In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, hosts Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns welcome Jasmine Rush, Navy Veteran, photographer, storyteller, and founder of Speaking From the Lens, LLC.

Jasmine takes us through her incredible journey—from firefighting on the flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima to capturing powerful narratives through her lens. With authenticity, humor, and faith, Jasmine shares how military discipline and family roots in entrepreneurship shaped her into a business owner who leads with heart and purpose.

She talks candidly about transitioning out of the Navy, launching her first business (a janitorial company during her husband’s deployment), and how a spiritual retreat helped birth Speaking From the Lens—a media company that weaves faith, imagery, and powerful storytelling into every frame.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Military life prepares you for entrepreneurship—but the transition still requires planning, community, and mindset shifts.
• Jasmine’s grandmother, Lorena Snow, planted her entrepreneurial roots through hustling, real estate, and business ownership in Baltimore.
• “Speaking From the Lens” means every photo tells a spiritual story—Jasmine’s faith is the foundation of her creativity.
• The Navy taught her leadership, people skills, and the value of mentorship—critical to her business growth.
• Entrepreneurship is not solo work—ask for help early and often.
• Veterans Growing America gave her more than visibility—it gave her community, collaboration, and support.

📸 Connect with Jasmine Rush:
Instagram/Facebook/YouTube: @SpeakingFromTheLens
Website: https://www.speakingfromthelens.com

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👉 Tag this episode:
Veterans, Navy Veteran, entrepreneurship, military transition, creative business, veteran photographer, Black woman entrepreneur, autism mom, military spouse, Speaking From the Lens, storytelling, Christian entrepreneur, small business, Veterans Growing America, Donnell Johns, Coach RL Simmons, community building, veteran business network, Navy leadership, resilience, branding through imagery, inspirational entrepreneur, faith-based business.