Meet Jasmine Baxter | Founder & Director of Open House Socials

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

Hi Jasmine, what matters most to you?
Integrity matters the most to me. I have high standards, and I have a lot of rules that I hold myself to keep in line and in step with who I want to be. Holding myself to my standards and hoping to attract other like-minded people who do things similarly is important to making a change in business and making impactful connections. I’ve spent a lot of time doing things the hard way and dwelling on the negative- now I understand that there are lessons in everything, and if you don’t learn the lessons the first time, you’ll have to go through it until you do. It goes back to one of my mantras, “Do it nice or do it twice.” When I make sure I’m looking at things this way, it’s easier to see where there’s room for more self-development, and not get caught up when I’m sent to be someone else’s lesson.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Creating a business was scary because it was something I’d never done before. There was no safety net, no parental backing, no business partners, and no blueprint on how to get where I thought was going. I thought I would figure it out as I went because I had experience running things for other people’s businesses. Now, I don’t think you ever really stop figuring it out, so end goals aren’t something I think about. Focusing on what I can do each day is key for me, so moving honestly and with integrity, always pursuing more information to make better decisions, and trusting my gut- would be the closest thing to a solid plan that I have.

One thing is certain: if it’s up to me, it will get done, and it will get done to the best of my abilities so that I can feel confident signing my name on it. I take that seriously. I do love bringing organization and strategy where there was none. So, I wouldn’t say the start was easy, but I would say I’ve found the footing and confidence through watching my business grow through referrals and people I meet and connect with organically.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fiction Kitchen, without hesitation, would the the place I’d bring my friends if they were visiting from out of town. They are always consistently creative with seasonal produce, and everyone who works there is amazing. There is a great energy- it feels like everyone is happy to be there- that’s rare to find.

Having grown up in the area I’d bring them to NoFo in Five Points because their specials don’t miss and it reminds me of the food I grew up eating- but elevated. It’s cozy without being stuffy, the staff is delightful, and their brunch is top-tier. There was a time when I’d visit here and ask for the special without knowing what it was. I was never disappointed.

Hummingbird off of Whitaker Mill is quickly becoming another spot that my husband and I can’t get enough of. They have proven to be consistent, and we love the casual patio and can’t get enough of their oysters!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give credit to, Nick Baxter! He’s the most thoughtful and creative person I’ve ever met. We have worked several jobs together, and he has consulted and consoled me endless times over the last decade. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career or personal life without his influence, and I’m thankful for it. Outside of helping me, he’s an incredibly talented artist and animator, skateboarder, and neighbor too. This will embarrass him because he is also humble and hesitant to speak about his own accomplishments. I’m lucky to know him and even luckier to have married him.

Website: openhousesocials.com

Instagram: @jasminebxtre

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazzbaxter/

Image Credits
Eloise Lake Photography