Meet a CSGer: Jaymi

CSG associate, Jaymi says that books and botanical gardens are good for the soul. Read on to find out her recommendations on the best botanical gardens in the country and how superstar author Zadie Smith described her during a chance encounter at a book signing.

The Early Years… and the College Years

I was born and raised Hampton Roads Virginia where lots of American history lives all over the place, from living history museums in Colonial Williamsburg to The Emancipation Proclamation sign in Hampton, Virginia. Growing up, early American History was all around. 

I attended Wake Forest University for undergrad where I majored in English and minored in Political Science & Women and Gender Studies. I was into really nerdy things like Gospel Choir, multicultural theater, co-editing poetry magazines. College was where I found a love of mentoring, attending shows (my first Broadway trip happened in college!), and exploring new places.

Pictured: Colonial Williamsburg

Gilding the Lily

Botanical gardens aren’t just good for the gram, they’re good for the soul. I love botanical gardens and recently decided it’s a personal mission to visit as many as I can throughout the U.S. 

The best botanical gardens I’ve seen so far include:

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Richmond, VA 

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Garden- Washington D.C. 

Garfield Park Conservatory – Indianapolis, IN 

 Meadowlark Botanical Garden - Vienna, VA

Reynolda Gardens- Winston-Salem, NC  

Pictured:  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA

Reading, volunteering and that time I almost met Toni Morrison

My favorite author is Toni Morrison. At the National Book Festival in 2012 in D.C. (when it was still held on the National Mall), I stood in line to meet Toni Morrison and have my copy of The Bluest Eye for about 2 hours. I was about 15 people away from getting my book signed before the security shut down the line.

Tears may have been shed that day, but book signings and author readings are kind of my jam, especially when they’re at gem indie bookstores.

Some of my favorite book readings include hearing Zadie Smith at Sixth & I in Washington D.C. She signed my copy of her book, Feel Free and told me that I “looked like a lawyer.” 

And I have to mention then-Senator Kamala Harris’ talk at George Washington University when her book, The Truths We Hold, was released in 2019.

I also really enjoy supporting reading-focused volunteer organizations. Kids can always be counted on for the best laughs when you read to them, and I’ve volunteered with organizations like Higher Achievement and Reading Partners.

And my personal dream is to write a children’s book series about a little girl who hosts stand-up comedy shows for her friends. 

Aspiring Baseball Historian?

Baseball is my favorite sport. Go Nationals! 

And, I want to become more well versed in the fascinating history and stats related to baseball so I can be that cool grandma who tells her future grandchildren about all the little known baseball facts & impress their friends on the playground and at the park someday. 

Pictured: Washington Nationals Stadium

Music, Yoga and Ice Cream

At any given moment, I can tell exactly which song matches that very experience.

I’m forever listening to music and thinking of playlist themes. This year has found me revisiting favorites from the 90s & 2000s – the nostalgia has been comforting. I’m always open to recommendations and always that friend who wants to hear ‘What you’re listening to these days?” 

I’m also a beginner yogi, but committed to growing in my practice. Yoga has become a bigger art of my life and I value the opportunity to take time to grow in practice. And I especially love restorative practices and practicing meditation. 

One last thing to know about me? I’ll never outgrow my love for ice cream! Whenever I visit a new place, I Google: “Best Ice Cream in Town.”