We recently connected with Jennifer Lynn and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I developed my confidence and self-esteem as a plus-size woman by first acknowledging the insecurities I faced about my appearance. By becoming aware of the negative comments often directed at plus-size individuals, I took back my power and learned to stay one step ahead of negativity. This realization gave me immense confidence. Additionally, I focused on how to dress my body in a flattering way, chose a hairstyle that suited me, and began using makeup to stand out instead of blending in. These changes helped me embrace my individuality and build a more positive self-image.
Over time, I became the person all my friends would ask for fashion and beauty advice! I recognized that this is a skill that would easily translate in the influencing world. When influencers first became popular, women like me weren’t represented nearly as much as they are now, and I still think we have a long way to go. Knowing that I’m helping get more representation of different body types out there into the content creation world continues to give me more confidence by the day. It makes me proud to know that other women will see someone who experiences what they do when they scroll through skincare and beauty content.
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 create mostly skincare and beauty content, but I delve into lifestyle content as a way for my audience to get to know me. I am based in the beautiful PNW, specifically Portland, OR and I like to highlight what life is like in the PNW because I do take immense pride in where I come from. Filming can definitely be tricky with how many cloudy, rainy days we get, so I’ve learned how to adapt and batch content when I’ve got good daylight!
I love creating content about products that may be overhyped and giving my honest opinion, letting people know when a viral product was justified in going viral and why, as well as introducing them to products they may never have heard of otherwise. This means I do quite a bit of Korean skincare content as well as work with smaller brands/small businesses in new product launches.
I am starting to film and plan for holiday content and intend to balance overconsumption trends by featuring useful gift ideas vs items that don’t have use beyond the holidays or would end up at thrift stores without ever being used. I lean toward budget friendly options with the philosophy that sometimes you deserve an upscale “treat yourself” moment if you can reasonably afford to do so.
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?
Empathy has significantly improved my content creation strategies by helping me understand my audience’s needs, preferences, and pain points more deeply. By putting myself in their shoes, I can craft content that resonates emotionally, addresses specific challenges, and offers valuable solutions. This connection not only boosts engagement but also builds trust and loyalty with my audience. Ultimately, I find that empathetic content creation leads to more authentic and impactful messaging that aligns with my audience’s values and experiences, making my overall strategy much more effective.
Resilience has been essential for my content creation journey, as it allows me to bounce back from setbacks and criticism. When a piece doesn’t perform as expected, I learn from the experience and adapt my approach instead of giving up. This era of my influencing journey is actually not my first attempt at content creation. I had given it a try back in 2019 with a huge emphasis on fashion vs beauty now. I had a hard time growing my account and never got over 500 followers; soon enough the pandemic set in during early 2020 and I lost steam – creating outfits when you can’t go anywhere was no longer fulfilling me, so I discontinued the page. Now in 2024 I’ve revived that same Instagram, added TikTok into the mix, and have seen much more success. I’m glad I’ve given content creation another shot, because it’s been very fulfilling.
Being a “girl’s girl” has been instrumental in my success in content creation. It has fostered a genuine sense of community and support among my audience, allowing me to connect with women on a deeper level. By celebrating and uplifting each other’s stories and experiences, I create content that resonates authentically, encouraging engagement and loyalty. This strong network has not only inspired my creativity but has also helped me build a brand rooted in empowerment and collaboration. There are so, so many seats at the table, and there’s room for everyone.
If you’re early in your journey in content creation my biggest advice is to not get discouraged too soon. Content creation is a roller coaster and there will always be ups and downs in the performance of your content. Take the lows and really analyze them – what about the content didn’t resonate with your audience? Develop your resilience to keep going even if content doesn’t perform well; always create content that you love. If you love it, it won’t feel like a chore to stick to a posting schedule. Most of all – foster a community. I really like to lead by example of what it means to truly be a “girl’s girl” and supporting everyone’s content genuinely. I’m proud of my content creator friends when they get new collaborations, I share resources whenever I can, and I recognize that there’s plenty of opportunity out there for so many of us to succeed. This allows me to be secure in my own journey. Being a girl’s girl doesn’t mean you allow yourself to get walked all over, though – it’s okay to stand up for yourself when boundaries are crossed, but remember – not everything needs to be a fight. I love the community I’ve built, and I encourage you all to build a community that resonates and supports you – it’s the best feeling!
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal following in the beauty and skincare niche consists of women of all ages who are eager to learn about proper skin care and embrace their natural beauty. I strive to create content that resonates with them, emphasizing that makeup should be a form of self-expression rather than a mask to hide behind. In my community, we’re all about supporting one another and celebrating successes, creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to share their journey and thrive together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Jenniferlynnshops
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlynnshops
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennifer_pdx
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