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

Hi Jennifer, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr. is one of my favorite quotes that I live by each day. The career path I have chosen is a tough one , it can be a tough journey with doubts and fears along the way. I believe a rough path makes you stronger and makes you grow into the person you were meant to be. Without the darkness how can you see the stars ? Without the obstacles how can you know what you can accomplish? I have had many people doubt me and my choices, but I never once felt like giving up because I know this is meant to be for me. I am not completely where I want to be but that’s the best part, growing into the life I have always dreamed of instead of just automatically being there unprepared. I have always loved stars too, so the metaphor means even more to me on that level .

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Ever since I was young, I kept recreating scenes from movies and just kept seeing myself doing big things in that world. The movie industry is just so magical to me. The movie Jurassic Park was a big inspiration to me and ever since I saw it in the movie theaters, I have always wanted to be a part of something so epic. A few years ago, people started calling me Jurassic Jen , which led to me creating a brand on social media called Jurassic Jen. (@jurassic.jen) This opened up some doors for me, not only into the fandom but also to meeting very important people in the industry . Who would have thought making a instagram about Jurassic Park could have made such a difference in my life. I have a whole new support system of people rooting for me . It feels great. I , of course , am Jennifer Durst but my jurassic jen brand really set me up on a whole new level in this world. It has been an on an off road to success for me but I appreciate all the bumps because they prepare me. Being out here in La , following my dream, has made me a stronger person than I was when I first moved here . I have learned so much and I am still learning but I absolutely love this journey .

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles has so many fun stuff to do ! Even just being in California you can find so many places to go, whether for a day or a few days. I am such a bar girl , my idea of a fun evening is being at a bar/restaurant drinking and having a good time with friends. I know things are different now but some of my favorite spots are on Universal City walk . There’s a restaurant there called Antojitos , that has the best cocktails. I forget the name of the drink, but there’s one that comes with a pineapple popsicle and its like heaven. Another spot I love is in Sherman Oaks, called Mr. Furleys. During the day I would go to some hiking trails, like Fryman Canyon which is pretty close to where I live so I love the fact I can just go last minute if I wanted. If we wanted to do a beach day , I highly recommend Zuma. The ride there alone is just beautiful and the beach itself is gorgeous and relaxing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
At this point in my life, I dedicate a lot of my dreams ,aspirations and accomplishments to my dad. Growing up , I have always known what I wanted to be even when I tried to push the dream aside. Looking back , I see how my dad had a big part in that. We shot commercials and always acted together for fun. He also supported all my ‘crazy’ dreams along the way. When he passed away , I knew I had to make him proud . I took the extra step a few years later and moved to LA to follow my dreams and accomplish the goals I set out to do. I also have a major support system of friends who help keep me on track whenever I doubt myself. A big shout out to Faviola Rivas who always pushes me to do the “impossible ” . Edwin Dones is another best friend of mine who always has my back and is there for me whenever I need him to be. The list can go on and on , I am so grateful for the friendships and relationships I have made here . They mean so much to me.

Website: www.jendurst.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jurassic.jen
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendurst
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thejurassicjen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jurassic-Jen-123807618317569/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwYxIT_nZ20UN274rlQNd1A
Other: https://www.instagram.com/jendursty imdb.me/jenniferdurst https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2862990/

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