We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
During my 20s I got a degree in biology and started pursuing a career in conservation, parks and the environment. Yet every job I took never felt right. I felt like I had no passion for what I was doing. I felt controlled. I felt boxed in. Although I loved the outdoors, I realized that I loved being in nature as a past time, not as an obligation. So I used the skill of sewing, which I had been practicing all my life, and created a job. I didn’t start a business to be a “girl boss,” I started it to be happy! I knew that there was no way that I was going to spend 40 hours a week, for the majority of my life, doing something that I just tolerated. Embracing my natural talents to create my own career has been one of the best decisions of my life!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I offer private sewing lessons, alterations, and custom designs. I try to be versatile in my skills. I had one customer who decided she did not want to pay for alterations, but instead decided to pay me for sewing lessons so that she could do her own alterations! Jennty Designs is different from other businesses because of how customized my services are. With the alterations, for example, I can tailor the fit of a customers clothing with a simple hem, or completely restyle parts of the garment. Most alteration shops with a full staff are limited in the types of alterations they offer. They do not have as much creative freedom. I have learned many lessons in this journey, mainly because I do not come from a family of business owners and never took any business classes. One of the most important lessons I have learned is to stay calm in the hard times. Trust the process. Business goes through ups and downs. In the down times, I have to have a lot of trust in God, and not panic!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend did visit, about 2 years ago! Locally, we went to Lake Houston Wilderness Park. We had a pool day at my apartment. We spent a day on a cultural tour: visiting a grocery store in China Town, driving down Fondren and Harwin, and strolling through BLCK Market evening market. She had never been to Texas, so we spent a day road tripping to San Antonio and the Hill Country. She was also very impressed to experience Whataburger and Bucees.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, God has protected and guided me throughout my life. Without his wisdom and the deep internal nudges of his holy spirit, I would not have the peace and clarity I do. Not only in building a business but in all areas of my life. Also, my Mom! When I told her I wanted to study theatrical costuming, she said “Ok honey how exciting!” When I changed my major to Biology, she said “Go for it.” And she is still cheering me on now. A lot of parents try to persuade or control their kids when it comes to career choice, but she stepped back and respected my individual journey.

Website: www.jenntydesigns.com

Instagram: @jenntydesigns

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAW_6UummH9Awhpq-RuzQSA

Other: Youtube channel @jenntydesigns

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