Hi friends. Welcome to the Life With Loverly podcast. I’m Brittany, a wife, mom, and lifestyle entrepreneur here to help you discover your best daily style and encourage you to try new things when getting dressed each day. I took a tiny following on social media and turned it into a community of over one million amazing women, and I am so glad you’re here. I’ll be sharing my heart with you beyond the 15 seconds on Instagram, so we’ll be diving into things like personal growth, friendships, motherhood, marriage, and of course, the business of blogging. Really, this space is here to serve as your go- to resource to building a life you adore while sprinkling some kindness to others along the way. Grab an iced coffee and let’s do life together. I’m Brittany, and this is the Life With Loverly podcast. Hi friends. Welcome back to the Life With Loverly podcast. I’m thrilled to bring you today’s episode because I had the chance to sit down with Jen Reed, who you probably know as The Sister Studio on Instagram. Jen is a wife, mom of two, and creator of the Sister Studio, which is a digital space she has grown to over two million followers, helping us all find and enjoy affordable and achievable style. In this episode, Jen and I chat about the early days of growing a brand on Instagram, the importance of your girlfriend group text, her advice for new creators, how to elevate any outfit, and building her fragrance and candle company life and lilac. Jen is a true girl’s girl and a cheerleader of all those around her. I know you’ll be encouraged by this episode. Here’s my conversation with Jen Reid. Hi friends. Welcome back to today’s episode of The Life with Loverly podcast. I’m so excited to have one of my old friends and one of my first friends in the influencer space. I’m sure you guys are all familiar, but Jen Reed is joining us today. Hi, how are you?

Hello, hello. I’m good. I’m so excited to be talking to you. I feel like it’s been a minute since

I know.

… got to really connect.

Truly sit down and we are overdue for a major wine night of discussing all the things.

Yes.

Truly. I know we’ve talked in the past about just getting a group of girls and going somewhere and it’s like, okay, I want to take those conversations out of the group chat and make it happen.

Same. It’s needed. It would fill all of our cups, that’s for sure.

I know. We talk about that a lot just in the influencer space, how it can be so lonely at times, but so just once you get together with other creators, how just fulfilled you feel.

Yes. It’s a little isolating a little bit because I mean, we all have our people and our friends or teams in our corner, but we’re like, “What about everybody else? Are they experiencing these highs and these lows?” And you just need someone to also just to connect with and say, “Yeah, we’re dealing with those same things here,” or, “This has really been working for us.” I’ve learned so much just from other creators, even like you or to choose share advice or whatever. It’s so nice.

Well, it’s interesting because I feel like after the meeting in Dallas in January, there were so many tips from that that I was like, “Hold on. I’m going to try that. ” And it started working.

Same, because we all get stuck in our ways, but only because we don’t really know any different

I know.

One is kind enough to offer up some things that have worked for them. And then we’re all like, “Okay.”

Yeah, totally. Okay. So I know this is a crazy time of year. Are you feeling the pressure with your kids and school ending and just like I feel like these next two weeks are about to be wild and crazy. How do you handle mom life and running a business and showing up on the internet in times where it’s crazy?

I will tell you right now, so you and I are in different seasons because your kids are still a lot younger than mine. When your kids get to the ages that they are mine, instead of being like, “Oh my gosh, we’re so great for summer.” And then a week later you’re like, “No, what’s going on? ” The kids are like … Your kids still are very dependent on you. Mine are more independent. And so you really realize that time is fleeting and you cannot wait to have any extra time with your kids. So it’s a little bit different. So we are in a season where I’m looking forward to it and each summer I’ve gotten better about making sure I’m prioritizing that limited summertime with the kids and maybe work has to go a little bit slower and then as soon as they’re back, then I’m grinding it out. But it was about two years ago when I realized, oh my gosh, now it’s going by so fast and now they don’t always are going to want to hang out with me. And then in six years, Camden’s going to be going to college.

That is crazy.

Crazy. And so, but when they were younger, it was major freak out because I need to work and these kids need my attention every minute and they need activities. What are we doing next? What are we doing next? So I will say it’s a little bit different in the season that we’re in because they’re like little adults. So it’s different, but it’s fun. These are really, really fun ages. It’s good. So I’m actually, at this phase in life, I’m really looking forward to that.

Yeah. Well, and it’s so interesting because just thinking back to when you first started, and I mean, I remember some of your very first stories were sitting in your garage, your kids are playing and you’re talking to the internet. For those of us who have known you for a really long time and have followed along, and I’m sure so many of your followers too, just watching your kids where they are and growing up is just really cool. But how have you felt just that things have changed since when we first started to now … I mean, I feel like it’s like a completely different world.

So I will say a lot of times, I’m like, “I miss the good old days.” I just felt it was just more intimate. And even though, even having a larger following even then, just the industry itself seemed more intimate. And now oftentimes it can feel like a rat race. And because this is an industry that is constantly growing and more and more saturated, sometimes I feel like it’s harder for people to want to just jump in and connect with you because they don’t realize that I am an influencer that really does want that connection where some, that’s not really what they’re trying to do and that’s fine. Everybody has their own, whatever works for them. And so it’s just different. I feel like as consumers, as viewers of influencers, everything has shifted. And not that I don’t love my job, and I’m sure you do as well, but I do kind of miss how it just seemed more intimate a little bit back 10 years ago.

I know, which is so wild. One of the things I was thinking about is like back then, so much of what bloggers, really before the influencer term came to be, it felt like there were so many people sharing more higher end luxury items, and I feel like you took a different route. How do you feel going that route really set you up for success in where you are now?

It’s crazy. And I get asked this a lot, but so back in the day, everything was very inspirational, editorial, very expensive. I had quit my job. I mean, we were barely, barely, barely getting by. And even growing up, we never went without ever. I don’t even think I even realized until I was an adult that we didn’t have as much money as I thought that we did because my parents never, it wasn’t like a thing, but we never lived a frivolous life. So I’ve always been like that way my whole life. And so I was watching a lot of influencers. I mean, I’ve always loved breeding blogs and people stop their fashion, but I couldn’t afford any of that stuff. And if I had extra money we had, always went to the kids. And so I was like, “Well, I still look cute, darn it. I’m still looking really good at my Walmart and my Target and my Marshalls and my TJ Maxx.” And so I just started sharing that kind of casually. And I felt like in that moment, I mean, there just weren’t a lot of people doing that, not any really that I had seen or had really taken off in that direction. And so I started growing rapid fire fast because people were telling their friend, “Well, there’s just one influencer and she’s going to Target and she looks cute or there’s this influencer and she’s wearing whatnot.” And so I feel like at that moment, a lot of women felt like seen. They felt seen like, “I’m in the same season of life as you. We’re like barely getting by or the money we do have again has to go to other things and not the jacket I’m wearing or whatever.” And so that niche, and I think about too my childhood, sometimes I think about like the God’s plan for me and the way I was raised and everything kind of led me to that. And then now it’s harder because that is influencing is you trying to share a lot of times people share affordable things, but in the beginning-

It was not like that.

It was not like that at all. I was not shopping from any influencer because I could not afford or justify the cost of things that were being shown to me, even though I loved looking at it, loved, and I still do.

Totally. Well, and I also feel like around the time where you and I were starting out and some others, it gave us a chance to be seen and share what we felt was worth sharing. We were sharing beautiful things that was affordable, that anybody could then recreate that look and feel good in their skin, but not at this huge price point. And it almost like, I mean, I remember I used to shop at Loft with my mom when she was a teacher and I was in high school. And so then to be sharing a loft try and I’m like, “This is crazy. It’s coming full circle.” But I feel like if more people knew about this affordable work find or whatever, it just gave average women this opportunity to be like, “Ooh, I can look good like that. ” And it’s still, I feel good.

And I feel like back then, our niches were so … Okay, this is interesting. I didn’t think about this, so you just said that about workwear. Our niches that we had, maybe it was me sharing affordable stuff, you were really doing a lot of workwear back then. And I mean, all my friends who were in offices were like, “Love really great is the it girl for workwear.” And it was like cute stuff, but it wasn’t stuffy. It was like cute workwear and things, you always style things in ways that people’s brain didn’t naturally think to do. And so that was your niche and everybody, and then maybe it’s me over here with affordable, but it wasn’t very saturated. So it was like, these were your go- to girls for this. And now there’s like 10,000 girls who do affordable and there’s 10,000 girls who do work wear. And it’s like so much harder. I’m like, oh yeah. And I love, love, love to see new creators come up and excited and then this all is so great. But it was just so different back then. It was easier for people to know like, I know Jen for this and

Totally

I’m great for this.

I know. And now I feel like it’s like … Oh, I feel like we gave this level of encouragement to these other girls who were also like, “I kind of want to share that too, or I feel like I have a good sense of fashion,” which is great. I’m happy that we were in encouragement, but now I feel like we’re in a part where it’s like, “Okay, how do we continue to stay standing out? ” I mean, I know speaking for myself, sometimes I’m like, “Gosh, everybody is sharing X, Y, Z item from Target or XYZ from Old Navy.”

It’s tricky. And consumers sometimes think like, well, why … I get this sometimes in DMs, well, why are all these creators sharing the same things? And I’m like, “I’ve been sharing these things for 10 years.” It’s just that the market has gotten larger. And so I don’t know what to say. It tends to happen.

Well, also there’s only so many retailers.

Right. And the good ones are good and that’s why we’re all shopping there and that’s why our followers are excited to shop those stores also.

Yeah. It’s so interesting. Do you feel like there was one thing or one season where things just really took off for you that you look back and you’re like, I can pinpoint to that one time where it started just really going up.

I feel like I started having … A lot of growth in the beginning was when we all started doing all, I think it was just a couple of us pursuing stories because this is before y’all, we were old. So this is before there were stories, okay? So then stories became a thing and then we started doing the try-ons which I know now is such a normal thing, but that was not a thing back then. And I know you remember slowly and surely some of us would share a few things in a dressing room and then we’re like, “Okay, now we’re going to do this. ” And people were like, women were like, “Oh my God, watching QVC, this is so great.”

Yeah, this is great.

Yeah. So I can see that. And so I feel like that was building a lot of momentum for me. And then I feel like it really kind of took off and this was for Black Friday and I had this great idea, I’m going to get up on Black Friday as I always do with my family and I’m going to share the best of the best deals for toys at the time, kids clothes, for women, for gifts, whatever. And I got up and I still do this to this day and now I feel like a lot of people do that. So it’s not anything new, but back then I was like, “We’re about to Black Friday this up and we’re going to do it together.” And I would record my screen and I’m like, I mean, it was not very good to it, but it was literally just like scrolling sides and I would be talking through like, “If that’s a good deal, that’s not. ” And then I’d compile some things and then people were like, “This was so helpful. Oh my goodness, thank you. I love doing that with you.” And then now 10 years later, we still do the same thing. But that was another big people got to talking like, “Okay, Jen’s the girl for the Black Friday.”

Like finding you the sales that you should actually spend your money on. Well, it’s so funny because I feel like you and I were at the beginning of that affordability, the sale alerts, I was like a lot more specifically work wear, but then I feel like even being like on the LTK platform, all of a sudden there was this shift of, “Oh, sale alerts are something that is driving traffic, like sales.” And so then they really started shifting, trying to get everybody to be like, “Whoa, sales are bringing in a lot. Let’s talk sales.” Whereas that was not something that even they were focusing on.

No, in the beginning, no one wanted to share sales.

Right. Which is kind of weird because-

There were very few of us that were like, “Hey, this is going to be helpful. This is on sale today.” And then I remember being asked by other creators at the time, “But why would you share sales stuff?” And I’m like, “Well, what do you mean?”

Because more people will buy it.

My entire life.

Literally. I mean, I remember going into a store with my mom, we would just skip the whole front of the store and just go back to the sale rack. And it was like, “This is where we live, this is where we can afford.” And so in my head, I’m like, “Well, why wouldn’t I tell somebody that this was on sale because you can get two of them for this price?”

No, yes.

It just is so interesting because then I feel like there was this huge shift in the industry.

Yeah. The whole industry started changing and making … Now it is a on sale driven market, which is great because I think it’s great that that is now okay and not frowned upon because we’re sale shopping or whatever, because what? So I love to see that is the norm and that even LTK has … They’re like sell alert, sell alert, their concept me doing that too.

Sometimes I’ll get their emails and I just think I laughed myself. I’m like, it’s just so funny because I feel like it’s just shifted to focus on things that weren’t important at one point, but I mean, that’s just business growth and changing, I guess. Okay. So let’s talk a little bit, getting a little bit more into the business side of things. Who was your first hire in your business?

Heather.

Heather, okay.

My best friend, still rocking and rolling. And It’s crazy because our husbands are like, “You are crazy. You’re going to be fighting and whatever.” But she, long story short, she was working at a sales job, selling educational tools to schools, and she had been there forever, loved it, loved it, loved it. And then they had reorged and things and she was miserable. And every time I talk to her, she’s complaining about her job. We’ve all been there or known someone who’s been there where you’re just like, “This is not it for me anymore.”

Right.

So I was like, “Listen, as soon as I can, I’m going to take you from that place. We’re never going to have to talk about them again and we’re going to whatever. I’m going to do what I can because I mean, I love her. She’s my best friend in the world.” I was like, “You ain’t going to have to work there forever, honey.”

I got you.

I got you. And so as soon as I could, I was like, “Okay, we’re ready.” And we tested it and did very part-time stuff. And then now she’s been with me for years, but she was the first hire. And I honestly cannot even imagine of not having her. She keeps me sane. She lifts me up when I’m crumbling and she’s so organized. I am so not organized. I don’t even know. The business probably would have died if I didn’t have her to keep me in mind. We all have to have people like that who have strengths where we are weak. And it just happens also a blessing where she is strong, I’m not, and where I am, she is not. And so the puzzle piece just fits.

It works really well. What would you say are some non-negotiables when it comes to running your business?

Okay. It’s really hard to explain, especially if you’re not in this industry. So I’ll try to help say it in a easy way to understand. But the payment or being paid for things is like the last, last, last thing that is important to running our business. Whereas you would think for influencing or jobs, okay, well, let’s discuss financial reward and then we’ll see if we can make this work where we are the opposite, where if we love a brand and we love a product and then we’re able to partner, great. And if not, like we turn down probably 99% of deals that are presented to us because if I’m not sharing it with my grandmother, if I don’t think my mom would spend our hard earned dollars or my sisters, I’m not about … There’s just no question and the team knows that. It’s about sharing what we love and that is it. There’s no price that will change that. There’s no twisting of the arm. And so that’s it. Yeah. That is a big one for us.

Well, I’ve tell people too, if you want to do this job to get rich, quick or make money, you will not be successful because you-

If you want to sell your soul-

Right. You can do that.

There are people who literally will do that, that you’ll jump in this industry and say yes-

Yeah.

To things and then you cant, you won’t …

You’re not going to be long-term passionate about this.

And consumers are not dumb.

Totally.

People in my community are smart. They’re smart, intelligent women, and I don’t know who else they’re following, but they can see. Women know. Yeah. We know. Totally. And I’m not trying to say a way of doing this as bad because everybody has their own, again, has their own ways of doing this, but yeah, that’s not the way that I would ever encourage anyone to go about it.

No. Well, and I think if no money was involved, it’s like, well, I would still be telling people that I- Yes. … get this. Which is so funny because whenever the time comes to retire or leave this industry at this capacity, I feel like I’m still going to want to tell somebody outside of my friends just because that’s what I’ve been doing for so long. And even before I was on Instagram, I was telling the girls I worked with, “Oh my gosh, you got to go check out Loft, blah, blah, blah.” And so it’s so ingrained. I’m like, ‘how am I going to actually leave that? ” But…

There have been times where I’m in a low and I tell Kyle, my husband, “Maybe it’s just time for me just to be done.” And then three hours later, “Oh my gosh, girl, guess what? ” I can’t wait to share on Instagram, this is the best thing ever, or maybe it’s a new show or a product or a funny story. And he’s like, “Uh-huh. So what about what you just said?”

He’s like, “Okay, so you’re feeling better now. Good to know. ”

It is. It’s so ingrained in the excitement I have to instantly connect and share things with my audience. I know that they’re going to be just as happy about as I … Yeah, it’s like-

Totally.

And I’ll be doing it till the end.

I know.

Probably.

Okay. So what are some ways that you remain present with your friends and family while also running a thriving business?

I mean, it sounds silly, but it’s like the ongoing group text that constantly is the … I’m like, the group text is the glue sometimes and we have a very, very strong knit, but pretty large girlfriend group and they are like, I don’t know what I would do without them. But it’s like the silly things where if you have a birthday, you just know we’re celebrating your birthday and it’s not about you. This isn’t not us. Right. You don’t want to celebrate your birthday, great, because it’s for us. Because we’re getting together without you.

We’re together regardless because like, “I don’t want to celebrate my birthday.” You’re like, “Okay, it’s not about you.”

Dinner is still at this time.

So always, even when I meet followers out, like your girlfriends, I’m like, listen, whoever is in your life that you care about, if they have a birthday, that is a reason to have a dinner, to get together for two hours and have a lunch or whatever. And so I feel like birthdays are more than just the day you were born. Those are the goals that keep friendships.

So true.

The connection going. And I feel like it’s harder now too. Even with my sisters, our kids are sports. I mean, we are in it with sports and so are my nieces and nephews and my friend’s kids. So it does get harder. And so you really just have to prioritize whether it’s a birthday or a holiday and then the time that you get, you set the phone down or you go on the trip and you’re not working. You have to say like, “This is important in my quality time is important.” And it always, always, always just fuels your soul, your happy cup. I mean, everything gets like the meters are like on the good…

So true. I think too, I feel like we are similar in like, “Hey, we’re giving it our best. We’re doing the most.” And sometimes I’m like, “I could keep going just all the time, but I need something that makes me put my phone down.” So I want the people that really don’t even care about what’s going on on the internet that can really pull my mind out of when I’m not working, I can not be working and that is so helpful.

So important.

Yeah.

And that’s with anyone in whatever career that you are in, especially if you’re Enneagram three, and I think that you are too. I mean, we can work 24 hours a day and it’s very, very hard. And there’s sometimes the guilt sets in because I’m like, “Oh my gosh, I’ve literally thought about work nonstop for the last however many long. I need to set this aside. Am I making sure I’m filling up the cups of everybody else in my family who whatever?” It’s just because when you have a job that you love so much first, and then if you’re just like a workhorse, it does get hard. And that’s with whatever career that you’re in. You have to have somebody sometimes to pull you out and be like, okay.

That’s so true. Okay. So what would be some advice that you would give somebody who’s just starting out as a content creator?

I always say to remember your why and remember what you feel like this very moment. For instance, we just spoke about this in the very beginning. I really was trying to share things that were affordable. If you were in my season of life, I wanted you to feel like you were not alone. You can still look great, feel great without going into debt or spending money that whatever. And so that is still, that has not changed in me. And I think change is good. We evolve, that shows growth and that is great obviously, but I think it’s just important to remember in the very beginning, what was your why and make sure that you just don’t lose sight of that.

That’s so true because it’s also kind of easy to do once you get sucked in, especially … I mean, there’s like a few newer content creators I’ve started following that I feel like are just quickly blowing up and I can almost see in their eyes that they’re just overwhelmed at how much opportunity there is. And it’s just, which just sounds like crazy because who wouldn’t want more opportunity, but you really have to be on track with your vision and what your goals are for yourself and for your business, or you can be overtaken. I mean, I have definitely been in that situation and had to reset and be like, “Okay, whoa.”

That’s why it’s also important to have people outside of the industry who can keep you grounded because it is very, very … Yeah, especially with new creators and things can happen really fast. And there’s a lot of people who, “I see she’s successful. Let me take you under my wing and then let me change your whole everything.” And then it all seems flashy and then it could also be the demise. Totally. So it’s just important to have somebody, whether it’s your spouse or your friends, your family, who are like, “Hey, whatever happened to like, what happened to you? ”

Yeah.

Let’s reset here.

Okay. I want to move into a few fashion questions. You recently posted a reel that showed some ways to majorly elevate an outfit with some minor tweaks. Can you walk us through some of the ways you like to make your outfits look a little bit more put together, like pushing up sleeves, adding a belt, tugging your shirt, just kind of like what your elevation tips are.

It becomes just who you are and I know you have to do the exact same way, but it’s like the easiest way to elevate an outfit is to put on accessories. It doesn’t matter if it’s you want to put on one little, your favorite dainty necklace, I’m all into layering things or whatnot or earrings. Even right now, the first thing I noticed when I popped on with you was your necklace, which is beautiful. And so gorgeous. So I think it’s just the little things like adding the jewelry, opening your collar, show your neckline, pull your sleeves up, tucking your shirt, add a belt. And it’s all things that are very simple, take not a lot of time and are using things that you already have in your closet. But if you take any outfit, it doesn’t matter what it is and you take it bare bones and then you maybe put on jewelry, cup your sleeves, add a belt. I mean, you can see it in the eye.

Yeah.

Will transform. It just makes you just look more elevated, which then I feel like when you look more elevated, you feel more elevated.

I think one thing people don’t realize, you and I, that’s just in the back of our heads. We just know how to do that. That’s our passion, it is what it is. But so many times I’m like, if people would only just Like put a little bit of planning into their outfits. Just a little bit of thought like, “Hey, here are these things that I like. What do I like about Jen’s outfit? Okay, she’s always doing these really great necklaces. Let me try that. ” And then have that in your back pocket. You’ve tried it on, you know it works for you. Sometimes I think it’s just that little bit of planning that could help really continue to elevate somebody’s look when that’s not their just like go- to back of mind. Obviously I’m going to put a necklace on.

Yes. Even the real that you’re referring to, I should do more content like that because so many people were like, “Whoa, I am the before. I’m not the actor.” Even Heather, she’s like Jen, she texted me when I posted that. She’s like, “I was like, Oh my goodness, I’m the before. I am doing just the bare bones thing and didn’t think to do some of the stuff that you’re showing as the actor in that reel. But to me it seems so obvious because I almost didn’t post that. I was like, this is going to seem so obvious and not … But people are like, whoa. Okay, that was super helpful.

Well, and it’s so funny. I think about that times when I’ve posted a reel that’s like, here’s how to roll your sleeve or do a front tuck. And I’m like, this feels crazy. And I know there’s going to be some comments that are like, we seriously are talking about that.

So helpful.

It’s crazy. Yeah. And that’s the beauty of what we do is being able to give that advice. Okay. So what are your thoughts on barrel jeans?

I think barrel jeans are like any other jeans. You have to just find a style that looks good on your body. And if they don’t, and if you don’t like them, then don’t wear them. I mean, I’ve tried on 50 pair and I will probably say maybe there’s two of the 50 that I’m like, I will go to the grocery store with these or I’ll go to work with these because some of them like, this is horrific. So I don’t think it’s a style that is probably for everyone and…

I think people want to hate it.

And sometimes I see them on the internet and on some of these little cute girlies. I’m like, oh, she looks so cute. But then sometimes they try that on me. I’m like, that’s going to be a big fail for me. That’s a no.

I agree.

I mean, I don’t hate it though. I really don’t. There’s not a lot that I hate. I just think it’s just most strands aren’t for everyone. And if you don’t feel good, then it’s not worth it.

Totally.

Because I want to feel good in what I’m wearing. I mean, everybody does.

Yeah. No, I totally get that. Okay. What is the shoe that you are going to be taking into summer?

I mean, this is going to sound super boring, but it’s like a hashtag mom life, but a slide. I’m literally wearing … I bought the Target ones. I got every single one. But I’m like, I’m at the sports field. I’m at soccer. I’m at basketball. I’m carpool. And they’re cute and they’re comfortable. They look good with everything. I’m going to be wearing probably three years ago, it’s the strappy tie. It’s all the thing. I don’t have time for that. So right now I’m putting on a slide most days. I mean, it has some embellishment.

Yeah, exactly. You’re bringing it to life a little.

Oh, I’m elevating it some, but lately it’s just that.

Yeah. No, I totally get that. I actually love summer because I’m like, ooh, sandals. Sandals are just easy. The slide-ons of any kind, I thrive. And then in the winter, it’s cold. It is the tall boot. Sometimes I think why does there have to be so many options? Can we just have one that looks good with everything, which I guess could potentially be my job to find out, but sometimes I just want somebody else to tell me. Yeah. Okay. Veering back a little bit into entrepreneurship, it’s not an easy route to choose to run your own business. Have you ever experienced a season of major doubt? And if so, what did you do to get yourself out of that?

I have major doubt multiple times a month, probably. I would say even over the last few years, as I’ve gotten older, I find in this industry, I doubt myself more and more because I just want to still have a place where I can belong. And sometimes I wonder if like, has that time come and gone for me? But you have to have your core. You have to have your people who say like, “Jen, just what are you talking about?

Yeah.

You’re going to get through this like, oh my gosh, this happens or that happens.” And I honestly don’t know what I would do, whether it’s my team or my family, but it’s usually just leaning into the people who know how to pull me up from that. But yeah, I mean, it happens. And sometimes you’re human. And I also have to tell myself the same things I’m telling my friends or I’m even, I try to really constantly be an encourager of my audience and I’m constantly saying like, “Hey, if you’re feeling down today, pick your chin up buttercup because you can do it. ” So I’m like, I’m saying this and I believe that to be true. So I need to take my own advice. And so I try to also do that.

Yeah, totally. No, I get that. Okay. So what is one of the biggest business lessons that you’ve learned in the last year or two?

I think it’s hard because I have life and lilac and I feel like in that business it’s so, well, I guess both are. It’s so much about listening to your customers. It’s not about you. And I feel the same way with the Sister Studio. I like to view everything I’m doing as the viewer and the consumer and not as the influencer. And so with that business, I try to look at it as our customer and not as the owner and the creator. And so you have to look through your business through the lens of the viewer and not yourself. And I’ve gotten so much better over the years at doing that, but that helps a ton, a ton, a ton a ton.

Yeah, totally. Okay. So let’s talk about life in lilac. Where did you come up with that idea to start a candle company? Does it have plans to grow into anything else? Kind of like, tell us all about it.

Okay. So I really wanted to create something that wasn’t about the size of your body, wasn’t about something that you’re putting on. Does this make you feel confident? It’s not like the color or whatnot. So I really wanted something that everyone could have in their home, feel special, feel a way that I could be connected with them, that wasn’t about something that you’re actually putting on your body or a lipstick that you’re putting on your face. I wanted it to be something outside of that. And that’s kind of where the home fragrance came into play. And I second guessed it. I really did. But every day I’m like, I’m so happy that that was a direction that we went. I just feel like it’s a great fit for me personally. And my audience has been really receptive of it. And every time I meet someone out, they’re like, “Jen, like, oh my goodness, that scent brings me back.” Or, “I gifted that to so- and-so and they just loved it. ” But it was mainly because I didn’t want to do something that was about how tall or short or size anything to do with that at all.

Yeah. I mean, I’m sure running this whole separate brand with a product is just a completely different beast in itself compared to being the face of a brand. Do you guys have just a whole completely separate team that handles life in Lilac? Or how involved are you still there?

Oh, very. And it’s the only thing too, my kids, I don’t think even realized I had a job until we had Life in Lilac. They’re like, “Oh, so you’re going to have a job now?”

You’re like, guys-

I’m going to have a job now, kids. Listen here. But anyways, and Kyle has totally stepped out. He doesn’t do anything with Sister Studio, but he’s very involved in Life Life too. And the kids, it’s a big family affair there. But yes, we have a team that helps keep everything going. We have customer service and production. We have a fragrance house and it’s a whole different ball game over there, but we have great, great, great people who are knowledgeable and passionate. I learn from them every single day because I’ll tell you what, no matter what business someone creates, you think you know, but you don’t know. And you just constantly are learning and learning and learning and learning. I’ve learned so much. I feel like I learned something new every day, but I mean, it’s customers, it’s everything. I care so much about their experience. I want them to just feel something whether they’re wearing or have it in their home, whatever. And it’s been great. We’re all so super passionate about it in this household.

Yeah. I love that. How is it to navigate that side of things when you were in this industry and still are?

I think the part that, I wouldn’t even say it’s hard, but it’s very, very, very important to me is I didn’t want the sister studio to change where a lot of times influencers who I love and then they create a brand and now the influencing page that they’ve always shared their family and their life, it’s now only their product. I’m like, “Oh, I kind of miss some of what things that were before.” So that was the one thing I tried very, very, very, very hard, knowing that I could sit and talk to you about scents and fragrances until you’re blue in the face, but I just refrain from that because I want that page, my connection wall that I’ve shared from the very beginning to say that and Life in Lilac gets to be sprinkled in and it’s an added bonus. And I work so hard to make that a successful business too, but I’m trying to do it in a way where it doesn’t blend to one where they both can be successful in their own way without having to not have Sister Studio anymore and not have those fun things or just only have that and so that’s been the hardest part is like making sure I stay true to that goal.

Yeah. Well, and you can tell that you still are the Sister Studio and then Life and Lilac is its own thing, but you are still so passionate about what your followers and consumers get from you on Sister Studio. So it’s like really beautiful because like you said, that’s not always the case with people. I mean, I could think of five people right now who started a brand and then the brand is like the thing and they are just no longer sharing the way that they used to. So I definitely think that that’s like you’re somebody to look up to in that side things, for sure.

Well, thank you. It’s very, very important to me. So I try really hard in that.

Yeah. What are five pieces of clothing or products that you cannot live without?

Okay. Well, depend on the day and the season and my mood, if I’m being honest. But the first thing that comes to mind is dry shampoo.

Yes.

Tweezers, because when you turn 40 plus, you have whiskers that grow everywhere. And so like, oh, I would be lost without a good pair of tweezers, so that’s a must for me. That’s so funny. I’ll forever and ever love a good pair of jeans that just make you feel like a million bucks or maybe it’s jean shorts in the summer, but like a good pair of bottoms for sure. I am like super crazy, addicted, obsessed with our little rollers. We have these little perfume rollers with life and lilac, and I’m not the best at remembering to wear a deodorant, okay?

Hey, I’m not either!

And so we have these rollers and I have three of my purse and I’m like constantly if I smell like … Little roller. And they’re just small and nobody knows. It’s so discreet, but I am … Those things change my life because I’m like, “Oh my God, do I smell?” I get nervous with those and then-

Maybe I need to order some of those for myself because-

All of my friends have the dang rollers in their purse. I’m like, “Are we a selly bunch?” Because we’re constantly like, “Okay, maybe I need to … ” Anyways, and then I would probably think a skincare product. Right now, I’m super into … Paula’s Choice has this collagen boosting peptide serum. And I always feel like if I could only take one skincare on vacation, that’s usually the one right now, I’m always trying a million things, if that product has been something I really, really love and I got to keep the aging to a minimum. So I would pick definitely a skincare product for sure.

I love it. Those are all great things and things I feel like I think about with you. I’m like, “Oh yeah, she would say that. She would say that. ” So funny. Okay. Well, I wrap up all of my podcasts with this question. So what is the most meaningful act of kindness that somebody has extended to you that has had a lasting impact on your life?

I could think of several if I’m being honest, but what comes to mind, and this is going to sound silly and cliche, but it is very, very true, and I will probably cry talking about it, is the women in my DMs, because there’s been so many times where I’m feeling down, like I’m just down, and this industry has gotten harder and harder, or whatever it is. And so I’ll pray like, “Oh my gosh, Lord, I need a pick me up.” And lo and behold, every time I will open my DMs and someone will be like, “Hey, Jen, you’re on my heart this morning. I just want to tell you, I would quarantine your post every day.” I’m like, “Oh my gosh.” I am so grateful. And I know a lot of creators don’t spend a lot of time in their messages because I’ve heard stories it can be a very dark place with the women, and I don’t know if it’s the age demographic or what it is, but I mean, there’s just been times where I’m feeling defeated or whatever. And I mean, every time I will open those messages and somebody felt compelled to send me a message that has changed my whole mood. And I try to pay that forward. I try to be that … I really tried now more than ever to be that for my audience with little tidbits of feel good messaging because one little act of kindness, one little sweet message from a stranger or whoever can turn your whole day around. Totally. And I have been impacted by the women in my community countless times. And I think that’s too while people are like, “God, you care so much.” I’m like, “Yes.” I do.”

Yeah. These are people that-

But how can you have people who impact you in a positive way and not care so much about what you’re sharing with them and making sure that you have their best interest always and I will go to bat for that, whatever. And so I think that’s been the one true gift in this industry over a partnership or over whatever is just how the people in my community have made me feel.

Totally. Do you remember that her name’s Miss Lisa, what’s her last name? And she used to message you and me all the time. Okay. And then we went a little bit without hearing from her. Well, she messaged me the other day and was just like, “Hey, thinking about you. ” And I always think about how she used to message us. And she would tell us about her daughter and her wedding.

What happened to her? But this is what happens when you have people at DM, you know their face.

Yes.

She has blonde hair. I remember her.

I know. I need to look back at what her last name is, but anytime I see her name pop up, I’m always like, “Ms. Lisa, hi, so good to hear from you. ” There’s just people that I think … And early on where you could just have those conversations and you and I’ve been through hard things on the internet where people have helped get us through and just sharing stories that people can feel connected to. It’s just such … I mean, it’s not lost on me that this job is such a gift and God has us in this place for a reason, but as much as we’re impacting other people’s lives, like you just said, they’re impacting your life too.

And I think too, as we get older, and I hope anyone who listens to this episode, if anybody does, but you are a woman especially, and you give grace to people and you’re slow to judge and you just get … Because it’s so innate in a lot of us, maybe that’s just how we are, but you don’t realize that is a gift. And so I’m thankful for women who are just … And God, women are so … They know, Jen, you seem off checking on you. “Are you okay, girl? Do I need to beat somebody up for you? ” They’re like, “No, I’m good. I’m just tired. I didn’t sleep good last night or whatever.”

But just to have this army of people behind you that are your people.

Yes, I’m so thankful for the women who see my true heart, who they feel like they would go to bat for me or whatever and check in on me. And it’s been great. And especially some who’ve been there, you have your ride eyes who’ve been with you since the beginning.

Totally.

And they know. They know. Yeah,

They know. That’s so true. Well, I really appreciate your time today. I feel like this has been so fun catching up with you, asking a few fun business questions, giving our listeners some advice and just makes me always wish that we lived closer and could actually just-

No, I love you. … we need to go somewhere and chat. Yeah. I’m so proud of you. I watch you always and you’re aging backwards and I kind of get mad about that, but it’s fine.

It’s so funny.

The girls are gorgeous. The new puppy.

Thank you. Oh my gosh.

Chris is running across the world.

Literally. I’m hoping he’s teased me being like, “I think I might retire from running marathons.” And I’m like, “Really? What are you going to do with yourself? Do you even know how to not run?” I don’t know, but we’re staying busy doing all the things and yeah, it’s wild.

Well keep doing you.

Well, thank you.

Light shines real bright, girlfriend.

I appreciate that. Well, you guys, I will link all of Jen’s Instagram, her website, all the things in the show notes in the off chance that you’re not already following her. You can go give her a follow. She is just one of my favorites on Instagram. So Jen, thank you again so much for being here. Thank you. I love you so much. Love you. Hi, friend. If you’re loving the show, will you go find that follow button on your podcast app? This will ensure that you won’t miss a single episode. I love having you in this community. Until next time. This season of Life with Loverly is produced by Elizabeth Evans Media Productions.