Meet Jenny Kern

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jenny Kern. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jenny, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Over the last few years, my mental health has definitely taken some hits — between a painful breakup, an ACL surgery, and the pressure of trying to build a business in music. There were moments where everything felt overwhelming and honestly pretty isolating. But I’ve learned to keep moving through it by being honest with myself about what I need and allowing myself to ask for support instead of pretending I can push through everything alone. Therapy has been a huge part of my stability. I’ve been working with the same therapist for years, and having that consistent space to talk, reflect, and process has made a massive difference. When things got harder, I chose to step into further mental health treatment, and that decision became a real turning point for me — a reminder that taking care of myself is non-negotiable. Music has also been one of the biggest forces in helping me heal. It’s changed my life in ways I didn’t expect. Writing and producing aren’t just creative outlets for me — they’ve become places where I can put emotions that I don’t always have words for. Making music has grounded me when I’ve felt lost, given me purpose when everything else felt uncertain, and reminded me of the parts of myself that are strong, intuitive, and capable of growth. Even on days when I’m low, showing up creatively — even in the smallest way — pulls me forward. It reminds me that I’m still evolving and that there’s something meaningful waiting on the other side of whatever I’m going through. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that persistence doesn’t always look strong or perfect. Sometimes it’s quiet, messy, and honest. And acknowledging when you need support — whether through therapy, community, or the music you make — is actually one of the strongest things you can do.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a Brooklyn-based artist, producer, and creative consultant. Most of my work lives at the intersection of music creation and artist development. On the artist side, I release indie-pop music and spend a lot of time in the studio writing, producing, and shaping the sound I’m building. On the production side, I work with other artists to help them bring their ideas to life — whether that’s building a track from the ground up, co-writing, or helping them refine their sonic identity.

One of the most exciting parts of my career recently has been stepping fully into the producer role. I’ve spent years developing my skills quietly, and now I’m finally getting to use them consistently for both my own music and for other artists. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone find their sound and watching their confidence grow through the process.

I also run Timbre Management, where I work with emerging artists on strategy, branding, release planning, booking, and overall development. The industry can feel overwhelming without support, so I’ve built a space where artists can get real guidance, transparent communication, and help that actually moves their career forward.

Right now, I’m expanding my studio work and opening my space up for more collaborations — co-writes, production sessions, and creative partnerships. I’m also working on new releases of my own, continuing to refine a sound that leans atmospheric, warm, and emotive.

Overall, my brand is shaped by two things: making good music and helping other artists grow. Everything I do fits somewhere within those two lanes, and I’m excited about how both sides continue to evolve.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are determination, passion, and the support system I’ve built around me.

Determination has carried me through the moments when things were anything but easy — whether it was rebuilding after setbacks, navigating the highs and lows of the industry, or learning new skills from scratch. In music, there’s no clear roadmap, so being able to stay focused and keep showing up, even when things feel uncertain, has been essential.

Advice: Get comfortable with slow progress. Keep showing up, keep practicing, and keep moving forward even when it feels like nothing is happening. Consistency is what separates growth from stagnation.

Passion is the thing that keeps everything alive. It’s what gets me through long studio days, what pushes me to experiment, and what reminds me why I chose this path in the first place. Passion makes the work sustainable — not because it makes it easy, but because it makes it meaningful.

Advice: Protect your passion. Make space for things that inspire you, try new ideas without judging yourself, and stay curious. The second you stop exploring, the work starts feeling heavy.

And honestly, the support of my friends and family has been just as important as anything else. Having people who believe in you, who ground you, and who remind you of who you are when you forget — that’s invaluable. Especially in a creative career, community keeps you steady.

Advice: Build your circle intentionally. Surround yourself with people who encourage you, who give honest feedback, and who understand your goals. You don’t need a huge network — just a few people who truly get it and care.
If you’re early in your journey, the biggest thing I can say is: don’t rush the process. Develop your skills, nurture your passion, and lean on your people. Growth takes time, but if you stay committed, stay honest, and stay connected, you’ll build something real.

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?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believe in me long before I believed in myself. They never pushed me toward a certain path — they just supported the one I felt called to, even when it didn’t make much sense on paper. Knowing that I had people in my corner who trusted my instincts, my talent, and my ability to figure things out gave me the confidence to take risks, keep going, and build a life in music. That kind of quiet, steady belief shaped everything.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo credit: Mara Rothman and Linnea Sumner

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Increasing Your Capacity for Risk-Taking

The capacity to take risk is one of the biggest enablers of reaching your full

Productivity
From Exhausted to Energized: Overcoming and Avoiding Burnout

Between Hustle Culture, Work-From-Home, and other trends and changes in the work and business culture,

Productivity
How did you develop a strong work ethic?

We asked some of the hardest working artists, creatives and entrepreneurs we know to open