Jen Z, otherwise known as JENerationDIY, is the queen of doing things herself. On her Youtube channel, you can find her cutting her own hair and bangs, making face masks, and revamping school supplies. She has also recently launched her music career, releasing a single called “Falling to Your Knees.” Now at 22 years old, 8 years since the launch of her Youtube channel, Jen Z is pursuing her passions full time. While it was challenging to leave college and take this leap, it has certainly been the right step for Jen Z as she continues to expand her content and grow her platform. Through all of her creation, Jen Z shares positivity and inspiration, and we were excited to learn more about her creative process through this interview.
Keke: Why did you decide to start your Youtube channel?
Jen Z: I started my channel when I was 15, back in 2013, and I honestly was just really bored one summer day. I had been watching people like Bethany Mota and Meredith Foster who were making these fun DIY videos at the time, and since I grew up making crafts and DIYs, I thought I might give it a try. I’ve always loved a challenge, so teaching myself to film, edit and do all the behind the scenes stuff was super fun for me and also a great way for me to express my creativity.
K: Having had your Youtube channel since 2013, what are some things you have learned during this journey? How have you grown?
J: When I started out, I was this super shy, introverted girl who didn’t have a lot of confidence. Through these years of talking to a camera, building an audience and community, meeting them in real life, and getting to participate in some really cool opportunities, I’ve gained so much more confidence in myself to do the things I’ve always dreamed of doing. I think for me, posting that first video and a lot of the creative risks I’ve taken over the years have been a prime example of one of my favourite sayings, “fake it till you make it.”
K: What draws you to DIY? Where do you get your inspiration from and what is your favorite thing you’ve made?
J: Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of money, so I started making things out of necessity. I realized, though, that it was something I loved doing, so when I got the opportunity to share that love through YouTube, I had to do it. I just find it so satisfying and empowering to have an idea in your mind and be able to make it come to life. I recently have been getting into bigger DIYs and projects like my bathroom renovation. It was a huge challenge because I wanted to do everything myself, from removing the toilet to the plumbing to the floor installation. Everything turned out so well, and I’m really proud of myself for achieving such a big feat.
K: As an Asian American female, how do you celebrate your identity through your platform?
J: I think being able to embrace your identity is such an important quality, and lately I’ve been trying to portray that in my music. It’s been something that I’ve struggled with over the years, and through music, I feel like I’ve found a way to depict how I feel.
K: Have you ever faced any challenges due to your identity and how have you fought to overcome them?
J: I’ve definitely had to deal with some external and internal challenges over the years, and building a community on YouTube was a big part in helping me with those. I’m still working towards being fully comfortable embracing who I am and finding myself, but being able to talk to people who are going through similar issues is so helpful. Social media is able to bring together so many people of all different backgrounds, and you kind of realize that you’re not alone.
K: Why did you decide to create music? What is your music inspired by and what kind of takeaway do you hope people have when they listen to it?
J: My first YouTube channel was actually a singing channel (which was so embarrassing and is now super private), so I feel like I’m returning to my roots in a way. I started playing piano when I was 6, so music has always been a big part of my life, but it wasn’t until I gained some confidence through making YouTube videos that I was able to create and put out my first single. I always say my music is angry or sad pop that is danceable since I like to use music as a way to get out my frustrations and feelings. I hope that people can find empowerment in my songs and apply it to their lives in their own ways but also have some good quality dance sessions.
K: Where do you hope to see your channel in 5 years?
J: Hopefully it’ll be full of music but also DIY content. Right now I really love both, but if this year has taught us anything, it’s that you never know what’s gonna happen.
K: What do you love about being a content creator? What draws you to creative processes such as music, art, and fashion and how do you express yourself through them?
J: I love the creative freedom that comes with it and love that people can create opportunities for themselves instead of having to wait for someone to give it to them. I’ve never been very good at communicating my feelings in words, so creating music and art are my go-to [outlets of expression]. The process of creating also just makes me happy. Trying to think outside of the box really gets my brain whirring and I love that feeling.
K: What advice do you have for those who may have a dream but are too afraid to pursue it?
J: I’ve been in the exact same position, and it’s so scary to take the first step, but it’s so important. After that, you have a baseline to go off of, and most of the time, you realize you have the ability to do way more than you think you can.
K: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Keke readers?
J: I hope everyone is staying safe and keeping healthy, and here’s to 2021 being (much) better than 2020!
Connect with Jen Z on her Youtube channel, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
