Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jen Holley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

It all started when I decided to become a clean wine consultant with a company called Scout & Cellar. I was reluctant at first, since I was embarking on a whole new journey. I knew nothing about wine, and would have to learn it all (which is scary)!! The wine is clean-crafted: Scout & Cellar wines have ZERO added sugars, sulfites, pesticides, and chemicals. Keto, paleo, gluten free, vegan, organic. Perfect for those who eat clean, workout, and care what they put in their body!! In the midst of my wine consulting journey, I did a photo shoot promoting the wine, and also in fitness attire. Messaging that you can still be fit and drink wine too!! In that moment, I remembered 12 plus years ago, I wanted to be a fitness model. I was too scared to do it before, but I decided now is the time!! So I literally went for it!! Started scheduling photo shoots with different photographers, created my own modeling instagram, and applying to agencies!! Networking in the industry, and absorbing all the knowledge I could. Now, thrilled to say I represent 2 different modeling agencies and having the time of my life.

Bottom line, the biggest risk is taking none at all!! Nothing worth having comes easy, you have to work for it!! There is always a risk you may not achieve your goals, but you definitely can’t achieve them if you don’t try. One of my favorite quotes: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

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 am originally from the Midwest and has been in NC for 13 years.

I work in the pharmaceutical and clinical trials industry for a company called IQVIA (formerly Quintiles). I manage the clinical delivery of global clinical trials. My passion is fitness. Formerly a collegiate athlete, now a career woman and wife, continuing to put fitness as a priority every day. I want to encourage and motivate others.

In 2019, I had some devastating news, I could no longer do high-impact exercises due to previous injuries (4 knee surgeries). From there, I had to change my mindset and find a new balance. Focus on what I could do, and not what I couldn’t. In parallel, I began pursuing my fitness modeling dreams, which at one point I never thought possible. I am excited to announce, I represent 2 modeling agencies in North Carolina!!

When people ask, what’s your secret to reaching your fitness goals—the answer is—there isn’t one! Consistency and hard work overtime! Now I can truly say, between my career, modeling, and personal life, I’ve never been happier and more fulfilled!!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes!! I started my fitness modeling career with the ultimate goal to model with a big fitness brand like Athleta, Nike, New Balance, TRX, etc!!

All I need is to get their attention. :)

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

So I created my own modeling Instagram account less than 2 years ago, and started with zero followers, and no knowledge of the modeling industry. I started networking and following other models and photographers. Reaching out for advice. Key to growing your social media is connecting with people. Being active, posting everyday (sometimes multiple times a day) via posts, reels, live videos, and stories. Ask questions in your posts/stories, that elicit a response. Engage your followers. Respond to their comments. Ask others to share your posts/stories on their accounts. Don’t give up, and keep grinding everyday. As of today, I have over 10.3K followers!! You can do it too!!     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jenholley.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwomanstateofmind/
• Other: http://lockemodels.com/view/2465/jen-holley

Image Credits
@liznemethphoto
@shotsby_allan_photography_
@izzydavis87
@nspixels
@photography.wishbone
@kriversmedia