[bctt tweet=”The most fulfilling aspect has been the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”]
A vibrant and exceptionally hardworking public relations expert, Nigerian-American, Jennifer Onwumere, is the brainchild behind the Dallas, Texas, based Jen-gerbread Marketing. A young woman who painstakingly proves that the business hustle starts and ends with hard work, Jennifer is graciously African, proudly wearing her Nigerian roots everywhere that she goes.
Jennifer courageously embraces the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship, which guarantees that every day looks different and that every client carries a unique set of needs and expectations. With her a heart for the community, Jennifer continues to invest countless hours into the lives of others, and well understands that hard work can offer you the opportunity to do more for your world.
Here, Jennifer shares her advice on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in the Diaspora. Thank you Jennifer for your wisdom and for your commitment to helping businesses grow!
How would you describe what you do?
That is a great question. I have worked on a variety of projects ranging from non-profit and entertainment, to lifestyle and more. If I had to summarize what I do, I would say that I create the strategy and visibility/marketing plans for brands.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I have always been excited about the idea of being able to forge my own future. Being an entrepreneur allows me creative freedom as well as the chance to be innovative.
What inspired you to start a business such as this?
I have always been fascinated with consumer marketing and entertainment. It is interesting how different brand messages can attract customers and convert prospects into patrons.
My business has allowed me the opportunity to work with some amazing brands and have some great experiences. It has also allowed me the opportunity to work on the type of projects that I want to work on, and has challenged me to take on new project goals.
What do you love the most about being a marketing/ public relations expert?
I love the fact that I am able to create effective messaging and strategies for brands that I believe in. For example, I produce an annual event called Be a Blessing Day. For this event, we collect much needed toiletries for homeless and domestic violence survivors.
Working in my field as an entrepreneur has allowed me the opportunity to execute my vision and strategy in a creative way to achieve my project objectives. As a result, since its inception 5 years ago, over $10,000 worth in donated products, has been collected during Be a Blessing Day.
[bctt tweet=”I am excited every time I have a success, it just reinforces the fact that the sky is truly the limit” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”]
In the world of entrepreneurship, why is it important that brands like yours exist?
In my business, I have taken a primary focus on working with start-up businesses. I think that this allows me to serve a small business customer base that needs strategy and marketing support, but may not have the funds to hire a large corporate agency.
My niche allows me to focus on providing startups with the marketing assistance they need, at a rate that is conducive to their current financial resources.
What has been the most fulfilling aspect about your entrepreneurship venture?
The most fulfilling aspect has been the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship.
I never know what is going to happen next, but I am excited every time I have a success because it just reinforces the fact that the sky is truly the limit, and that I can do anything I put my mind to.
What have seen some of the challenges?
Being an entrepreneur definitely keeps you on your toes. You are never off the clock. You are always prospecting new clients, managing current clients, and managing any problems that may arise.
Despite the challenges, the joy comes in the fact that you are making your dreams come true, helping your clients achieve project objectives and educating consumers or prospects.
What would you say to a young woman who wanted to start a business like yours?
Don’t let fear stop you from achieving your dream.
If you have a business you want to start, launch it but be sure to launch with a plan. You must have a strategy for anything you want to achieve in life.
What do you think has been your greatest contribution to your work?
I never take on any project just for the money. I work on projects that I am truly passionate about and that causes me to go beyond my role to do everything that needs to be done for the project to be successful.
How do you ensure that your business remains relevant?
Never get comfortable. Continue to create, continue to network and build relationships, continue to invest back into other people.
As an African woman in the Diaspora, how do you maintain connections with other African peoples in the diaspora, and how do you make your work relevant to those living in the motherland?
I handle the PR and Strategy for AFRIMMA (African Muzik Magazine Awards). This project is special to me because it celebrates some of the most influential music and political figures in Africa.
As a Nigerian-American, this is very important to me because it allows me to play a role in an amazing event that celebrates the rich culture of not only Nigeria, but Africa as a whole.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I always make time to do something fun, whether traveling, social events and more. It’s great to work hard, but we are also working hard to enjoy life. So I try to never forget that.
[bctt tweet=”It’s great to work hard, but we are also working hard to enjoy life” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”]
How do you de-stress and/or unwind from a long day?
I love music, so I listen to all kinds of music from Afrobeat to hip-hop, pop, old school R&B and more.
If you were not an entrepreneur, what else would you be doing?
I would still be working in marketing and public relations in some capacity for a brand, public figure etc.
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