Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazzmyn Rodriguez-Brewer.
Hi Jazzmyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jazzmyn Rodriguez-Brewer, and I’m originally from Yonkers, New York. After my husband was stationed in San Diego, California, I relocated and began a new chapter in my life. I had just graduated college and started working as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist while pursuing my Master’s in School Psychology.
I loved working with children and found great purpose in helping them grow but over time, I realized something was missing. One day, when I became sick and my boss told me I had no remaining sick days, it hit me: I needed more freedom and balance in my life. That moment opened my eyes to the fact that the traditional 9–5 lifestyle wasn’t the right fit for me.
While navigating these realizations, I became pregnant with my first child and soon after, the world changed with the onset of COVID-19. The challenges of that time, especially within the school system, gave me even more clarity about the direction I wanted to take my life.
That’s when the idea of starting a vending machine business came to me. At first, I doubted myself, feeling exhausted as a new mom and far from family support. But with the encouragement of my husband and my children’s godfather, I took a leap of faith and launched my business.
Today, my vending machine company TastiesVending proudly serves local school districts, and I’ve returned to school to pursue a Master’s in Therapy. I still have a deep passion for working with both children and adults but now, I do it on my own terms, building a life that reflects balance, purpose, and independence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey hasn’t been smooth. As a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom to a five-year-old and a one-year-old, balancing family life and business ownership can be incredibly challenging. Some days I question my choices but those moments always remind me of how far I’ve come. I’ve had to learn everything from business operations to machine maintenance and client relations often by trial and error.
Entrepreneurship, however, is in my roots. Growing up, my mother made chocolate lollipops that my sister and I would sell at the mall or on the streets to help pay bills. In middle school, I even sold Airheads candy with a classmate. When I think back to those moments, I realize I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit. Those memories give me the strength and confidence to keep going to trust that I know what I’m doing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My background is in psychology, specifically school psychology, and I have extensive experience working with children who have various disabilities. I absolutely love supporting children and their families, but over time I realized that the burnout and the time away from my own family made traditional school-based work unsustainable for me.
Recently, I transitioned into clinical counseling, which allows me to continue helping both adults and children while enjoying greater flexibility and control over my schedule. This shift has reignited my passion for helping others while also supporting my role as a mother.
Running my vending machine business has further reinforced the value of time freedom. Growing up, both my husband and I watched our mothers work two or three jobs, and it brings us immense joy to break that generational cycle. This business allows me to be present for my family, serve my community, and pursue my professional goals on my own terms.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
As a New Yorker born and raised, it’s always been challenging to love another state the way I love home. However, California has captured my heart its culture, weather, food, vibrant energy, and opportunities for growth resonate with me. In many ways, it reminds me of New York. After living here for ten years, it’s been hard to imagine leaving. I do however think it is lacking diversity but other than that it’s been pretty chill.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tasties_Vending
