Meet Jennifer Ford | Writer | Event Curator | Voice-Over Artist | Creator of Seer Spotlight

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

Hi Jennifer, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” — Howard Washington Thurman

I believe this quote affirms the childlike faith within me and my desire to always be free in my creativity. That’s what makes me feel alive, and I like how it validates those qualities as being essential to the world. It’s important to allow your light to shine through because it can greatly impact and inspire others in a positive way. I believe in leading by example and being connected with people who embrace and bring out the very best in you.

If you choose to be surrounded by anyone at all, be sure they truly love and support you in private as well as publicly.

I recall reading a post about cultivating good character that really resonated with me. It’s what people don’t see, like internal dialogue you have about others.

People will literally show a display of good character and intentions outwardly and inwardly despise the hell out of you. I want people around me with the best intentions in the light and the dark, otherwise things will inevitably not work out.

One of the most beautiful moments I’ve witnessed was also a sad one. One of my dear friends passed away from cancer, and he was the same age as me. Seeing a true person of character transition was sad, but knowing he surrounded himself with the same kind of people will always remain within me.

Sometimes because of how much we care, we fight to hold onto the very things that will lead to our own destruction. I just simply cannot misplace my cares anymore. I’ve made that mistake before because I desired to help so much. I’ve learned the best thing you can do is never help to your own detriment. You can only save yourself and cannot make that choice for others, no matter how much you care for them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My name is Jennifer Ford, also known as “Seer”. I created my platform “Seer Spotlight” two years ago, initially by sharing information online through my Facebook group. “Seer Spotlight” has been dedicated to highlighting/sharing positive content and providing valuable resources within the community. More recently, as “Seer Spotlight” I became the curator of my own concert series, featuring various up-and-coming Indie Artists from Memphis and the Mid-South region.

I believe my passion to see others receive recognition for the work they do/services they provide has always set me apart from most. My selflessness and drive to support the community as a whole has been a big part of who I am even as a child.

I never would have imagined I’d have the faith to create a path for myself like this. Certain opportunities just didn’t seem to be possible for me because of my circumstances. It took a lot of courage for me to see beyond all of that, especially being a single mother with very little support. It can feel a bit intimidating to put yourself out there with no certainty of the outcome. I’m definitely most proud of myself for pushing beyond those limitations and going for my dreams.

Even though I may have lacked help and even recognition from my loved ones at times, I was blessed to have amazing guides along the way, who believed in me. With their encouragement and resources, it made it possible to be where I am today. Although this is still the beginning for me, I’ve definitely come a long way from where I started.

It’s been very challenging to overcome life’s obstacles at times, but I just give all glory to God for enabling me to never give up. I had to learn to face things head on and balance my work and personal life. You can’t put more into one aspect and neglect the other. Stability is very important to me.

I want the world to know it’s possible for your dreams to become a reality, as long as you believe in yourself. It all starts within. I desire for that to be evident through my testimony and my brand. I want others to know how impactful it is to genuinely support others. It doesn’t always have to involve money. It can be something as simple as sharing a positive experience or recommendation. I hope to impact others with my platform in a positive way that leaves a lasting impression of love. Love is what compels me to give back to others.

If anyone would like to continue to help my vision expand by making a donation, please refer to the link below. All donations are greatly appreciated, especially since everything I do is funded out of pocket. Sponsors are very important right now to continue to help make things possible.

https://gofund.me/e41e1ebe

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Memphis, I would definitely not only take them to some familiar local gems, but places I’ve yet to experience personally as well. I think it would definitely be fun to check out historical places, such as The Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum and The National Civil Rights Museum. We could check out the Memphis Mojo Tour and go on a Scavenger hunt, then stroll down Beale Street and South Main Street. There’s a lot of different restaurants to check out downtown, like B.B. Kings Blues Club for great food and live music, Flight for fine dining, or Sage Restaurant for Southern comfort food. The Peabody Hotel would be great one day as well for food, shopping, and maybe catching the ducks marching in the lobby. There’s a lot of exciting people in the Midtown area and lots of things to do as well such as the Cooper Young Garden Walk, visit the Memphis Zoo, and Crosstown Concourse. Overton Park is great as well, especially if we catch one of the local Vendors/food trucks. I personally love Frost Bakery, O.B. Donuts, and Nothing Bundt Cakes in the East Memphis area when I have a sweet tooth, so I’d definitely incorporate that in the visit. There’s also usually great performances with local Artists happening during the week and open mics at places like Hi-Tone, Railgarten, Black Lodge, and Memphis Music Room that would be fun at night. Growlers is another music venue that I’ve personally used for my showcases that typically has shows from various Artists as well. There’s honestly a lot of options to name, especially depending on the time of year.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to send a special shoutout to a great mentor and community leader who deserves more support and recognition for all he does for others.

Always Giving Back Memphis, Inc., founded by C. L. Tim Williams, has been a phenomenal non-profit organization to assist me along my journey.

Always Giving Back centers on philanthropic goals (e.g. charitable, educational, performing arts, religious, or other activities serving the public interest or common good). I highly recommend checking out more here and donating if you can: https://www.alwaysgivingback.org/.

I would also like to give a tremendous shout out to a phenomenal Visual Artist, who continues to dedicate himself to mastering his craft. Ryan, better known as FIRE SIGN, continues to stay on top of new ways to be innovative as an Artist and asset within the community. His greatness stretches far beyond designing. He also has a green thumb and affinity for nature. His skills are very vital to others, especially low income families who could benefit from learning how to grow their own food to survive through today’s economy. Check out his art here:

Website: https://linktr.ee/SeerSpotlight

Instagram: www.instagram.com/seer_spotlight/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=38915534

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/jennyminnie

Other: tiktok.com/@seer_spotlight www.instagram.com/_authentically_jen/

Image Credits
FIRE SIGN Visualiens Crowned_Visions_Studio ULUA Photography Juste Niyonzima