We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jen Ryall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jen, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
What is considered a huge risk for one might not feel like as large of a risk for another. Risk is subjective to environment. My childhood was spent moving to a new city every couple of years which meant being forced into a new school, a new neighborhood, a new set of friends, and many new climates. It taught me early on that change doesn’t necessarily have to be a scary thing and that sometimes new beginnings are needed for growth. You can improve your abilities and self-confidence by venturing outside of your comfort zone. Growing up, I was thrown into my parents’ risky situations and I didn’t have a choice but to be along for the ride! In growing older, those experiences have influenced the way I respond to change and risk. I try to focus on the positive outcomes and let go of anxiety. What is the absolute worst that can happen? When envisioning outcomes or scenarios for a risky decision, I often realize it’s all really not that bad which helps greatly in moving past the fear of failure!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My passion is discovering historical buildings and reviving them into creative spaces for photo production, filming, and events. There are so many gems that don’t get the love and refresh they deserve – I’m here to find them all! What I love most about my work, is combining collaborations amongst the entertainment industry creatives and the arts communities that surround my studio locations. I donate the venues once a quarter to a local organization or cause to further support community involvement and personal growth. My most recent project included offering free self defense classes to local women taught by a trained marine and bodyguard. I am dreaming of future expansion and always on the look-out for my next hidden landmark!
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?
A few things I believe are so important (both in business and in personal life) are having honest communications, setting and sticking to boundaries, and always doing your best! Staying consistent with these qualities not only assists in the self care of an entrepreneurial lifestyle but it also ensures if something isn’t working out that you have appropriately covered what’s important to you.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Despite obvious results of success and hard work, I found myself downplaying or hiding some of my accomplishments due to self-doubt and feelings of imposter syndrome. I ultimately decided that I am worthy! The content, experiences, and events created in my spaces are worthy! Celebrating hard work and even the small wins throughout this past year has helped me focus on progress instead of perfection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theclaralosangeles.com/ AND https://www.nakedeyestudiorental.com/
- Instagram: @theclaralosangeles AND @nakedeyestudiorental
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-panczenko/
Image Credits
Lily Tapia Photography, Tim Street Porter, Joe Bryant, Jen Ryall
