We were lucky to catch up with Jenna Paulette recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jenna, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, it took a long time but I and thankful to say yes. I finally got my publishing deal after being in town for 7 years. Then came some brand deals, then my record deal and now my clothing brand Cowboygirl with Ely Cattleman at Boot Barn. All things that I had a vision for when I had nothing, so I would eat my hot dogs and PB&Js and put in the work day after day. I’m so glad I did and I’m so grateful to be making a living doing what I LOVE.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I always knew I wanted to sing country music. The other offshoots of my brand definitely came later after college. I grew up in Lewisville, Texas and my family’s ranch was in Thackerville, Oklahoma right on the Oklahoma Texas line on the red river. It was there that I fell in love with The idea of singing country music for a living and being a cowgirl. I also fell in love with great songs there listening to Don Williams, George Strait, Eddie Arnold, old hymns, and the Dixie Chicks. Thier records, made me want to make people feel the way that they had…I got to know all the highs and lows of this life through country music. After I grew up and went off to college, I told my dad that I wanted to sing country music for a living and he told me to get a degree in something that could be used in more than just music. I ended up getting my degree in visual communication Which helped me see myself as an artist and songwriter, and all the ways that my brand could reach beyond singing and performing songs. I always was thinking of ways to extend the heart of my way of living… which lead to deals with Justin Boots, Ely Cattleman, and American Hat Company. A Boot Line, Range Wear Line and more. It’s the way God wired me, I am always dreaming of new business ventures that find thier roots in Al the things I love and want to see alive and well in our culture. It’s all art to me. I guess I want to be someone that contributes to the heart of America and welcome others into the beautifully simple life I get to experience: the Cowboy way.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I feel like I started my journey as a poet and that has consistently helped me grow my audience. My biggest growth moments as an artist have been when the heart behind my words whether in song or poem have invited people to relate. When I forget about that my music and content become a little heartless and too commercial. I have to remind myself that art can be alienating—not everyone will agree with my point of view but when I let my point of view reach who it’s supposed to through my words and I am true to who I am it naturally grows my audience. It’s been a slow build for me, but I’m grateful for it! I don’t want a flash in the pan career.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have just never given up. I have gotten a million “no’s”, a ton of people that didn’t understand me or see the value I could bring to the table. I guess I’m just incredibly stubborn and truly believe that diligence, good character and excellence will get you where you want to be the right way over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Jennapaulette.com
• Instagram: @jennapaulette
• Facebook: Jenna Paulette
• Twitter: @jennapaulette
• Youtube: @JennaPaulette

Image Credits

Wes Walker, @southwes