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

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I was faced with this very question in the Spring of 2021, as part of my own self-reflection, after I faced a life-threatening medical event. I was already waffling on what to do with my 10-year Human Resources career, where I was feeling tumultuous burnout, but kept pushing to excel upward. Then, when faced with the reality that I could have not lived more life, I knew exactly what I wanted my legacy to be, and that is: to choose joy in all endeavors, celebrating and serving others, and doing it all through my creative passions. I hope that others feel inspired and encouraged by my story to forge their own path, no matter your age or circumstances.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After a 10-year career in Human Resources, I took a significant step back, and started my own business, turning my passions and hobbies into a formal business. Through my Human Resources career, I recognized the special connections that I seamlessly made with people. I am fortunate that now, in my creative endeavors as a business owner, I remain rooted in connecting and establishing relationships with people, celebrating them and their lives, all through inspired photography, curated art, and creative floral design.

With deep roots in North Carolina, I have a true desire to pour back into my local community and environment, so you’ll often find me supporting other small business owners, gifting flowers and coffee, and even planting pollinator-friendly plants in my community. I am also a self-published author of two children’s books: “What Might You Find At A Produce Parade?” and “Finley’s Findings,” and I have recently started a YouTube channel (Collectively Inspired) where I share more in-depth about my creative endeavors as a multi-passionate individual.

I truly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with others, and I am honored to share my creative passions with the world!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a creative, I feel the most rewarding aspect is simply being inspired by seemingly “everyday” things and experiences. It has truly allowed me to find joy in even the most ordinary circumstances, and to elevate my creative work for my clients even more.

During photo sessions, I don’t like for everything to be staged and posed – I yearn for capturing those relaxed, “I didn’t think the camera was looking,” moments. When I’m commissioned for a watercolor home portrait, I take immense pride in even the smallest details, such as painting a brick pattern, or incorporating decorative home trim. And with florals – how can I even emulate that I see the beauty in all varieties of flowers and greenery? Truth be told, I will often arrange a wide variety of plants and flowers from our yard just to have something fresh in our home.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

The main goal that drives my creative journey is to give my best self to my customers, and evoke immense joy and creativity in whatever manner I may be serving them, be it florals, photography, or artwork. I do that by continuing to serve myself through the joy of my creative outlets, and that is paramount to my mental health and overall wellbeing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emeraldpinecollective.com/
• Instagram: @emeraldpinecollective
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emeraldpinecollective/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCysircZs1WAQ5pWg1bO-01w

Image Credits
Jennifer Kennedy