Meet Jennifer Couvertier- Lee | Traveling Visual Alchemist & Hood Homeschooler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Couvertier- Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from the birthplace of Hip Hop, The Yankees and the best Bacon, Egg & Cheese sandwiches money can buy.

Also known as The Bronx, NYC.

Growing up in such a dense and diverse neighborhood has definitely played a major role in who I am today.

Unfortunately, I witnessed a lot of the consequences of being poor on a daily basis. I learned at an early age that there was in fact a system at play much like in the movie “Mazerunner”. There were only a few ways out. You were either gonna die, go to jail- for a long time if not for life or develop some sort of talent that creates opportunities to leave.

I chose #3

And I now live and work in LA. I guess you could say The Bronx made it all possible.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Deep down I’m an artist. It didn’t always feel like that was something I was allowed to say bc I hadn’t won a Grammy or made a million dollars off my art.

I’ve been in the studio with some of the greats and I’ve ripped plenty NYFW runways in my day. Red carpet was my middle name and nightclubs nationwide you couldn’t pay to get into were my norm. It all made me who I am today.

I became an independent education activist through and through once I had my first son.

I recently married both aspects of myself in my business as a Traveling Visual Alchemist (Producer, Writer, Director, DP) and Traveling Homeschool Advocate & Consultant.

Very often I find parallels in both of my industries reflective of major issues I want to be a part of changing.

In my homeschooling journey as well as my visual media journey there is so much erasure of ppl who look like me and represent our stories and triumphs.

I focus my lens on beautiful Black and Brown people of all ages experiencing joy, growth and healing. It’s a cornerstone of my philosophy in learning and when capturing art.

I’ve experienced the erasure first hand and in real time. Even after working hard and delivering quality production to folks- I’ve been published a multitude of time and intentionally erased (or forgotten) from receiving credits where due.

That’s just intolerable and I know I’m not the only one going through it. We sacrifice a lot to be creative and often go unpaid for our work so making sure that BLACK AND BROWN WOMEN are acknowledged for their contributions to the culture is also a pet peeve of mine I actively voice in my company.

I work with families of all kinds nationwide @homeschoolingthehood and I use the same empowerment approach to encourage them that they can succeed in educating their children outside of the traditional school system.

Sometimes all you need is one voice of reason or reassurance. I like to watch ppl win. If there’s one consistency about me it’s that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok so- def hike to the “Hollywood” sign bc it’s an awesome hike and as NYers it’s the first thing so many of us look for when coming here lol

Being that I myself am new to LA – we’d have to Yelp it out to find stuff but I know we’re definitely going to some kind of sports game – maybe the new So-fi stadium? I hear it’s pretty nice inside

I’d feed her tacos till she passed out! There are really so many good spots and it would be a way to get to know the neighborhoods too!

There is an Afro beats party @tomitribe in Hollywood that we’d def go shake our tail feathers at on the weekend and brunch at Catch is what I hear is good.

There’s Porto’s which everyone loves and I think is pretty good also but the lines are hella long usually.

Def shooting at the beach, prob Malibu bc it’s the best IMO- she’s into Yoga so a 420 rooftop session would def be on the agenda too!

Then maybe a drive down Route 66, bc why not?!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few folks who have always encouraged and supported me even when I decided to become a SAHM (stay at home mom) and “retire” from modeling, music and entertainment.

My uncle Jose Couvertier who passed suddenly last year was my biggest cheerleader. He was also coincidentally a published photographer who made the front page of NYC newspapers many times at the height of NYC fires in the 80s & 90’s. I truly believe he’s pulling major strings for me in heaven down here with y’all in Hollywood.

My mother for caring for me through it all and caring for my children while I paint the town and capture its pulse.
I don’t know where I would be without her unconditional love. I also get my tunnel vision from her. She stops at nothing to get what she desires.

My husband for supporting my daydreams and investing in my professional development, equipment and business building, donating to my non profit @homeschoolingthehood, working his ass off and not being a jealous asshole- sorry, it matters tho!

Also having these amazing artist in my life and ear helps. The vibes are so good and very much appreciated!

@lizzyjeff
@trezureempire
@astemariii
@imberrydamnit
@cocoasarai
@yawnybleu
@listen2tish

Website: HomeschoolingTheHood.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/beingjenniferjane?utm_medium=copy_link

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/JANW3ST

Other: Coming Soon www.toptiercapture.com

Image Credits
All images can be credited to Jennifer Couvertier- Lee