We recently connected with Jennifer Moudy and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I believe I’ve always known—it was in my bones when I was born—that I would always have an outlet for my creativity. My first camera was one that used 126 film and flash cubes and I toted it around as a preteen. Years later in high school I enrolled in a black and white photography class and revisited it again at the local community college. I love how you can freeze a moment in time, how a photo can capture the human experience, the beauty of nature, and create a deeper connection with the world around you.
Also, my head was buried in books and writing in journals when I was younger. Words were a creative outlet for me, a way to escape into my dreams, to paint my life in a more colorful way. My eighth grade English teacher (who is a dear friend today) believed in me and my writing and told me that one day she would hold up a book I had written. Little did I know that she would be right.
Thankfully, school provided me with opportunities to write for the school newspaper, interviewing students for various stories along with taking their photos. Then I served as the editor for a literary magazine in high school as well as had photos displayed at a small local art show while living in Okinawa. I am grateful for having had teachers who saw my gifts and helped me hone my skills as I believe it helped pave the way for my creative endeavors.
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
Sure. I’m Jen. I am a single woman who continues to strengthen my relationship with me, learning to give myself permission and embark on adventures that feed my soul. I grew up moving around a lot and feel that fueled my desire to travel and explore more of the world around me. Over the years I have traveled solo, self-published two books, started a blog, dipped my toes in public speaking, moved to new states alone, and said yes to new adventures, such as rock climbing. I want to turn over as many rocks as possible and allow all the corners of my existence to be touched by the world around me.
With that said, I have tried various avenues for honing my creative skills and generating revenue, including starting an outdoor portraiture business, earning my first dollar shooting an intimate wedding. However, I realized that my focus on finding clients and earning money was sucking the joy out of creating for the sake of creating. I walked away from photography for several years and have recently picked up my cameras again. I realize that walking away from one of my passions was walking away from me, my creativity and my gifts. I look forward to seeing what unfolds as I focus on the joy of photography and share my art rather than chasing clients.
As for writing, it was a cathartic process in writing my first book, which shares my story of being in unfulfilling relationships for nearly 15 years and why I stayed when I knew it wasn’t right. This started me on my journey to strengthening my relationship with myself and launched me into public speaking, which has included networking groups, and eventually sharing the stage with other phenomenal speakers for a National Charity League event.
My second book was created after being inspired by a spoken word artist at a live event. After returning home, a poem effortlessly flowed—something that hadn’t happened in years—and I have been writing new ones since, working on creating another collection.
The work I create today is definitely richer, more vulnerable and meaningful. I weave my personal journey into what I create and allow my joy to come through in the work I share—whether a blog post or photograph—allowing my subscribers and followers to better connect with me. That is my hope and goal, at least. I want how I live my life, through giving myself permission to get out there and create new adventures for myself, to be an inspiration to others who may hold themselves back from living their lives more fully. That is what I want to come through in the work I create and share. I also want people to see that we all have an internal fire that is meant to burn bright for the world to see, complete with our gifts and creativity.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Because I have seen the positive effect of making myself a priority in my life, I am driven to share my journey in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. Sharing my creativity, traveling, trying new things are all ways I give myself permission to live my life on my terms. We do not need a committee to validate us, give us permission, or write our stories. We only need ourselves to do that. There is an expansive freedom in giving yourself permission and forging your own path. It helps to build your resilience and strength as you navigate your journey.
I still struggle, like everyone. Self-doubt still creeps in, but stepping out of your comfort zone more regularly, getting out of your own way, opens so many amazing doors. I have come to realize the more I learn to love and trust myself, new things present themselves that I may not have imagined. There is so much beauty and joy in that. I have traveled internationally on my own, self-published books, and am submitting poetry and photos to contests. I am doing this interview! I have stepped onto a stage to speak to an audience of mothers and daughters. It becomes a natural high—your own personal joy.
I hope to inspire others to tap into their beauty, ignite the fire within, and give themselves permission to live life more fully. Time is precious and limited. Each day we are getting closer to the end of our journey. How do you want to live your life? I say more risks and less regrets are the way to go!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I would say seeing my creativity come to life in a way that I hope is inspiring to others. For me, my writing, photography and exploration/travel are all creative expressions of me navigating my journey and living my life more fully. When someone gives me feedback that something resonated with them or inspired them, I am grateful.
It is also rewarding when song lyrics, a line in a show or movie, or words in a book inspire me to create something new from my personal experiences. We all have a unique way of sharing our gifts and who we are with the world, and it is rewarding to be able to creatively express that.
And I would add that whenever a final product makes me smile, that is rewarding. That is when I know that I have created something that is true, honest and pure to who I am.
Contact Info:
- Blog/Newsletter: https://
lovingyoufirst.substack.com/ - Photography: https://jenniferlmoudy.
mypixieset.com/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/jenniferlmoudy/ - Website: www.jenniferlmoudy.
com