Nutella Pizza to go. Last day of the weekend we’d grab brunch at the Standard and sit by the water talking about how amazing the trip had been.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to Usher’s New Look, an incredible organization and my very first job who believed in me, let me express my creativity with no limits, and grow into my leadership.

Website: www.culporate.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jordynelle
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jordynellesmith
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jordynelle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jordynelle