Meet Jazz Benitez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jazz Benitez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jazz below.

Jazz, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’m not sure I have technically over come imposter syndrome, I think it’s more that I’ve taken the Elizabeth Gilbert approach to it. Imposter syndrome for me is alot like fear, and Gilbert expresses that we don’t deny that fear, we just ask it to sit in the back seat. It is not the driver, it is not the navigator, it is just a passenger. Passengers may have opinions on where we are going, how we are getting there, and what snacks to bring, but it is never aloud to drive.

That being said, for me, it’s a choice to not allow myself to get in the way of my own creative expression, healing journey, fitness goals, financial stability, or career aspirations. It’s not about giving myself permission to do, it’s knowing that I’m worth a greater version and I deserve those big visions for myself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Enjoy Life Art is in the business of providing a sense of wonder & collaboration to the community, and connection for every individual who comes to experience this beautiful thing we call life.

Creating large scale murals that involve community collaboration, private residential and business murals, and custom art pieces for families, my goal is to highlight your story and make it come alive through art.

Community Building:

As a creative I have enjoyed working in various types of art expression and have had the opportunity to work with

Midland Area Community foundations Public Arts Midland, and Art Seen where we have pushed Midlands Mission of “Together, Forward, Bold an inclusive community where everyone thrives” through the power of public art.

Parker Lane Art & Design Studio has been apart of my creative journey and career & I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without Dacias guidance and support. We have brought together a great local artists and I am so proud to be apart of such a vibrant community.

Working with Laura Brigham at Creative 360 to bring stage concepts to life for different plays has been a real dream come true, and I love working with her because she has helped me re-imagine the world of art in a very 3-dimensional way that is limitless.

Through The Breaking Bread Village I have the opportunity to be apart of an amazing movement of kind, open conversations. To sit at the table with people who see the world differently than me, and who have had vastly different experiences, and continue to choose to grow together.

Future Project
Some future projects I am currently working on is an immersive experience art show at Creative 360 in 2026.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I wouldn’t say I’m fearless because I am afraid of alot of things, but I’d say that I just don’t let that stop me.

I believe the grit & heart I have once I set my mind on something really is what has helped me press through to where I am today.

I also think that generosity, kindness, and an openess to other people’s experiences and where they are has given me the opportunity to know some amazing people, and in doing so has made great connections along the way.

Although I haven’t always been self aware in every situation, I believe knowing how to sweep your own side of the street while giving grace & making space for others is an important aspect of moving throught the world.

Also, believe in yourself, believe that your worth it, that you deserve it, and then go get it. Work hard, pushing through self doubt, and that loud voice that is telling you aren’t good enough. You are enough. You are worthy. Enjoy Life.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe that knowing the opportunity you have to grow is important. Using your “weakness” as an excuse not to do xyz will become a crutch that will slow you down later. Not to say don’t continue to build your strengths, but I want to be a well rounded leader.

I have worked for Live Oak for 8 years now. I love and believe in our mission to Like Coffee, & Love People. I can make a great cup of coffee, give you exceptional hospitality, and create efficient workflows etc. But Aaron & Renee have been trying to get me to drink the knowledge of business, strategy, and wellness and I have been reluctant to come to the well. I have sent others to the well, and I have heard amazing soundbites, but I didn’t dive head first, why? “Because when I’d take a disc assessment, or the enneagram, I’d read the informational and say, yeah, that’s me I know myself. I know I’m weak in these things. But I got it.” When in fact I was just standing in my own way of the path forward.

I am incredibly grateful to have leaders like Aaron, Renee, Dacia, & Daniel within the Ashman Plaza over the years. Specifically Aaron & Renee for this example because they have given me the grace to be authentically myself in every season of the past 8 years. & they never have given up on the dreams I’ve shared with them for myself. They’ve never given up on me and my pursuit of being a great leader in life.

This year I chose the word Wisdom. Last year I chose the word Joy. I have the wisdom now to know if I focus on a word like Joy, I will pursue it. So this year Wisdom, I am finding myself within that space and soaking in all the knowledge from my mentors, books, podcasts, motivational speakers, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.enjoylifejzb.com
• Instagram: Enjoylifejzb
• Facebook: Enjoylifejzb

Image Credits

Captured Photography
Renee Deckrow

Cudabeara Fine Arts & Photography
Alexis Bearinger