Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Dinh Safransky.
Hi Jenny, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a proud Bay Area Native and from a very young age, I’ve always been interested in the arts, from singing to participating in anything that involved music. During my years in college at the University of San Francisco (USF), that’s when I further grew my love for music and entertainment, as the President of the Campus Activities Board, I planned major concerts and events for the entire school while bringing on notable talent to come to perform each year.
Once I graduated from USF with a Communications Major and Business Minor, I was ready to experiment and figure out what I wanted to do next. The first job I took on after college was in technical recruiting, and soon after I jumped into the Advertising Agency world. I learned so much during my years in the ad agency world, from managing teams to driving project deadlines to working long hours. Let me tell you, it was a grind but it made me who I am today. However, after having spent over four years in the ad agency world, I was getting burnt out so I had to take a moment to reflect on what I was REALLY passionate about. So I knew in my heart that the music and entertainment industry was where I needed to be. But this was a bit scary for me, growing up in San Francisco, I never left my bubble/comfort zone but I knew it was time and was finally ready to make a change. So in 2015, I decided to quit my job, pack up my things and moved to Los Angeles – the home of entertainment and music to pursue my dream. After settling into Los Angeles, my dream soon came true, landing a role on the Marketing Partnerships team at the Recording Academy, known for the GRAMMYs.
Over the last five years, I’ve had the fortunate experience to work with so many iconic brands and launch major multi-million dollar marketing campaigns with brands such as Pernod-Ricard, Mastercard, Hilton, Delta, Trident, and more. And of course, I got to take part in so many memorable, once-in-a-lifetime events! As a first-generation Asian American, I’ve always been a natural-born hustler. Just like how I sought to work in the entertainment and music industry and made it happen. I believe you can honestly do anything you want, you just have to believe that you can and give it your 120%. Just like so many of us, 2020 was a year of change and reflection. Now that I’m a new mom, I’ve had to press the restart button and reflect on what was best for me and my family. In a short time after leaving the Recording Academy in 2020, with my passion for empowering other women I decided to start my own company, JDS Projects – A talent management agency with a focus on connecting diverse women of color influencers and thought leaders with like-minded. My goal is to empower other women of color by providing them the guidance and business tools to reach their full potential and purpose. When I’m not finding ways to connect creators with brands, I spend my time mentoring young women and the youth. Through these purpose-driven priorities, I believe we all help create a more equitable workforce together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Now that I have my own business and officially an entrepreneur, there are so many learnings and experiences that I’ve dealt with along the way before getting here. But looking back, I wouldn’t change any challenge I went through because it made me who I am today. You never realize how strong you are until you have to be, sounds cliche but it’s true. As I’ve developed in my career, I’ve learned to pivot and ultimately keep a positive attitude in all that I do, that’s really helped me thrive. One of the biggest barriers I have overcome in my career is understanding my value and worth and showing senior leadership that I deserve a seat at the table. When I first took on a role on the Brand Partnerships team at the GRAMMYs, people didn’t know what I was capable of. But I showed them through bringing in real results, securing major new clients/partners, and new revenue. I was able to get promoted twice during my five years.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a creator and influencer, it’s tough to balance content creation with brand collaboration. Identifying brands you align with is one thing, but how do you connect with them and convey your value? How do you turn free products into cash compensation? What does a partnership strategy that benefits both your audience and your brand client look like? With 9+ years of experience in the advertising, marketing, and brand partnerships world and also as an Asian American woman who understands her clients, I help connect diverse, women of color (WOC) influencers with like-minded brands.
Did you know? 82% of consumers are more likely to trust the recommendation of a micro-influencer, which is my area of focus. And despite being underrepresented, women of color exhibit exceptionally high engagement rates and influence amongst their followers. On the flip side, brands more than ever are embracing diversity and actively searching for diverse talent to collaborate with. I help my clients level up by tapping into missed opportunities and maximize the full value of what they have to offer. On top of helping my clients secure new brand partnerships and endorsement deals, I also help develop their brand strategy, and provide guidance through mentorship I am their advocate and truly there every step of the way.
Any big plans?
I’d love to plan a trip to Hawaii once this pandemic is over…But honestly speaking, my goal is to secure quality brand partnerships for my current clients, to help them thrive, and also continue to grow my business further. I truly believe in the work that I do with a focus on women of color micro-influencers because more than ever, it’s not just about the people with millions of followers, it’s about real engagement and knowing who your audience is. I believe my clients are making a positive impact within their own communities and that’s key for me.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.jdsprojects.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjdsprojects/
