Life & Work with Jennifer Smestad

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Smestad.

Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I basically started singing when I could talk, and it has slowly developed and grown since then! I am from Gilbert, Arizona, and in 2013, I won the title of “Miss Arizona 2013” and competed in Miss America. Singing was my talent, so I sang on the Miss America stage and all throughout Arizona that year at festivals, local pageants, studios, local events, etc.

I also sang the National Anthem at various events, including Arizona Diamondbacks games, Phoenix Suns games, National Rodeo Circuit Finals, and pretty much anywhere and everywhere I could! Then, I sang on the worship team at my church and joined a local cover band. Shortly after that, I finally made the move to Nashville, TN in 2016!

I had no idea what I was doing, but I jumped right into co-writing and playing writers rounds while nannying part-time. Then about a year and a half in I recorded and released my first project. I have learned so much since being in Nashville, and I know I still have so much more to learn!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not always! It’s been up and down and still is.

I have had severe anxiety since I was a kid, so between both general anxiety and social anxiety it has been really hard for me at times, but I push through it as best as I can. Being a country artist is something I’ve always dreamt of ever since I can remember, and my passions, dreams, and goals have always outweighed my fears and anxieties.

That’s something I’m very proud of for continuously pushing through and overcoming. It also helps to be able to write about it! I love writing from personal experiences.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I sing I write, I play shows, I record, all the music things! It’s hard to say what my favorite part is because I love it all. When I’m in the studio I say that’s my favorite part, but when I’m on stage I say that’s my favorite part, and when I’m writing with my best friends and co-writers I say that’s my favorite part. Haha!

I’d say I’m currently most known for my song, “Half the Man” that I wrote about my dad. It took off on social media unexpectedly in the heat of quarantine in 2020, and it’s the song that landed me a record deal and publishing deal. People now dance to that song at their weddings as the father-daughter dance song.

I’m so honored that because of the amazing man my dad is and the relationship my sister and I share with him, I was able to write a song about it that others are able to relate to and share special moments with their fathers. That song will forever be one of the most meaningful ones to me!

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ve learned to lean on God for the things I can’t control and do the best I can in the areas I have control over.

It’s hard to move forward and focus on the positive when everything seems like it’s falling apart, so I’ve really learned to be grateful for what I do have. I try my humanly best to trust the path that God has me on while cheering on others and their journeys.

I am also grateful for all the Zoom writes I had because, although I much prefer to co-write in person, it opened up a lot more opportunities and possibilities!

Everyone is so used to Zoom now, so if I am ever out of town, on the road, needing to write with others in LA or NY, or a little under the weather and still want to write, a Zoom is always an option!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jennifersmestad.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifersmestad/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferSmestadOfficial
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferSmestad
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKeEO2kRdQb_wwdJZYf6ygA
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LEr7kyROjp7nKLWGSReLl?si=uFxxn5h9Qk6IFjRYyKrvhQ

Image Credits
Justin Mayotte, Robby Stevens, Kristi McPoland, Gage Lance, and Ryan Noble