Anika Jasmine is part of my legacy. 

When I think about my role as a mother, it’s one that encompasses the responsibility to teach my daughters everything I know about succeeding in this world — as well as the duty to soften the blows of life when I can by providing support, answers and guidance, and leadership they can trust and rely on.

This brand is all that and more. As we celebrate the life and achievements of women during this Women’s History Month, I’d like to take the time to share how Anika Jasmine came to be and how it’s helped shape my identity as a woman. 

Who is Anika Jasmine? 

Gina Lasseur, owner of Anika Jasmine, with her two daughters when they were young.

The relationship between mothers and daughters is a sacred one that means a lot to me. When I decided to take the leap and turn the vision of this brand into a reality, my mother was my main inspiration to start and keep going. 

She was a professional seamstress, and the bulk of what I learned about the importance of clothing as representation, communication and love comes from her influence. 

The other two most influential women in my life are my daughters, Nathayina Anika Girard and Dominique Jasmine Lasseur. Nikki and DJ are my world and two powerhouses who inspire me daily with their commitment to individuality — and they’ve managed to be so strong in their identities before even hitting 30. One’s not even 25 yet! 

As I conceptualized this brand, it was a priority for me to make sure my girls were a significant part of it. While I’ve inherited so much value from my mom, I’ve also learned a ton about being a fearless and independent woman from my daughters. Because of that, it felt completely natural to intertwine them and their identities into this brand. 

Additionally, their inclusion is precious to me because of its deep correlation to my mother’s story. 

The Anika Jasmine brand is about confidence, freedom of expression, culture, traditions, and every woman feeling beautiful in their skin — but I couldn’t have created this legacy or embodied the values it represents without the three women who inspire me the most. 

My journey of change and discovery 

If you told me when I was a young girl that I was going to be an entrepreneur when I grew up, I would’ve argued the contrary. It’s not to say I didn’t think I was capable, but there are just some things you think aren’t quite your lane. 

Running a business on my own was one of them. 

Despite the path I set out for myself and followed for years, here I am today — I manage a thriving business that I enjoy every part of, and I especially love and feel blessed to experience the process of inspiring and helping people boost their confidence through fashion. 

Throughout the journey of this years-long process, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve always been an artist and fashionista in search of a unique home for my passions, and this is it. 

In this venture, my sedulous nature in pursuing my passions is reaffirmed day after day, as well as how much I value community. 

Some of what I’ve discovered about myself along the way is that I’ve been blessed with an amazing team of friends and family who truly help alleviate the stresses of the growth process of a business. I’ve learned to appreciate my entourage on an entirely different level, and I’m grateful for that. 

This Women’s History Month, I’m grateful for the women who inspired this brand, plus the new ones I’ve met through this who inspire me to continue providing this space of expression. As we all discover new parts of ourselves, remember we’re in it together. 

The future of Anika Jasmine

You can rely on Anika Jasmine to bring you the very best in prints, textiles and fabrics from various African cultures. 

Our approach may shift as we learn the best ways to serve you, but one thing you can bet will never change is the quality of our clothing and the standard of excellence we work to achieve. 

Happy Women’s History Month to all of you. ✨

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