Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Vuong.
Hi Jennifer, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Growing up, I quietly dreamed of becoming an actress for no other reason than gaining stardom. It was my way of challenging the perception that I was a shy and quiet person. (I was voted ‘Most Shy’ in my senior class of high school.) Ironically, I was too embarrassed to tell anyone I wanted to pursue acting, so I resorted to another profession that involved lights, cameras, and action: Broadcast journalism. Plus, it was more ‘practical.’ How cool would it be to become a household name like Connie Chung or Diane Sawyer?
While being in front of the lens was my goal, in college, I got a taste of what goes on behind the camera. From interviewing people on camera to shooting B-Roll to editing and creating a story — the whole process was invigorating. I mostly enjoyed pulling at peoples’ emotions through the medium.
Eventually, I graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit with a journalism degree in 2007. My first full-time job was at an automotive news trade publication where I hosted, edited, and produced a daily morning online newscast. My dream to get in front of the camera was achieved!
Fast-forward 10 years, I wanted to get more creative with my video work, apart from producing news segments at my day job. So, I started a side hustle focused on creating short, social media videos for local entrepreneurs, influencers, and even national companies. My shooting and editing style have evolved over the years and I love being challenged by new, out-of-the-box ideas and trends. My personal side ventures have also included a video-forward media website, existdetroit.com, which is centered on stories told by local women entrepreneurs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been several challenges in launching a side videography business. First, I had no idea what was involved in gaining clients, creating contracts, and managing money. Through the help of YouTube, Google, and entrepreneurial friends, I was able to navigate the issues and more. I’ve been lucky to acquire business through word-of-mouth only, but I still struggle with pricing out my services. Knowing my worth is part of that battle.
And secondly, managing my time between day job tasks and side hustle projects has been a whirlwind. Aligning my calendar with clients’ schedules during typical business hours can be difficult. You end up asking yourself whether using a PTO day to accommodate a side project would be worth it. This is where the power of ‘No’ can be helpful — something I still have difficulty saying.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a video creator who focuses on producing fast-paced social media videos, my journalism background allows me to create stylized, engaging videos with a purpose and story. I am most proud of my video series featuring the stories of three Detroit Asian American creatives.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I believe telling other people’s stories and giving them a platform to share their perspectives is my life purpose. That makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Email: jennifer@existdetroit.com
- Website: existdetroit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_vuong/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jennifervuong
Image Credits
Malaika L. Hilson
