Meet Jenay Ross: Poet, Creator, and Influencer Marketing Account Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenay Ross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenay, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Balance and rest weren’t a priority of mine until about two years ago. Instead, I was in a “pedal to the metal” state of mind most of the time until I felt completely burnt out and deflated. While trying to survive a grueling and soul-crushing work environment at a start-up and attempting to pursue other passions like writing, I often sacrificed my well-being. Professionally, I felt trapped at a company that was mentally and physically harmful. It was hustle culture to the max.

Luckily, I took some risks and changed the direction of my career. Since then, I’ve reflected on what’s truly important to me and learned how to better prioritize them. I’ve also become much more comfortable with setting work boundaries. and it has helped to work for a company that values my well-being as much as they value my productivity. I believe those two things go hand-in-hand.

One major game-changer has been not engaging with work emails or messages outside of my actual hours (9 to 5). It gives me space to focus on other important things such as quality time with my fiancé, rest, connecting with family and friends, writing, and reading. I also enjoy having slow and intentional mornings to help me ease into each day. I really cherish those moments. I sip on hot water or tea while reading. I journal. I do yoga or a HIIT workout. Basically, I choose to do things for myself before I jump into doing things for others because I know I can show up better for them when I take care of myself.

I feel much more at peace and connected with myself thanks to this newfound balance and my routines.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a writer and creator who writes poetry and creates thoughtful lifestyle content. By sharing my vulnerable poems, book reviews, and personal anecdotes on my social media and newsletter Thank You For Being Here, I provide inspiration and resources to help people live more intentionally each day to improve their wellbeing despite living in an unpredictable world. I write about my identity as a mixed-race person, anxiety, relationships, etc. My background and history set me apart from others and I believe others could say the same if they tap into that part of themselves. Although we can have similar experiences that we can empathize with, no one ever has the same exact story and I always remind myself of this so that my writing can feel intimate. It’s not easy to be vulnerable and to lay it all out on the table for others to read, interpret, and critique. It’s difficult work and I’m still navigating challenges like getting out of my own way, overcoming fear, and learning the ins and outs of the book publishing industry. But I feel called to keep writing, keep pushing my boundaries, and keep sharing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve lived in Los Angeles for almost 11 years and I love that it’s a city where there’s always a new adventure around the corner (or once you get through traffic). I used to live in Echo Park, but moved to the west side two years ago and fell in love with it. It’s easy to get to beaches and feels a bit more low-key while still having a lot to check out. Some of my favorite places and areas in LA include Mar Vista’s farmers market, Mitsuwa Marketplace, Abbot Kinney, Century City’s outdoor mall, Larchmont Village, Echo Park Lake, the Americana, Silverlake’s main strip on Sunset Blvd, The Last Bookstore, and LA’s many music venues. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout is dedicated to the #bookstagram community on Instagram. My love for reading and writing was reignited a few years ago, and when I started sharing my poems and book reviews on my IG profile, it was scary. But the more I shared and the more I wrote, I felt like I was finally growing into my voice. Thanks to the incredibly earnest and supportive community I’ve been lucky enough to find, I feel heard and seen, and this new confidence has helped me continue to write my book. I’ve become connected with so many smart, kind, and passionate people who value the power of words. They uplift me in so many beautiful ways. I’m grateful.

Website: https://www.jenayross.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenayross/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenayross

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenayross

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenayross