Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Carrington.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I am Jennifer Carrington and a designer at heart. I graduated with an architecture degree in 2000 and later a graphic design degree in 2007. I later launched www.JenniferCarrington.com (J Carrington and Associates, LLC) where we provide branding and consulting packages for small businesses and individuals alike. I have a passion for helping others achieve small wins that ultimately lead to huge business success. It starts with one brand at a time.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
In 2017 my family and I lost everything we own to Hurricane Harvey. Working out of a hotel while raising (2) young children was my “season of self-doubt” as I was out of pocket but, it built my character as it made me stronger. It prepared me for 2019 when my hubby of 20 years was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. The first storm built my character and I call it my “season of emotional drought” and “mental exhaustion;” I felt drained at times balancing child-rearing with caregiving responsibilities while maintaining a business full-time. These seasons combined taught me that growth and success aren’t always obvious. Growth means staying the course in the face of adversity and learning how to increase sustainability just long enough for it to cross paths with favor. It hasn’t always been easy, but I am so grateful, and because I have stayed the course. I am now in the “season of favor,” with the opportunity to inspire others. If you are reading this interview maybe it’s divine placement. So, I say to you, keep walking strong during times of life-altering circumstances and in due time, you shall reap if you faint not. Even when no one else understands, do it afraid, Keep moving forward.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
In recent years I developed a DIY software platform called www.5StarAppMaker.com which allows individuals to develop their own app and website in 1-day, (without code) simultaneously (in real-time) using ADI (artificial design intelligence) software. This “drag-n-drop” software aids the end-user to design without code or major tech knowledge. In 2018-2019 we were privileged to serve and obtain a contract to assist (2) local school districts (students grades 6-12) as a certified partner and present The J Carrington and Associates Career Enrichment Program that allowed students. parent and community members the opportunity to access resources to turn their idea into an official online and turn an idea into income. As licensed developers, this program also included the option of launching their very own app-based business in the Android and Apple stores in as little as 12 weeks.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Find a mentor. Mentorship is worth more than money can buy. My mentor took the time to write the forward for my books. One book is a 5-Step Interactive Guide called, “It’s Your Business, Get Informed, Get Inspired and Get Going.” I also share a little about the importance of mentorship in my other book designed to help professionals create a digital presence called, “App Design Basics for Professionals.” Both branding resources are dedicated to the induvial as well as the small business owner looking for a strategy on how to make a 6-figure income. A mentor is an individual you can confide in, who will celebrate your successes but most importantly tell you the truth. He or she must already be where you desire to be 10+ years from now. I talk about my mentor (who is the franchise owner of over 140 restaurants including, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Haggen-Daaz Ice Cream just to name a few) with pride as she is also the first female on the NFL board of directors and part-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks’ most importantly, she is a woman of faith and, shares the importance of seeing the invisible and doing the impossible.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success is nothing without self-investment. I struggled until I stopped giving away my content, investing only in those interested in investing in themselves. Those who valued themselves, purchased my branding kits, courses, and consults, soon became successful too! I have had individuals with no tech knowledge take a course, write a book, and she sold 100 copies before the book was published. This same person did all of this while she launched her digital platform all within 12 weeks. In the same year, she started an online course (wrote a manual that accompanied her online course) and made first $2500 with only (5) students with the course alone, not including the manual. Many of us tell ourselves, I can be successful all by myself. To that I say, we all need a strategy, a plan, or a blueprint. What if that someone gave you the blueprint to turn your idea into income and you made $6000/month, would you make the self-investment? If you say, no, then to that I say, you’ve been doing what you’ve been doing for 12 weeks already, right? So, how’s that been going for you?
What’s next for you?
I would love the ability to re-hire (my pre-pandemic staff) and to continue, maintain healthy business relationships grow global partnerships, and continue to care, share, and mentor others about generational wealth.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
I can be found on social media as Jennifer Carrington, or @JenCarrington00 or www.jennifercarrington.com