Meet Jasmine Hicks | Special Needs Parent | Advocate

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

Hi Jasmine, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” Bob Marley

This quote resonates deeply with me because it reflects the strength I’ve discovered within myself through some of life’s most challenging moments.

When my water broke prematurely at just 21 weeks, I was thrust into a situation that demanded strength I didn’t know I had. Those two months in the hospital and the moments after Wesley’s early arrival at 31 weeks were filled with uncertainty, fear, and hope. I had no choice but to find strength not just for myself, but for Wesley, who fought every day to survive.

As a special needs mom, this quote continues to guide me. Navigating therapies, medical challenges, and advocating for Wesley’s needs often feels overwhelming, but it’s in those moments of adversity that I see how resilient we both are. Being strong isn’t about being unshaken; it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard.

This quote has shaped the way I approach life; with grace, determination, and an understanding that strength often emerges when you least expect it. It’s become the foundation of how I advocate not only for my son but also for other families in similar situations. Strength isn’t something I chose; it’s something I became. And for that, I am grateful.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When it became clear that Wesley needed my full attention due to his medical complexities, I made the difficult decision to step away from my traditional job. While the change was daunting, it led to the creation of Ellis Productions. Drawing on my passion and prior experience in event planning, I launched my business, offering corporate clients unique event experiences rooted in meticulous planning and authentic designs. Starting a business came with challenges, including self-doubt and fear of failure. But through each obstacle, I learned to embrace my worth, refine my skills, and build confidence. Today, I’m proud not only of Ellis Productions’ growth but of the impact we make by crafting events that align with our clients’ values and visions.

Beyond Ellis Productions, I founded WIN All Else Fails (WIN), a nonprofit inspired by my journey as a special needs parent. Our mission is to empowers parents and caregivers of children with special needs by leveraging generative AI to deliver personalized, accurate, and relevant resources, support services, and information tailored to each child’s unique disabilities, location, and family circumstances. WIN aims to reduce the stress often experienced by families by providing a clear path to necessary resources, social support, and community engagement fostering confidence in navigating complex care systems.

At the core of my story is a desire to leave a legacy for my family and the community we serve. Both Ellis Productions and WIN reflect my belief in turning challenges into opportunities, staying authentic, and creating a brighter future for others.

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.
I am happy to say I live in a city that values great food and fun. It’s the city where you work hard to play hard and Houston does it right. Depending on my mood, I typically patron Warwick, Bungalow, Oporto, Uchi, Mad Houston for food. Unique mixology experiences can be found at Diversion Cocktails or Bandista, two of my favorite spots. You can’t go wrong with visiting any of the museums in the Museum District (there are so many to choose from).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this feature to my incredible husband, Andre Hicks, who has been my rock through every twist and turn of this journey. Andre’s selfless love and unwavering support has been our anchor. He’s always put Wesley and I at the forefront of every decision, and I’m endlessly grateful for his strength and dedication.

I also want to thank my amazing son, Wesley, for being my greatest teacher. Wesley, has shown me a strength I never knew I had, and because of him, I continue to grow and strive to be the best version of myself every single day. This journey hasn’t always been easy, but with them by my side, it’s been filled with love, purpose, and resilience. I thank them for being my inspiration and my everything. 💙

Website: https://linktr.ee/hickschronicles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hickschronicles/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hickschronicles3/

Other: WIN All Else Fails: https://www.winallelsefails.org/
Ellis Productions: https://www.ellisprod.com/