We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jennifer Schmidt. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
The most recent moments you make me feel proud are designing a Grammy dress for a local blues musician and creating custom menswear for a good friend to wear while competing on Food Network on two separate occasions. So grateful for the artists that trust me and the opportunities!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jennifer Schmidt and my brand is JenniferSSchmidt Collection. I am a fashioner designer that specializes in both womenswear and menswear. My brand really kicked off in 2012 when I was focused solely on womenswear, minimalism, structure, romantic details and a little edge.
Throughout the years, my brand has morphed and transformed as I have as a person. I am more experimental with different styles, fabrics, and techniques. My focus is more geared towards supporting other artists while on stage or performing their craft. Now, you can see a little more bling, fringe, and hardware. Anything that will catch the light. My favorite fabrics to work will always be leather, wools, and silks.
I have presented collections at both San Francisco and New York Fashion Weeks. Had the honor to create a few Jean Paul Gaultier inspired looks for his exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Won the ‘Talon Zips’ design challenge put on by Talon Zippers. Designed a Grammy dress and had my first menswear piece featured on the Food Network!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that really shaped how I see the world started at a very young age when I attended a Christian school in preschool that really set a solid foundation of faith in my life. My oldest and best friend and I met at that Christian school, so I think that says something! I know that I am never alone because I have God and Christ in my life. Be good to people and be a blessing to others.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I think as an artist, whether it be a fashion designer, musician, painter, comedian, etc. the pain that you have experienced is your power. It ignites and fuels you to heal through creating some of the best art. Artists are the ultimate alchemists, turning pain into power and into success. Never give up and let it set you on fire!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say what really matters to me is truth, authenticity, loyalty, self-care, humor, art, fashion, baseball, and faith.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am out in nature, spending time with family or friends, looking at art or creating art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jennifers-schmidt.com
- Instagram: jennifersschmidt_collection
- Facebook: JenniferSSchmidt
Image Credits
Katie Knipp
Alan Silva
Taylor Jennings
Isabella Jennings
