Philly Happening featuring Jennifer Sherlock

The Accidental Entrepreneur: Jennifer Sherlock, Media Maven

By Susan Field

The Philly Happening Women Series is a reoccurring feature that highlights inspirational female personalities, entrepreneurs, and women making a difference in the City of Brotherly Love!

From news reporter to public relations expert and networking extraordinaire, Jennifer Sherlock continues to push Philadelphia communications to new heights

Never in “a million years” did Jennifer Sherlock think that she would be a business owner. Seven and a half years later, that’s exactly what she is.

Sherlock, a graduate of Villanova University and a former television reporter/anchor, began her own company, Jenna Communications, LLC, in 2007, but didn’t receive her first check for the business until 2009. The firm specializes in public relations, event planning, and social media consulting.

Sherlock broke into Public Relations by chance. She interviewed her old boss at a media conference in New York City. He was so impressed with Sherlock that he asked her to continue putting him in the spotlight. She delivered by getting him appearances on national and local TV shows, as well as press in top business blogs and mainstream newspapers and magazines. Before Sherlock knew it, she was in business for herself.

Sherlock, a vibrant and sophisticated young professional, continues to do freelance reporting and posts weekly PR tips on her YouTube channel and her company Web site, https://jennacommunications.com///dev.

Sherlock recently starting hosting PR tips with MyNEWPhilly.com, a new positive news station that talks entertainment, music, and what’s hot around Philly. In addition, she also recently joined a weekly talk sports radio show called the Rob Maaddi Show on Tuesday nights on 610 Sports, ESPN Radio.

Philly Happening recently caught up with Sherlock at her office on Market Street. Sherlock’s warm and positive demeanor was evident throughout the conversation that ranged in topic from entrepreneurship, to inspirational quotes, to her tell-all book.

P.H.: Did you always know what you wanted to do?

J.S.: Yes, I always wanted to be a TV reporter. I wrote about that for my college essay. I got an internship at Channel 6 and then I got a job at NBC 40. I believe if you want something, you can make it happen. I was very persistent. I got hired because I kept dropping my tape off to the front desk of the news station every week in order to get the attention of Jane Stark, who was the General Manager/News Director at the time.

P.H.: What is it like working for yourself?

J.S.: I still learn every day. I’m out every night networking or at an event. I work six days a week. It’s hard, I’m not going to lie to you, but if you are following your passion and you work 24/7, it doesn’t feel like work.

P.H.: What’s your advice for people who aren’t sure what their passion is? How do you find your passion?

J.S.: Research what different companies do. Interview people and ask them about their work. Keep researching until something interests you. The more you learn and the more you connect with people, something will reveal itself to you.

P.H.: Considering how busy you are, how do you keep your balance?

J.S.: I run or I go to the gym. That’s important for sanity and for clearing my head. Even if I feel like I don’t have time to workout, I force it, whether it’s in the morning, at lunchtime, or in the evening.

I try to fit as much work and activities into my day as possible, but you have to sleep, too. Sleep is important!

P.H.: What inspires you?

J.S.: I love quotes. I draw a lot of inspiration from quotes. Some of my favorites are:

“You can never cross the ocean if you don’t have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.”

“Someday you’ll look back and understand why it all happened the way it did.”

“The quickest way to acquire self-confidence is to do exactly what you’re afraid to do.”

I also draw inspiration from my favorite book, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, because it’s all about following your dreams.

I’m also inspired by things that scare me. I like anything that’s challenging. I don’t know why, because then it makes my life more difficult! However, anything difficult ends up making life more interesting, and you learn so much more, which makes it worth it.

P.H.: What’s next for you? What are your goals?

J.S.: I want my own office space and I’d love to be bi-coastal. I love traveling and I love California. I want to do more TV projects. I’d also love to work on my book more!

I’m currently writing a book about being a woman in business and the raw truth behind it. It’s a straight-up, tell-all book highlighting the struggles of being a woman in the business world, but also the excitement of it. I want this book to be an inspiration for other women!