We recently connected with Jenn Rodriguez and have shared our conversation below.

Jenn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

There were definitely moments I wished I had started my creative career sooner.

I was working a lucrative sales job for a wireless company when I realized I wasn’t 100% passionate about it. I decided to leave my job and make a career shift pursuing cosmetology. I had no clue where it would take me, but somehow I was confident it would pay off.

But it didn’t hit me how late I was to the “cos school party” until our first day. I quickly realized that at age 26, I was one of the oldest people in my class; I was surrounded by people who had just graduated from high school. It discouraged me a little, because I wish I had started right away like they did. They were familiar with trends I hadn’t heard of and could relate to my target audience better than I could… so I thought.

What I did learn was that along with my age came experience- 8 years of experience in business, sales, providing quality customer service and leadership. All I needed was the technical skills! So, I dove in, rolled up my sleeves and put my experience to work while learning all about hair care. Most importantly, I focused on being a day maker for my clients.

10 years later, I’ve grown to be a successful hairstylist, salon manager, corporate leader for a leading beauty retailer, beauty and fashion influencer, and now also a media correspondent for Ebony Magazine- a magazine I’ve loved and admired since I could read.

Although I started later than I had liked, I’ve used the lessons I learned to get ahead and jumpstart my career.

The best part is, I’m just getting started…

Jenn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I do so much, but to keep it simple, I’m a Digital Content Creator and Media Host/Correspondent for Ebony Magazine.

As a Digital Content Creator, I share beauty, fashion, lifestyle and inspiration- infused content that empower and uplift others. I do partner with brands and companies to promote products/services I personally love and feel will help benefit the community I’m working to build. I also edit and produce videos for small businesses.

Recently, I’ve been honored to facilitate red carpet and celebrity interviews as a Media Host and Correspondent, including: the 2021 Ebony Power 100 Gala red carpet; Madam Walker Legacy Center’s red carpet for Mike Epps’ Comedy Netflix Special; I’ve interviewed some of the most amazing people like Bishop T.D. Jakes, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Whoopi Goldberg, Jaime Foxx, Tina Knowles- Lawson and many more.

I have a huge passion of bringing positivity and excitement to the black community and highlighting the legends who have (and still are) doing amazing work, and those who are on the rise.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’ve gotten knocked down a few times throughout my career- from losing my job, my father, having some brand content not perform well and overcoming anxiety about my performance. Through each hurdle, I’ve just honestly learned to lean on my faith, and just moving. It’s like riding a bike- things only stop when I do.

I have to stay consistent and not wait for motivation to give me the boost I need. And I didn’t try to do it alone! I utilized my network to pursue passion projects and gain hair/makeup clients when influencer checks weren’t rolling in. I found a grief coach to help me navigate the loss of my dad. I partnered with creators who were at the level I wanted achieve and I supported and learned from them.

This life and this season is a journey. The minute I fell in love with the process and not just the end result, my resilience was met with reward.

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

My goal and mission is to truly build a tribe of women who are on a journey of self -love while embracing new seasons of elevation. I feel like there’s a gap of time and opportunity between loving yourself for who you are right now, while not being afraid to work for and desire more for your life. I truly believe this is my purpose at this time, and I’m starting with: providing encouragement and inspiration, sharing my journey because hey, I’m on that path too; giving beauty and fashion tips and tricks to show women what’s possible with what they have, and honestly just supporting the endeavors of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.itsjennrodriguez.com
• Instagram: @itsjennrodriguez
• Facebook: Jenn Rodriguez
• Twitter: @jlanaebeauty
• Youtube: Jenn Rodriguez

Image Credits
Sarrah Photography