Check Out Jeniffer Chow’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeniffer Chow.

Hi Jeniffer , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As I was growing up, I always had this vision that no matter what I did, I needed to feel love and passion for it. At times, things got hard, but I knew I did not want to limit my ability to make a difference. It all started at home. From a young age, my parents were stellar examples of who I wanted to be. They constantly worked hard to give back to their communities in their home countries. I also saw them serve their church communities, and seeing the difference they made helped me realize that even the smallest acts of kindness count.

I wanted to do the same by participating in worship, developing processes, organizing community events, and helping wherever there was a need.

Whether they are family, friends, or strangers, if there is something I can do to make things better, I will do my best to show up and be supportive. No matter what I am doing, I know I will always seek opportunities to give back. I say “communities” intentionally because I belong to more than just one.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, absolutely not.

I always say that the older I get, the more honest I become. Why? Because I know there is someone out there walking through the same struggles I’ve faced, and if sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it.

My twenties were marked by battles with both my physical and mental health, and eventually those struggles began to affect every part of my life—personally and professionally. The funny thing is, I’ve never really talked about this publicly. I think part of me was afraid of facing the reality that this is simply a part of my story. But I’ve realized something: my challenges don’t define me. They have shaped me into someone stronger, more compassionate, and more determined.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with two cysts, high blood pressure, PCOS, and prediabetes—a condition that runs in my family. As you can imagine, those diagnoses impacted me in more ways than one. Growing up, I was taught to keep moving forward and not dwell on difficult emotions. I understand where that mindset comes from. It’s deeply rooted in cultural values, expectations of resilience, and a strong emphasis on privacy and faith. While I respect those values, I’ve also learned that strength isn’t pretending everything is okay. Sometimes strength is being honest enough to say that it isn’t.

Our body, our mind, and our spirit are deeply connected. When one suffers, the others feel it too. Learning to care for all three has been one of the greatest lessons of my life.

So what does this have to do with my work—both past and present?

Everything.

My experiences are exactly why I continue pushing for a better future, not only for myself but for the people around me. My passion is the one thing no diagnosis, setback, or obstacle can take away.

I’ve always been more of a behind-the-scenes person. I’ve never needed to be the loudest voice in the room. But I’ve realized that using my voice to share my story isn’t about being in the spotlight—it’s about creating space for others to feel seen. If being vulnerable gives someone else permission to own their battles, embrace their scars, and keep moving forward, then sharing my story has a purpose.

Through every setback, I’ve continued to pursue the life and career I’ve dreamed of. There were moments when my health, my fears, and my circumstances tried to convince me to stop and this is still true to this day though I keep my head held high and don’t allow for this to defeat me.

My story isn’t one of perfection. It’s one of perseverance. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our struggles don’t disqualify us from living meaningful lives—they often become the very reason we’re able to handle more than we think.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would like to root this back to where work experience really began for me.

I was just a young little girl helping clean homes with my mother, whom so gracefully gave me the opportunity to learn her profession and earn money. I remember earning like $20 per day and it would be a full days worth of work. That of course taught me resilience and responsibility.

Post high school, I really was not set on exactly what I wanted to pursue, I just knew at the time I had a peak interest in criminology, which is what I got an Associates Degree in at Georgia Perimeter College and a Bachelors in Criminal Justice at Georgia State University (absolutely LOVED my University).

Once I graduated, I had the opportunity to work as a County Coordinator, specifically DeKalb County for GALEO. I believe this was one of the best decisions I made since it allowed me to move up to Program Manager within a couple of months. I was there a few years, then decided to do the unthinkable.

I made the bold decision to pursue a makeup career, where I got certified to be a professional makeup artist from GMMA, who Mrs.Gwynnis is an absolute gem of the makeup industry. She taught us from the history of makeup to learning how to do film, wedding, professional makeup, and my favorite was learning how to work on different complexions and maturness of the skin.

Post graduation, I got right to work. I started my business JCBeauties. In my immediate family, I am the first one to have started a business and it was rocky in the beginning as you’d expect. I am so critical, so naturally any art I did, I would criticize it but I realize that is actually what kept me going.

Now, something most people probably don’t know about me.. even though I kept pursuing makeup, my mind and my heart were tugged so much because my passion for community work was heavily embedded that I knew some way or another, I had to go back.

Since then, I have pursued both my makeup business and have kept pushing to find opportunities in the non-profit sector.

Ironically, when I moved to Chicago, I began working for one of the best unions to ever exist, SEIUHCII. I learned a tremendous amount about organizing labor workers and I can confirm it is by far the most difficult yet rewarding role I have taken on. I oversaw a total of 11 nursing homes with a universe of 1100 members. Throughout that, I got the opportunity to organize in Los Angeles for proposition 50 by organizing HAH workers to vote for PROP 50 aimed at passing a new redistricting map. And as a result, the proposition passed. I also campaigned in Minneapolis – one of my proudest moments – we got to organize a general strike for the ICE OUT Campaign which entailed leading a campaign with local businesses on what to do if ICE came and how to protect their community and their establishments- which we were successful in both!

I believe those are some of my proudest moments.

Now, I have returned to my hometown in Georgia. I have decided that although I love organizing, I am a strong believer in faith and I have been called to take a step back and do something still meaningful, but different.

I have been called to be a Music Director at Corner’s Outreach. I can officially say, I have taught hundreds of kids how to play instruments, sing, and music theory.

How did that happen?

I actually have an extensive background in music. I have played cello since I was 11 and I have sung since I was 8. In the midst of it all I have played for Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra, have been part of several worship teams, and have always been in love with music.

I now get to share that passion with hundreds of kids aging from early learners to high schoolers.

Traditionally speaking when it comes to work experience and careers, we tend to put ourselves in a box and stick to that. But I always like to remind myself that there’s a whole life out there to experience and since we spend so much time and energy in our work, we should enjoy what we are doing. Every single one of these opportunities were exactly that for me. I can’t say I have one specialization because I love to learn all things that catch my interest, and it’s very possible that is what I am known for professionally.

I do not know if I am actually someone who is set apart from others but I go where life takes me and I think that’s what makes me different. I know I’ve done and do a lot of different things which is why I am grateful for every opportunity that is presented to me.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I feel that I took so many risks in life that it really shaped how I think about my way of living.

When I decided I wanted to move out of the state, I knew the risk I was taking was leaving everything behind and starting a new venture. The risk was being in a new city where I knew not a single soul. My husband and I decided to live in Chicago with a new community, new places, new jobs, new everything.

I am not afraid of risks that could potentially allow moments of growth and that is exactly what Chicago did for me.

Something that I believe about risk taking is that if you are always taking the safe way, it hurts you more than allows you to grow. Chicago was a perfect example of that and because of that risk, it allowed me to meet professionals, work in an industry that challenged me every single day, and met some of the best people I ever met.

Pricing:

• Makeup Trial – $1o0
• Makeup Services – $175
• Additional People – $85
• Group Packages are available upon request
• Community Events upon request

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jcbeauties?utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenifferchow/