Meet Jennifer Inatomi | Editor

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

Hi Jennifer, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I wanted to pursue a creative career from a young age as I took much inspiration from my creative family- my father was in a band; my grandmother was a Japanese art teacher and my sister a painter. They have always been a source of inspiration for me, pushing me to pursue what I love. From this, I was always interested in having a creative career. Growing up I focused my attention towards extra curriculars trying to see my best fit from painting to fine arts to photography which eventually led me to film. Despite the first time I had the opportunity to craft was in a General Ed course – I fell in love and finally found my fit. I have used film to be able to craft and edit stories to share and never thought my hobby could be a career for myself. I love the fact that Editing is one of those creative careers where you’re able to be a storyteller, a creative and director in one. This is why my ultimate career goal is to work in Television! As I work toward this goal, I have been pushing myself to think outside of the box and continue expanding my network. I’m very passionate about one day creating my own show and sharing stories for those who are underrepresented in TV. As an Asian-Latina woman, I want to showcase my own experiences and creating a space for those to see themselves also being represented. As a Junior in college prepping for my next steps in my career journey, I find the industry as an Editor is very scarce with only a handful of POC women working in the field. This is why getting to see others who are just as passionate as me are very inspirational!

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.
My art is how I am able to communicate the stories I want to share when words cannot define them. Although my path to figuring out my niche in film was one of the greatest challenges I faced most, I have appreciated every step of the way as it’s built who I am today. As one of the first members of my family to delve into a creative career, I had to find my own definition of success and learn that my perspective is unique and my superpower. This was my biggest lesson when shifting from Fine Arts to Film. Though I enjoyed the coursework, there was a piece of me that yearned to go further than my art on canvas. I felt like a failure wanting to switch from one major to another, but my gut kept telling me it was right. I trusted in myself to continue, and even when I first started out as an editor my initial creations were not perfect, they were my tiny successes into the right direction of growth and my opportunity to improve on each project.

Growing up as biracial women, I want the world to know I’m ready to tell the stories of not only my family but those unheard of. I want to continue pushing for diversity in this male dominated industry advocating for not only myself but those to come.

I’m most excited to immerse myself further into editing and truly enhance my expertise and my skill set. I’m curious in growing my connections and learning from others who have been in the same shoes as me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Funny coincidence, my best friend, who actually just visited LA, asked me this exact question. My initial answer will always be to show them around the Huntington Library in San Marino, CA. The Huntington is not only a beautiful place with vast gardens and art galleries but a place that helps me recharge my creative battery. The Botanical Gardens and the European Art Gallery are my favorite to visit as it reminds me of the days my dad would take my sister and I to galleries to inspire our work as a kid. I love getting to be there on a cool breezy day just taking it all in. It’s a nice reminder to how I spent most of my childhood – enjoying art pieces and beautiful nature that Los Angeles County blesses us with. The best part about visiting is you can spend a whole day traveling through the vast gardens, exploring the galleries and you still may not see it all. It offers much to excite oneself especially with the cute high tea experience they have within the rose garden. A definite visit for sure!

Once enriching them into the lush environment of the Huntington, I would take them to another childhood favorite – Little Tokyo. As a Japanese American, it means a lot to not only be able to taste the delicious food but enrich oneself with the history at the Japanese American Museum. This museum has been one we have been visiting as children, learning of the history of my grandparents.

Once taking them through I would immerse them into my absolute favorite spots – Mitsuru Cafe. Peeking through their front window you may catch someone making Dorayaki (Japanese Red Bean cakes) but the real star for me is their bentos! A definite must have when visiting Little Tokyo.

I’d for sure have to have us get bentos and a fresh Dorayaki to end day!

Finally, to top off our little tour, I’d also take them to Fugetsu-do! A mochi lover’s dream as they have all different kinds of authentically crafted mochi and snacks to choose from.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey to my career and to who I am today would have never been possible without the overwhelming support of my family and friends. I started college thinking I was supposed to be on the path of a creative career through fine arts. Despite me trying to force myself to continue on, it was my support system who encouraged me to go forth with the major that I truly find joy in doing. Though I have many people to thank for helping me be the person I am today, proud of who I am and where I have come from – I have a few special people I would love to share my immense gratitude to.

My parents for pushing me in a creative direction and believing in myself that I can have this career. I wanted take a moment to thank my mom especially for all the love, care and consistent belief in me. Thanks for believing in me and supporting me through the days I didn’t believe in myself, I would not be here without you. I’m so grateful for the life she has given me and for pushing me to go for what I want. Thank you for letting me grow and never shying away from getting to express myself.

Here’s to my big sister – she is one of my biggest supporters and one of the most confident hard working and inspirational person I know. She’s has always pushed me to follow my heart and I feel so lucky to have her and her endless support! I love and cherish every laugh, every memory and for every late-night study session we shared.

On another note, I want to thank one of my community college professors, Dan V, part of the Theatre Arts Department for helping inspire and motivate me to push further into the film space. His knowledge, wisdom and belief made me grow a deep appreciation about the industry and see it in a different perspective when rigging sets under his guidance.

Finally, I want to thank my loving friends who are always so caring, patient, inspirational, talented and kind. You all inspire me with your light and I’m so thankful to be surrounded by your endless love, support and willingness to support me. It means the world.

I feel so very lucky to have all these extraordinary people around me who I can feel safe with and can go to whenever I need anything. I couldn’t thank you all enough for everything for you’ve all done for me, and I can’t express my gratitude enough. There truly aren’t enough words to say!

Website: https://www.jenniferinatomi.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-inatomi-6443202b4/

Image Credits
(Left to Right Order) Photo #1; The Recipe Photo #2: GAMBL$NG Photo# 3; My Bachan’s Move to CA Photo #4; The Missing Song