Meet Jennifer Sanderson

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

Jennifer, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

For me, work ethic has followed two paths: the drive I used for myself and the effort I poured into others. From 16 to 27, I believed the work I did for others—waitressing, swimming, designing—would build the foundation for my success. And for a while, it did. But as I continued, especially in my graphic design and marketing work for large corporations, I began to feel hollow. I was chasing purpose, but it was someone else’s version of fulfillment.

By 37, I wasn’t just burnt out—I was lost. My mind was wired to race through to-do lists for bosses and clients, hooked on the satisfaction of “getting it right.” When asked, “What do you want to do today?” my brain short-circuited. I knew what others needed, but I had no answer for myself. I felt like a deer frozen in the endless glare of headlights, paralyzed by the weight of expectations I’d let define me.

At some point—maybe it was just a fleeting thought—I realized my work ethic had become unhealthy. That moment became my white flag. I waved it high, walked away from the corporate grind, and faced the unfamiliar task of working for myself.

Rebuilding my work ethic was like learning to walk again. At first, I slept—a lot. My partner affectionately called me the Queen of Blankets, with pillows as my loyal subjects, and for a while, that title fit perfectly. Rest was the only way to quiet the noise and reset my mind.

But I knew I couldn’t rule over the pillows forever. Slowly, I started to piece together a new version of myself, testing and re-testing ideas, values, and structures. It wasn’t a neat process—it was messy and nonlinear, like a hodgepodge quilt stitched together from fragments of purpose and self-discovery.

Today, my work ethic is different. It’s no longer about proving something to someone else or chasing external validation. It’s about feeding my inner purpose, finding balance, and honoring my passions. The work ethic I have now is still a work in progress, but it’s mine. And that makes all the difference.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

**What Do You Do and What Do You Like About It?**

I’m a Graphic Designer, Art Director, and Photographer with over 15 years of experience in the creative and marketing industry. What I do is more than just creating visuals—I solve problems. My passion lies in uncovering the core “truth” of my clients’ brands and using design and photography as tools to bring that to life. Whether it’s crafting a campaign for a health and wellness company or helping a small business find its voice, I focus on creating work that’s genuine, impactful, and long-lasting.

What I love most about what I do is the ability to merge creativity with purpose. Every project gives me a chance to collaborate with clients, dive deep into their vision, and make their ideas tangible. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing how thoughtful design can reduce stress, educate, or inspire people.

I also love the diversity of my work. One day, I might be designing a logo; the next, I’m capturing a story through photography. It keeps me on my toes, constantly learning and growing. And most importantly, I love how my work allows me to connect with people—sharing ideas, building trust, and making a real difference in their lives and businesses.

For me, this isn’t just a job—it’s a way to express my belief that life is weird but beautiful, and great design can make it a little brighter for everyone.

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?

Here are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey:

1. **Problem-Solving:**
My ability to approach challenges with a creative and strategic mindset has been a cornerstone of my career. Whether it’s aligning a brand with its core truth or finding innovative ways to communicate a message, problem-solving has helped me deliver meaningful results for my clients and adapt to ever-changing industries.

2. **Empathy and Communication:**
Years in the service industry taught me the importance of patience, active listening, and clear communication. These skills have shaped how I work with clients, ensuring I understand their needs, maintain open collaboration, and help them feel confident in the process.

3. **Adaptability:**
Embracing change has been crucial to my growth. From shifting career paths to redefining my work ethic, staying open to learning and evolving has allowed me to navigate challenges and pursue opportunities aligned with my passions and values.

Would you like me to expand on any of these?

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

“The Alchemist” and “The Warrior of the Light” by Paulo Coelho are my scriptures to life.

“Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.”
“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”
“The Warrior of the Light sometimes behaves like water, flowing around obstacles he encounters.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jennsandy.com
• Instagram: @jennsandyson/ @foundandphoto
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/jennsandy/
• Other: https://foundandphoto.etsy.com

Image Credits

All submitted images and photography were taken by me Jennifer Sanderson