Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Rodriguez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been a beauty lover all my life. After a successful career in sales for a tech company, I decided to pivot and explore a career as a hairstylist. It was a HUGE risk, but I’m so glad I took it!
I obtained my Cosmetology License in 2013, and began my influencer career in 2015 while climbing the corporate ladder at one of the largest beauty retailers. Providing beauty tips and tricks through social media helped me keep my beauty passion fresh and allowed me build editing skills. 2015 also introduced me to my. most critical and life changing role yet- motherhood. My daughter Merci entered this world and became my biggest “why” behind everything I do. I wanted to show her that as a woman, especially a woman of color, you can overcome anything and life your life’s passion and purpose. Then. in 2021, Covid challenged that theory.
I was displaced from my corporate job and was forced (in a good way) to lean on my passion as an influencer. I cultivated stronger relationships with brands, landed UGC contracts, and was introduced to an opportunity of a lifetime- to be a freelance Media Correspondent for EBONY Magazine.
For two years, I enjoyed the entrepreneurial life as an influencer, media correspondent and launched my fashion brand, The LXYRD Collection. Now, as I continue these journeys, life has brought me back to my favorite beauty retailer to lead and cultivate a team. Creating job and career opportunities and providing mentorship in my community has always been a part of my purpose. I couldn’t be more grateful to do this daily!
My days may be full, but my cup is overflowing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not only not been smooth, but there’s been detours, construction, more detours and potholes. I’ve had to keep my faith and expectations consistent regardless of a number of challenges, including: struggles navigating social media’s algorithm mysteries, comparing my experience to others, balancing being a (then) wife and mom with having a career. The struggles seemed endless but they all shaped me into the woman I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m most proud of my work as general manager and UGC creator. The ability and capacity to do both is so rewarding because I’m able to provide for me and my daughter while living my passions everyday. As a General Manager, I’m known for supporting and developing others into their dream career through recognition and identifying gaps.
As a creative, I’m known for delivering high quality and relatable content. I love getting a brief from some of our favorite brands and bringing their vision to life creatively, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Lastly, I’m most proud of the podcast I’ve launched with my mom called “Like Mother NOT Like Daughter.” This. podcast has allowed us to bond in such a cool way! We chat womanhood topics that bridge the gap from one generation to the next; I not only learn more about my mom and myself, but how I can relate differently to my daughter as she navigates her own journey. We’re in our second season and already planning out our third.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Treasure your life and love ones. You can enjoy what you do and your career, but you are not your work or your career. Your work should supplement and support your purpose in all aspects of life, i.e. your time with your family and your wellbeing physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.
I used to bury myself in work, so I was a little unsure what to do with myself when I was laid off in January 2021. But that loss not only gave me ample time to explore other passions, but to spend time with my family, especially my dad who lived in another state. Then, not even a year later in December 2021, we unexpectedly lost my father to Covid-19.
I believe I was given that time off of work as a gift to have more time with him. Now, I’m back with a company I love and in a dream position, but I’ve learned to create space for the important people in my life, and for my own wellbeing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itsjennrodriguez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjennrodriguez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialjennrodriguez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsjennrodriguez
Image Credits
The Portrait Lounge 1983 The Brand
