Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Ford.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My starting point has actually been a journey in and of itself. I really got “started” less than a year ago. It just took having faith in my own ability to succeed. Once I truly started to believe in myself, I aligned my decisions with my thoughts. I use to second guess myself a lot, due to my struggles with Imposter Syndrome. I remember the day I had the idea to start my YouTube channel, Authentically Jen. The biggest step was just launching. Once I got started with the initial concept, so many doors opened for me.
I would also like to share a bit of my bio to help give the readers a bit more insight into who I am. My name is Jennifer Ford, but I’m also known as “Seer”. I am a writer, wordsmith, voice-over artist, actress, and mental health awareness advocate.
My artist name is “Seer”, because I believe my character also reflects a loving and accepting individual, especially with those who have been cast out, ostracized, or publicly humiliated. I have the same likeness, with a natural ability to read the timelines of others, so the name was very fitting.
I was born and raised in Memphis, TN. I am also the daughter of former State Senator, John Ford. It wasn’t easy coming from a prominent bloodline; one of the greatest representations of power in the city of Memphis. No other Black family for generations has had a hand in politics quite like the Fords. However, I always believed that my purpose was to do things a new way.
I truly desire to use my voice in every way. To uplift and inspire, encourage and entertain, edify and educate, and most importantly spread love. Writing has always been my number one love. I use to struggle with speaking in front of others, for most of my life. I am on a mission to break free from the fear of the unknown and all limitations.
Maya Angelou is one of the greatest muses of my life. The master of many herself and wordsmith did groundbreaking work with her masterpiece, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”. Maya Angelou paved the way for girls like me. I felt mute, for most of my life, but now I’ve found my voice through my creativity. I aspire to approach language and my writing with the same thoughtfulness and lyrical ability.
My message ultimately is to believe in yourself. When you know who you are, no one can ever tell you who you are. We must connect to our origin and Creator. I believe when you know where you came from and have a relationship with God, nothing in this world can stop you from being great. Walking in your power is possible when you know your worth. I didn’t know my worth for many years, but I believe when you know better, you do better. I’m better, now. Nothing will ever stop me again. Not even my former self.
My YouTube channel, Authentically Jen, was created as an outlet for me to share positive messages. Therapy has been essential to my growth personally and professionally. It use to be challenging for me to see solutions. Once I started to deal with my true feelings in therapy, I learned to express myself more freely. I wasn’t as judgmental towards myself. I gained a new perspective. With this new outlook on life, I was inspired to create messages to motivate myself through each difficulty I face.
Additionally, I created a Facebook group, Seer Spotlight, to highlight up-and-coming talent, provide a platform to share content, and bring more visibility to local artists and entrepreneurs. So many people in my city have lacked recognition and support. My idea was birthed from constantly sharing posts on my personal page. It doesn’t cost to share! Sharing content costs nothing! I believe this is the beginning of something much greater.
I recently made my first film debut as an extra, in the short film, Ruined: Twice Blind. My character’s name is Selena, she is the girlfriend of Tyler Raines. It premiered in March 2022, at a private screening in Memphis, TN. The film was directed by Tymika Chambliss.
Lastly, I am a rising voice-over artist. My voice has been featured on a few live animation projects and upcoming albums with local artists.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road for me. I’ve had my share of obstacles along the way.
The biggest thing for me has been staying consistent and keeping the same momentum, in the face of adversity. I have learned to encourage myself daily and take things one day at a time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Acting is still fairly new for me. I have upcoming projects that I’m very excited to announce. Recently, I was blessed with an opportunity to be featured in Hood Fables. The film, “Lil Red”, is like a modern day adaptation of “Little Red Riding Hood”. It has been a very surreal experience working alongside LaDell Beamon, the Founder of Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis. I will also be working with Literacy Mid-South as a summer associate, which will give me more opportunities to work hands on with the youth and other great organizations.
I am an aspiring voice-over artist, and I desire to break out into more roles this year. My next upcoming project will be with the comic book “Micro Wars”. I will be the voice of Naomi. Most people are not familiar with me as an artist, but I look forward to getting in the studio more often as well to showcase my gift.
My business platform is called Seer Spotlight. I enjoy collaborating with other creatives with the common goal of building a supportive community. I love to highlight the work and accomplishments of others, share valuable resources and services offered by local entrepreneurs, and network.
I believe I am most known right now for my platform because I support so many people. It’s almost been a year since I stepped out on faith and created Seer Spotlight. I have to say besides creating my YouTube channel Authentically Jen, I am most proud of that!
My faith in myself is what sets me apart from others. The more I believe I AM, the more I become who I never thought I could be. That person definitely is set apart. I don’t believe anyone else is like me.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I am an avid reader and book collector.
My inspiration comes from many resources. One book I would highly recommend to anyone is, “Relational Intelligence: The People Skills You Need for the Life of Purpose You Want” by Dharius Daniels.
My favorite podcasts are “Black Is America Podcast” and “The Start-Up Life” by Owls, LLC. Dominic Lawson inspires me to be better as a future Podcaster and public speaker.
Contact Info:
- Email: seerspotlight@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/SeerSpotlight
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_authentically_jen/ | https://www.instagram.com/seer_spotlight/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38915534
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/jennyminnie
Image Credits:
Courtnee Waiters, @Crowned_Visions_Studio, Ryan Mitchell, and PhvntmFuego
