Jenna from GRowing in Jersey City
This week has been one heck of a ride so far! I think my leisurely pace from last week after slowing leaving vacation mode has come back to bite me. It’s like a nonstop train lately but I’m hoping that I’ll get a better grip on things sooner rather than later.
Enough about me! Today let’s get to know Jenna from Growing in Jersey City! If you’re not familiar with Jersey City I suggest you hop on a Path train the next time you visit NYC.
In the downtown area by the water is a really cute neighborhood with some great restaurants. There is a cuisine for every taste and a bar for every scene. You can also see the city skyline and the State of Liberty from certain angles and there isn’t really anyone who can argue with the greatness of that!
PAST INTERVIEWS
Lise, Writer || Chantal, Boyajian Trend Gallery
Chelsea, Creative Coach || Danae, Blogger
1. Tell us your name, about your blog, biz, or creative pursuits!
I am Jenna Firshein and my blog is Growing in Jersey City. It is a lifestyle blog with a focus on series on things I love. My first series was on Club Getaway which is a summer camp for adults. I started as a camper last summer and became a weekend staff member.
My next series is on party planning as I am planning a very big birthday. And the final series which will continue inevitably is on the movers and shakers in Jersey City. They are my neighbors and do amazing things and I am proud to call them my friends. Check me out on . . .
Instagram || Facebook
2. How would you define “Creativity”?
Creativity is being inspired, challenging yourself, and finding passion. You can be creative with numbers, with nature, with life!
3. What would you say to someone who thought you had to be an artist in order to be creative?
Creativity is more than just art and to explain I think I will share what is art versus what is not. I have never been great at drawing or painting (although not bad), but I have always been good at color pairings, dance, giving marketing advice, and thinking outside the box. These are just a few of the things that define creativity.
4. Would you consider yourself a creative person? Has it been something you’ve worked toward or is it natural to you?
I would describe myself as creative. I think and see things differently and use that perspective to be creative.
5. What do you do to keep yourself in the creative mindset?
I try to surround myself with positive happy people. If I get into a rut, I remind myself that my blog has to be happy and positive because it is about sharing the good things we find. We must inspire others to try to be adventurous, live positively, and go on their own journey.
6. What creative mantra or quote resonates with you the most?
My motto: Join me as I navigate this adventure called life.
7. How has creativity impacted your blog or business?
I have surprised myself with how good of a writer I am and that people like my writing style. This is a key to my blog as people want to be pulled into my story and I have to take them there.
8. What inspires you to create and achieve your goals?
I have many friends who have taken the plunge and work for themselves, do what they love, and have freedom.
9. What does it look and feel like when you’re in creation mode?
I am on my computer hunkering down. I am interviewing my friends asking them what makes them love Jersey City and what they do.
10. What is your initial reaction when you realize you’re in a creative rut?
I have to do something else, call a friend, and take a HUGE mental break.
11. Tell us about a recent moment where you felt “stuck” creatively?
Besides my blog (and all the social media), I work full time and I am on the board of my condo association. I need to continually get passed the negativity and keep working.
12. What do you do to get past feeling blocked? Do you have a strategy?
I have not had a true rut yet, but just like everyone else we go in and out of creativity. Again, I do something different. Try to get my mind into a fresh place.
13. Have you relied on an outside source to get you out of your rut? (eg. support group, coach etc.)
Yes, family or friends.
14. What thoughts go through your mind when your blocked mindset lingers longer than you’d like?
Make it work kid!
15. If you take a self-esteem hit or if you become negative how do you combat that?
I remind myself that I have to turn it around. If I don’t my work will come out negative and I can’t write negatively.
16. Think back on past moments when you felt stuck. Are there any common threads?
I am unhappy with my day job or with my building. I am in an emotional time period.
17. What do you focus your energy on when you’re feeling stuck?
Being positive. Changing my scenery.
18. What tools or tips would you offer to other creatives (in general or specifically in your field) who find themselves uninspired?
Definitely try something outside your normal zone.
19. We all have people we look up to. Who’s creative work inspires you?
ChicpeaJC. HobokenGirl. These ladies are local bloggers who have taken the city the love and ran with it.
20. Do you have a creative support system? Shout them out!
Working on it – I am part of a few blog and social media mastermind groups.
21. Have any creativity related questions you’d like to ask me?
What inspires you to be creative?
Monika’s Answer: It’s hard to describe exactly. It’s just a feeling or an emotion for me. I just get an urge to create something and I start to get anxious if I don’t exercise that need. It’s like a beautiful release and a sense of calm comes over me when I’m able to just relax and give into my imagination. Anything can set off that urge but when it comes I’ve learned to act on it.
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What do you think of Jenna from Growing in Jersey City?