Short Profile and Interview with Jasmin Brückner
Participant in the "EXIST-Women" program
| Program: | M.A. Biographical and Creative Writing |
| Business Idea: | Spoken word artist, copywriter, and workshop leader for biographical and creative writing |
| Target Group: | Adolescents, adults – anyone with a potential interest in writing |
| Year of Establishment: | 2022 |
| Form of Business: | Sole proprietorship (Freelance) |
| Industry: | Cultural and Creative Industries |
| Contact: | info@jasminbrueckner.de |
| Website: | www.jasminbrueckner.de |
| Instagram: | @jasmin.brueckner |
What do you hope to gain from participating in the EXIST-Women program?
I like the idea of being in a similar process with other women and exchanging experiences. In a startup, no one can show you all the steps, and much of it is learning by doing – which makes it all the better to be able to share all questions and challenges with others and to support each other.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of the EXIST-Women program?
I want to have made a solid start in my self-employment and be standing, even if on shaky legs, on my own. This includes expanding my online presence, generating new orders, and fully entering the world of self-employment. Additionally, I hope to learn new things, especially in areas where I may currently have blind spots.
How did the project or (Social) business idea come about?
My business developed quite naturally: In 2017, I performed at a poetry slam for the first time, and then more requests started coming in – first for performances, then for workshops. I started my master’s degree on the side to further professionalize myself, particularly in conducting workshops. Eventually, the requests became so frequent that I was able to register as self-employed.
What motivates you to start something of your own? What appeals to you about self-employment?
I am attracted by the freedom to decide for myself about work hours and projects. I also notice that my intrinsic motivation is much greater when I can make decisions about my own work.
Where do you see the biggest challenges for yourself and your venture?
Since COVID, it has become clear: these are tough times for the arts and culture. This makes it generally difficult to find potential clients in this field. Additionally, many people are unfamiliar with the term "Spoken Word" or may not immediately see how it relates to their own work. Therefore, finding clients will likely remain a challenge. It is also difficult for me to deal with uncertainty – you never know when and in which months you will have enough orders and when you won’t.
Do you have a role model? Who inspires you?
I find other creatives who have taken similar steps very inspiring. For me, these are especially people who have courageously found their own path. On my journey, Jessy James LaFleur has been a great role model, for example.
What advice would you give to ASH students for starting a business or implementing a project?
Go for it – starting a business always sounds big and difficult, and yes, sometimes it is. But at the same time, so many have done it before you and shown that it’s possible. So: go for it!
How or in what way can people support you with your venture? Where did you seek help?
Spread the word – I’m grateful to everyone who recommends me, books me, or promotes my work. I often seek help within my networks and speak with people who are further along in their journeys than I am
Interview from 09.04.2024