We recently connected with Jennifer Ford and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer , thanks for joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
I initially started on social media by simply sharing content in support of other content creators, business owners, entrepreneurs, and fellow Artists/Creatives.
I created my platform “Seer Spotlight” two years ago. “Seer Spotlight” is dedicated to highlighting/sharing positive content and providing valuable resources within the local community. In addition, as “Seer Spotlight” I became the curator of my own concert series, featuring various up-and-coming Indie Artists from Memphis and the Mid-South region.
My process was all about being guided by faith. I had to be willing to take risks and do something new. I visualized my desires and started by writing down each concept that inspired me. I knew that being a novice, I needed a lot of help to make my vision possible. I created a proposal for potential sponsors to assist with raising money to fund my first solo event. It required resources I didn’t already have and relationships I hadn’t formed initially with venues and other Artists in the city. I had to take time to cultivate these relationships, and with the help of my first Sponsor, C.L. Tim Williams, I was able to do just that. I am very fortunate that a notable, non-profit organization, founded by Williams, was able to not only assist but believe in me as well. I wouldn’t have been able to launch my vision without the support of others along the way.
It wasn’t easy to launch, but that was the first step. So many times in the past, I was afraid to just take that first step. I believe that being a single mother, it motivated me even more to persevere. I was pregnant with my son, Zahir, at the time I started launching my concert series. It was very challenging because so many others within the same industry had been doing events for years and established their infrastructure, whereas I was just getting started. It took a lot of courage for me put my ideas out there and actually gain the support of others in the process. There were times I wanted to stop when certain pressures mounted, and I was viewed at times more like competition, not a peer. Throughout the ups and downs, I stayed determined to carry out what I started. I believed in the work I put in, and in my opinion that was worthy of respect. This was the first time I fully invested in myself. I had to spend a lot of money upfront to make my ideas possible, remain consistent, and stay innovative with my creativity. I had to learn how to set myself apart from everyone else and create an experience people would want to not only support but be willing to pay for. I believe that I’m still learning that, especially as I prepare for my next showcase on February 24th, 2024.
“ECSTASY 2•2•2”, will be a showcase featuring: Mai Ty, Key Drip, Tinkahz Instinct, and Original Bris. In addition, there will be exclusive art on display designed by Fire Sign. A portion of the funds will be donated to Always Giving Back Memphis, Inc. I’ll be collaborating with David Higgins and Imperial Dynasty Productions to feature “The 2nd Annual Black and Brutal Tribute,” which will showcase the African American contribution to Memphis Rock and Roll. The first tribute took place in February 2019, attracting over 150 people. I’m very excited to bring this collaboration to Growlers. Tickets are on sale now.
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”. In addition to creating my platform “Seer Spotlight”, I am also a writer and voice-over artist. I’ve dabbled with some acting opportunities in the past, and in the near future I hope to partake in more projects. Check out this link for more: https://linktr.ee/
Before I branded myself as Seer, I desired to just work behind the scenes. I convinced myself I didn’t need to be seen, but I believe that was all rooted in fear back then. My identity was wrapped in my social anxiety and Imposter syndrome. Most of the work I had to do initially was internal. Therapy helped to get me out of my shell. Eventually, I decided to get out of my head and uncomfortable. Everything I ever desired truly has been on the other side of my fears.
Currently, I’m a Curator of exclusive events I’ve been coordinating since April 2023. My goal is to provide an experience that makes others feel safe to express their creativity and celebrate the talents of others locally who may not often receive enough support or recognition. I have highlighted a couple of local entrepreneurs as featured vendors at each one of my showcases. I have also selected a unique line up of local Artists, mostly from Memphis, to perform their music alongside a band or local DJ. This have given the opportunity for more people to become familiar with these Artists and their music, which has always been a hope for me to see more independent Artists receive.
I believe my passion to help others sets me apart because I know what it feels like to lack that support system. I understand how discouraging it can feel at times to keep believing in yourself when you don’t feel seen or valued. I enjoy having the opportunity to add value to others, in any way I can.
I am most proud of not giving up on myself, even when others around me may have fallen off along the way. It’s very important to believe in yourself because life will constantly challenge you. I want people to know that my drive to succeed comes from my desire to not just help others but become the best version of myself. I believe I owe it to myself and my kids to keep going, while not being afraid to fail. The only thing worse than failing is quitting, so I refuse to do that. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I’m committed to remaining teachable throughout the process.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is having the freedom of self expression. I love being able to live in my truth and express that without any limitations. I haven’t always been able to live that way, so it’s definitely refreshing to be able to finally walk in it.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think the decisions I’ve had to make along the way and certain risks have been perplexing to non-creatives in my life, from time to time. The process I have to endure at times can also seem a bit farfetched to others. It’s definitely a balance between reality and being a visionary. Sometimes you can’t always be too practical, and things may not always make sense until the last hour. I’ve experienced it personally how faith can really feel like a rocky road at times to travel, but I would tell others to not be so skeptical of every aspect of an idea. At times, in order to execute an idea one may have to be unconventional. Don’t allow fear of the unknown to make you so resistant against others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/SeerSpotlight
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/seer_spotlight
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38915534
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/jennyminnie
- Other: tiktok.com/@seer_spotlight www.instagram.com/_authentically_jen/ If anyone would like to continue to help my vision expand by making a donation, please refer to the link below. All donations are greatly appreciated, especially since everything I do is funded out of pocket. Sponsors are very important right now to continue to help make things possible. https://gofund.me/e41e1ebe
Image Credits
Tay Veasey, ARTist Feature Magazine Jhané Fiire Sign C.L. Tim Williams Mario Phillips Hammond