Meet JENNIFER LLOYD

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful JENNIFER LLOYD a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

JENNIFER, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

In the midst of the covid pandemic, I started my photography business and pressed into my passion in makeup artistry. My work is a reflection of my art and an extension of decades of professional experience in the industry. When I recognized the power behind the camera and how I could transform a woman’s confidence, I became so fulfilled with not only her outer beauty, but her inner work as well. Now I teach women how to own their superpower and using tech in the right ways to promote more human wellbeing and access to employment opportunities.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

auty.
I spent most of my life in transitions because I was always searching for opportunities to work outside of being a stay at home mom to six kids while balancing my family obligations. I stayed relevant in the modeling and acting industry by keeping myself fit and making the time to meet with casting directors, freelanced hair and makeup jobs, volunteered for women based organizations and also served as an elected official overseeing thousands of children as a School Board Director.

Often times, mom’s lose their sense of independence and experience a decline in self-confidence because she spends her time meeting the needs of everyone else. I recognized that I was always in search to fulfill a need to tap into being the best version of myself and noticed that I was not alone.

Empowerment means that we have the right to choose. A woman is equally right whether she chooses to be a stay at home mom to raise her kids or chooses to be a working mom. However, when a stay at home mom decides to jump back into the work force or start her own business, it can be a daunting experience when her self confidence is depleted.
Preparing your appearance in both digital media and in person is important because that first impression sets the tone assessing if you are likeable, trustworthy and competent. The right professional headshot creates more visibility and opportunities for her.

I started my photography business to help women reach their goals. While I was volunteering at a local job fair, I saw a community of women who reminded me of myself. These women had taken some years off from an office job to raise their children and were now pushed into the job market searching for resources and tools to make their transition easier. These women were grandmothers, young mothers, retired veterans, and women looking for a community to network with.

I believe it is not only an ethical responsibility but also a social responsibility to support all women. Providing access to job opportunities and resources for women gives her financial independence and economic sustainability. I partnered with Dress for Success to provide complimentary headshots to empower more women and increase my reach.

My purpose in business began with my passion and evolved into a global vision to help women thrive in work and in life. I find fulfillment in my life knowing that I am making an impactful contribution for all women to feel strong, independent and beautiful in any transition in their life. I am using the decades of my life experiences to teach women how to own their confidence in front of the camera and sharing my expertise in artistry to highlight their beauty.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I remember experiencing the feeling of discouragement because of the limitations set with the never ending responsibilities I had raising young children. There never is enough time in the day to get everything done which left me feeling overwhelmed to fit in any personal time for self care. Through my journey, I learned how to give myself grace, implement discipline and and accountability.

It is never too late to start and start again if you go off track. But there’s more to that advice that often doesn’t get much attention. The emotional set back is what I am referring to as giving yourself grace. Giving yourself grace is a habit that requires attention and focus. In the midst of a redirection whether it is in goal setting, cutting your losses in a relationship or business, take the time to regroup, pivot and try again. Don’t dwell on every action you could have taken or constantly replaying the events because it will affect your mental health and cripple you.

Sometimes you have to choose an alternative pathway to get to your goals. Just don’t give up. Being consistent with actionable risks to help you reach your goals and with the risk, you will experience failures. The key is to not give up because life is long and you can reach your goals if you stay accountable.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My challenging childhood in Korea taught me important life lessons and experiences that I am still working through as an adult. Complex trauma as a child really does shape your decisions and I am constantly looking at ways I can better myself. Your circumstances does not define your future, however those circumstances do come with a lot of inner work.
I grew up in a cement box, with no running water and no indoor bathroom. My parents stretched every dollar to provide us a place to live, even though it was not very much. Our circumstances were so dire that we depended on government subsidies for food and our dreams were non existent because we were on survival mode.

When I reflect back on the hardship and hopelessness, I remain humbled by the sacrifices my parents made to survive and provide the best they could for the family. They taught me to never give up hope and to always work hard in all that I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mrsjenniferlloyd.com
• Instagram: @jenniferelloyd
• Facebook: Jennifer Lloyd
• Linkedin: Jennifer Lloyd

Image Credits

Fitness Image: Eric Wainwright

Beauty : Fadil Berisha & Michael Franco