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Conversations with Jen Peeples-Hampton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Peeples-Hampton

Hi Jen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been anything but linear, but every turn has shaped the person I am today. I started with a deep curiosity how things work, people’s stories, and creative problem-solving, which led me to explore different paths before finding my lane. Early on, I was influenced by theater, cinema, and the visual/creative arts. I didn’t really know what would come of it. But, I found comfort in that I was committed to growth, even if it meant starting from scratch.

I’ve worn many hats— Military Officer, Business Intelligence Specialist, Software Engineering, Soccer Player, Journalist… The list continues– however, each role taught me something new about myself. I can show up and be my whole self without reserve, through love, kindness, and adventure!

Today, I find myself in a place where purpose and passion are finally becoming aligned. I’m building super focused on building community here in Atlanta, GA that brings together like-minded people.. A movement, towards fellowship, self-sustainability, and healthful living. I’m driven by the comfort of knowing that we as a people are stronger together. Division is a tactic that I am learning to shed.

There’s still more ahead, and I’m bad at pretending to have it all figured out. But I’ve learned to honor the process, trust the pivots, and stay rooted in my values while evolving toward the future I believe in.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—but a meaningful one. Like many people navigating ambitious paths, I’ve dealt with burnout and imposter syndrome more than once. There were times when I was juggling so much—whether it was school, work, personal goals, or just life—that I didn’t give myself space to rest or reflect. I was operating on autopilot, trying to meet unrealistic expectations, both external and self-imposed.

Imposter syndrome crept in during the moments when I was growing the most—those stretches where I was in unfamiliar territory, learning in real time, and feeling like I didn’t “deserve” the room I was in. It’s something I still check in with myself about.

What’s helped me stay grounded and keep going has been mentorship and community. S/O to Laura Payton @salucions, Sarah Spiegle @girl.abouttown, my older cousin Regina Morrow, Lisa CasaDeCalvo, and my late brother William Peeples-Hampton. I’ve been fortunate to have these people around me who remind me of who I am when I forget, who hold me accountable with compassion, and who lead by example. Their support gave me the courage to show up fully—even when I was unsure. That’s made all the difference in my ability to grow, heal, and keep evolving.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the core, I’m a writer and creative—someone who sees storytelling not just as art, but as a form of expressive science. My work lives at the intersection of logic and feeling, where the left brain meets the right, and where structure and spontaneity find a rhythm.

I specialize in using language to translate complex ideas into something that moves people. Whether I’m writing essays, building narratives, or crafting visuals, I’m always seeking to connect patterns and meaning in ways that feel both grounded and elevated. I like to think of my work as a form of intellectual alchemy—turning lived experience, data, emotion, and insight into something transformative.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to merge disciplines that are often kept apart. Science and art. Analysis and emotion. Data and intuition. For me, they’ve never been opposites—they’re part of a whole way of thinking, being, and creating.

What sets me apart is how I move between those worlds with ease and intention. I don’t believe we have to choose between being practical or poetic, calculated or creative. I’ve built a practice—and a voice—that makes space for both.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
For me, risk isn’t always about the loud, dramatic leaps—it’s often about the quiet choices that challenge comfort, ego, or expectations. One of the most defining risks I’ve taken was transitioning from Active Duty Army to the Reserve component. On paper, it might not seem like a huge jump. But for me, it was about redefining what leadership and service looked like on my own terms.

As a Black female Captain in the Army, leadership takes on a layered meaning. There’s the uniformed role—the rank, the responsibilities, the regulations. But then there’s the human side: showing up as someone who leads with empathy, who listens with care, and who advocates when it’s “inconvenient”. The risk I chose was to prioritize service over title. I could have leaned on my position as an Officer for validation alone—but I’ve chosen instead to use it as a tool. A tool for raising morale in ways that matter. A tool for being present with my soldiers. A tool for creating the kind of culture I wish I had earlier in my own journey.

Leadership isn’t about commanding—it’s about connecting. And risk, to me, is having the courage to lead in a way that challenges systems while staying rooted in authenticity and care.

Pricing:

  • FAM Trips
  • Article Submissions
  • Promoting Experiences
  • Content Generation

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Mentors:

Sarah Spiegle (Maroon Hoodie, black vest),

Laura Payton (Silly teeth show photo)

Regina Morrow (Red spiked hair/glasses)

William Peeples-Hampton (Soldier and myself)

Lisa CasaDeCalvo (Graduation Cap/ and lady in pink/peach geometrical design dress)

Soldiers:

SGT Mos
SGT Lint

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