Meet Jenn Rodriguez

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

Jenn, 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 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.
Wow. Overcoming imposter syndrome… It was not easy. It’s something I still deal with every now and then. But one thing I try to remember is where my identity truly lies. My identity lies in who God says I am, and the type of woman I desire to be. I then recollect all of the work and past experiences I’ve had that have prepared me for this very moment.

For example, during my 18 years in the corporate world, I landed what I thought would be my dream job at a major beauty retailer. We went through a life changing training on leadership, business building, retaining talent, and my favorite… The Art of Questioning.

Learning about The Art of Questioning not only changed how I interacted with clients and team, but 5 years later, I still use those practices to interview celebrities as a media correspondent. Although changing careers was intimidating, I had to remember I’ve had years of practice. That, along with being myself, has helped me OWN my place in the media world and every room I enter.

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?
I guess I would call myself Businesswoman on the Rise! After 18 years in the corporate world, I launched my next journey as an entrepreneur, Digital Content Creator and Media Correspondent for Ebony Magazine.

As an Ebony Magazine Media Correspondent and Host, I’ve worked the red carpets at events such as the Ebony Power 100, Mike Epps’ Comedy Netflix Special at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, and 1983’s Blak Gala. I’ve also facilitated celebrity interviews with the likes of Bishop T.D. Jakes, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Whoopi Goldberg, Jaime Foxx, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Hudson, Yara Shahidi, Tina Knowles- Lawson, Kenya Moore, Kandi Burress-Tucker and many more. I was also a co-host of Ebony Magazine’s internet show, “The Rundown,” presented by SmartWater.

As a Digital Content Creator, I share beauty, fashion, lifestyle and inspiration- infused content that empowers and uplifts others. I’ve been a UGC Content Creator for 7 years and partner with multiple brands and companies monthly. In addition, I edit and produce media content for other small businesses.

Recently, I launched a trendy fashion brand and online boutique called The LXYRD Collection. The LXYRD (pronounced “layered” ) Collection is a judgement-free, safe space for all to shop, bond, and discover inspiration for their next look. With this venture, I inspire women to embrace all facets of their style by providing easy-to-layer items that are sustainable, can complement what women have in their closet, or are easily matched with other items on the site.

My greatest passion is motivating women and bringing positivity and excitement to the black community. My greatest role, however, is being mother to my 7 year old daughter, Merci.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Excellence, Discipline, and Consistency. If you’re early in your journey, these 3 things should be your focus and best friend.

Excellence matters. Whether it’s your first day or 100th, you and your work are a representation of your brand and sets a standard. Even if you’re just starting out with what you have, think about how your brand needs to resonate with your clients, customers, potential investors or other brands in order to be successful.

With discipline and consistency, you will show up for your business daily. There are going to be late nights and early mornings. It will be uncomfortable and sometimes, it’ll plain suck that you have to miss things. But building a brand is like riding a bike: nothing moves until you start pedaling and everything stops when you stop. Once you find your groove and begin partnering with others, that’s when others can keep some things afloat while you focus on expanding.

Until then, put in the work, take care of yourself along the way (get your rest, stay hydrated, etc.), and show up.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
They believed in me, even when I didn’t have the strength to believe in myself. Both my mom and dad have always been my greatest cheerleaders, without shame! Although my dad has passed, I’ll always remember when he would post comments on every beauty video to show his support, although he knew nothing about wigs or makeup. He never failed to tell me how proud of me he was. And my mom… she’ll cheer me on in anything. I remember her catching me doing my morning workouts while on vacation, and she kept saying “Ok Jenn, you better do those squats!” “Yaaasss, come on push-ups! You’re doing good, Jenn!”

It took me back to being on the basketball court, track field and dancing stage. I could always hear my parents cheering for me. With their support, I felt like I could do and be anything, And I still do.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
The Portrait Lounge

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.
Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,