Money Talks is an xoNecole series where we talk candidly to real women about how they spend money, their relationship with money, and how they spend it.
Name another 24-year-old who is the owner of multiple businesses, sells products including a 24k gold silverware set, and is preparing to release a new book and apparel line? Don't worry, I'll wait. Though she originally got her start in entrepreneurship during her time at Georgia State University, the Georgia peach wasted zero time getting acquainted with the idea of being her own boss by hosting her own eyelash seminars shortly after graduation in 2016.
With the success of her first course racking up $50,000 in a single day, BiggJazz took her class on the road around the country, garnering tons of fans in the process––currently amassing nearly 400K Instagram followers in the process.
Jazmine Ameerah Cheaves, more popularly known as "Lookin Ameerah" or "BiggJazz" by her social followers, is a viral social media influencer, serial entrepreneur, and young visionary millennial who has successfully generated millions in just a few short years. Her businesses include her cosmetics products, touring lash classes, cookware, and The Glam Trap, her full-service beauty studio located in Atlanta, Georgia. Her book, Entrepreneurship Talk With A Real Ass Boss by BiggJazz gives readers the inside scoop into her hustle mentality and inability to patiently wait for opportunities to come her way.
Courtesy of Jazmine Ameerah Cheaves
Though her studio took a bit of a hit in the spring due to COVID-19, she successfully bounced back by launching her own line of cookware called Lookin Ameerah Cookware, which consists of colorful and uniquely styled cooking products and accessories. As someone who loves to cook, BiggJazz also took it upon herself to write a book titled Lookin A Cookbook with some of her favorite recipes and is releasing her own line of seasonings and sauces. "Investing is extremely important to me. Financially, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Right now, I am exploring investment opportunities that can help me to build wealth," Cheaves shared.
In this installment of "Money Talks", xoNecole spoke with the Atlanta-based millennial beauty mogul and business owner about taking questionable financial risks in college, her love for cooking and benefits of saving and flipping money to sustain revenue.
On her definitions of wealth and success:
"For me, I define wealth as being able to live comfortably, knowing that I don't have to worry about where my next meal is coming from or if I can pay my bills. It is about freedom to do what I want to do and to have others around me happy. In my eyes, I won't be fully wealthy until I am a multi-millionaire. Success equals knowing that nobody can take credit for, or destroy what I've built. Success is being happy, free, financially secure, and healthy in mind, body, and spirit."
On the lowest she’s ever felt when it came to her finances and how she overcame it:
"The lowest I've ever felt financially was during my time in college. I couldn't pay my rent and I didn't know where I was getting my next meal from. I decided I never wanted to live like that again. I got off my ass and hustled. I knew nothing would come to me––I had to go out and get it for myself. I've always been creative, so I put that creativity and vision to use."
"I got off my ass and hustled. I knew nothing would come to me––I had to go out and get it for myself. I've always been creative, so I put that creativity and vision to use."
On whether she’s a spender or a saver:
"I consider myself a saver, even though I do spend a good amount of money. I experienced having to go without, so when I started making money it felt good to watch that bank account fill up. I learned to save money by doing my research about how successful people save."
On her savings goals and what retirement looks like to her:
"My goal is to be a multi-millionaire. Most millionaires have seven revenue streams and I am already halfway there. When I retire, I want to be making money in my sleep so I can just enjoy life and do what I want."
On her budgeting must-haves:
"I like to eat, so we definitely have to put dining out on the budget, and buy quality food because I like to cook... I like to invest in my wardrobe, going to the spa to relax and unwind, and I love to travel. Anything that has to do with beauty and self-care is my priority. I don't cut corners there."
On her intentions behind multiple streams of revenue:
"My streams of revenue are my businesses–The Glam Trap, Lookin' (by Lookin Ameerah), Lookin Ameerah Cookware, and of course my books. My intention behind multiple ways to make money is that I never want to go without ever again. I've grown accustomed to a luxury lifestyle and it takes work to maintain it. In the beginning, I used all of my money from lash seminars, flipped it, and invested in other product lines to create more revenue."
"My intention behind multiple ways to make money is that I never want to go without ever again. I've grown accustomed to a luxury lifestyle and it takes work to maintain it. In the beginning, I used all of my money from lash seminars, flipped it, and invested in other product lines to create more revenue."
On unhealthy money habits and mindsets:
"I make fast money, so the mindset: 'I'll make it back tomorrow,' set me back for some years. I was young and immature about money. Now, I have learned to be more responsible and plan for the future. The change I saw was that my money started to add up and everything made more sense. Before, I would make $10,000 and have only shoes and clothes to show for it. I started to invest more in my business and my brand so that I could get a return on my investment."
On her money mantra:
"My mantra is 'make it make sense,' and, 'no one is going to give you anything, you have to get up and get it yourself.'"
On the craziest thing she’s ever done for money:
"The craziest thing I did was sell my Adderall prescription in college instead of taking them."
On the worst money-related decision she’s ever made:
"The worst decisions were carrying cash and not keeping money in the bank. Also, trusting others with my money. I learned that you have to be involved in every aspect of your business to know what is going on."
On her budget breakdown:
How much do you spend on rent?
"I stay in a luxury condo in Atlanta, so it costs a couple thousand. $2,850."
Eating out/ordering in?
"I like to cook a lot, so if I am not making a meal myself, I eat out and it has to be great food. I spend at least $60."
Gas/car note?
"I drive a 2020 Mercedes AMG and my car note is $860. It uses premium gas, so it costs me about $50 to fill up, so I spend between $100-$150 a week on gas depending on what I have to do and where I need to go during the week."
Personal expenses?
"My personal expenses include daily self-care, such as makeup, hair, shopping and going to the spa. I definitely invest a great deal in myself. That is where most of the money is spent so it can run me at least $2,500."
For more Jazmine, follow her on Instagram!
Featured image courtesy of Jazmine Cheaves.
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From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black- and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago-based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Caviar Dream spread
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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Feature image by Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images