We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Ford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
I initially came up with the concept for “Seer Spotlight”, because I genuinely love supporting others. So many people lack recognition and support. I desired to bring more light and positivity to the Arts scene. It costs nothing to share content. It truly helps provide more visibility and creates an opportunity for networking as well. I believed in my vision so much, I wanted to create a safe space for other creatives like me.
My platform’s focus is to highlight up and coming talent, share local events/vital information, and provide more awareness about local artists and entrepreneurs.
I believed I would find success because I know how much faith it takes to persevere through life. Now, I have the ability to encourage so many people to keep going and let them know how impactful their contributions are within the community.
Jennifer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Jennifer Ford, also known as “Seer”. I am a Writer, Wordsmith, Songwriter, Poet, an Actress, Motivational Speaker, Mental Health Awareness Advocate, Voice-over Artist, and currently have my own “Seer Spotlight” column in “A Second Chance Magazine”. The first issue will be released in December.
My platform “Seer Spotlight”, is steadily rising and promotes the Arts locally and across the country. I joined forces with Suavo Jones, in a collaborative effort to highlight up-and-coming talent from Memphis, TN, every first Wednesday, at “Keepin It Memphis”.
My motivational messages can be heard on my YouTube channel, “Authentically Jen”. I am passionate about my mental health and encouraging others regarding how much therapy has changed my entire outlook on life. I am working on launching merch soon with my official logo and tagline for this platform as well.
I recently made my debut as an Artist, “Seer” on Jaeti’s newly released album, “Upside Up, Downside Down”, on the track titled “Authentically”. His album is available on all Digital Streaming Platforms. I also made a cameo, along with my children, in Jaeti’s music video “This Side”, which features Don Trip.
I made my first film debut as an actress in the Award-Winning short film, “Ruined: Twice Blind”, thanks to Tymika Chambliss-Williams and Ketrick “Jazz” Copeland. My second appearance in a short film, “Lil Red”, recently premiered at Malco on the Square. I was blessed to work with LaDell Beamon, who is the Founder of the Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis, and Tanya Lawrence, who is the Founder of Tea Talk with Tanya. Tymika Chambliss-Williams also directed this film.
It’s surreal to think back almost two years ago, I was unemployed and doing my best to survive as a single mom during the pandemic. I knew when I lost my job it was time to step out on faith and really believe in myself. I always felt stifled as a creative in the corporate world. My starting point began when I created my YouTube channel, Authentically Jen. That opened up doors for me I never would have imagined. I had my very first interview with Ronald Heard II, on his YouTube channel “WeAllBeTV”. My vision continued to expand within the Arts community when I created my Facebook group, “Seer Spotlight”, which caught the attention of the legendary Hip-Hop Trombonist, Suavo Jones. With our like minded desire to build a true sense of community, he soon provided a stage for me to officially introduce my own featured artists at his showcase, “Keepin It Memphis”. I believe what sets me apart from many who may also do promotion and marketing in the city is how much I passionately show support for others. I have great mentors in my life whom I look up to for motivation to keep me on the right track.
I believe what sets me apart from many who may also do promotion and marketing in the city is how much I passionately show support for others. I have great mentors in my life whom I look up to for motivation to keep me on the right track.
I am most proud of launching my ideas and making my dreams become a reality. I have three children who look to me to provide a better way of life, and I refuse to live a life of limitations anymore. I remember when I allowed fear to dictate my decisions, and I was very unhappy. We are all literally one decision away from the life we desire to live. Today, I choose to decide more wisely.
I hope that people know that my ultimate desire is to let love be the catalyst in everything I do. I believe we need to focus more on positivity in the face of life’s adversities. How we make other people feel can leave a lasting impression. I hope I leave others better than before we crossed paths.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My character. I choose to surround myself with people of good character, which helps me to always be self aware. I practice self awareness and accountability, and I believe that has helped to build trust with others who can attest to my consistency.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The show I am most proud of pulling off was “The Seer Spotlight Takeover” in October. I had a very successful turnout and experience, but was going through the hardest time of my life, leading up to the event. My first showcase proved to me just how resilient I am, but it took tremendous faith to believe it into existence.
Just a few months ago, I was forced to move out of my apartment. I was literally homeless and did not have anywhere else to go. On top of that, I was getting close to my third trimester and didn’t know how I was going to make it through. I lost a dear friend to cancer, and found out my daughter’s grandmother was diagnosed with cancer as well. We were very close to her, and it was hard not being able to see her during this time. She abruptly passed away, after being admitted to the hospital not long ago. I was temporarily able to stay with extended family, but nothing felt like home. I knew I had to do something to turn my circumstances around. Something I’ve never done before. I invested some of the money I had back into the people I believe in; my community. I booked two local photographers for the upcoming showcase, supported a local vendor, make-up artist, and hairstylist to assist in bringing my vision to life. Sounds absolutely crazy right? But, I had an idea and ran with it. I had one local business owner design my official “Seer Spotlight” logo and another print up my first 10 shirts with my logo. I was able to get them the same day as the show. When I stepped out on faith with this idea, I was able to pre-sale the shirts before I even received the order. My circumstances motivated me to believe in my vision more than the present moment. I thank God for never allowing me to give up on myself. I’m still going through a transition right now, but I’m more confident than ever that God is elevating me and will provide every resource I need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/SeerSpotlight
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_authentically_jen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38915534
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/jennyminnie
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/seer_spotlight/
Image Credits
Crowned Visions Studio Photography and Visualiens