Written by Bill Nelson // June, 2024

This is the final piece in a three-part series of The Column in which we meet our third young

entrepreneur and member of The Collective. This young startup, like Seth and Lauren, who we

met in the first two segments of this series, bravely stared down the challenges of

entrepreneurship and determined herself forward despite the risk and monumental effort

involved. Many people take on such an enterprise you may say. Yes, they do, but how many do

so in their early 20s? Well, meet Jenna McWilliams.

Many photographers describe the joy of capturing a perfect image. In this case, it was Jenna who

was perfectly captured… by the lure of photography. After taking photos of high school friends

and sharing the images, everyone realized Jenna had a unique talent behind a camera. Jenna went

to work on that skillset, honing it, experimenting, creating images that awed those fortunate

enough to view them. Soon, her friends were calling her, “Jenny’s Lens,” a name that Jenna

branded and launched as her photography business a couple of years later.

Like many young entrepreneurs, Jenna struggled with confidence, fearing her lack of experience

and business savvy were an insurmountable hurdle. But Jenna leaned into her fears with certainty

in only two things; her desire to work in an environment of total creative freedom, and a

steadfast belief in herself. That solid self-belief got Jenna through the highs and lows any new

business owner faces. But “getting through” is sometimes the first step to eventual success.

Lacking funds to acquire state-of-the-art photography gear, Jenna constantly pivoted to produce

beautiful images using the gear she had. Working with such limitations forced Jenna to grow as a

photographer and an artist, growth she says may have never occurred had she had access to top-

line gear. “I’ve learned that the gear is not as important in photography as the vision and artist

behind the camera,” Jenna says. Maturing as both an artist and visionary has been foundational

in Jenna’s growth, both personally and professionally.

Committed to self-development in all aspects of her life, Jenna is intentional about seeking new

opportunities to surround herself with people who speak into her life and help her expand as an

artist and professional. She sought formal training, took on part-time employment opportunities,

and absorbed the wisdom of experienced sages who were willing to pour into her. As a result,

Jenna is proving to her former 18-year-old self that all those fears, while warranted, were simply

obstacles to overcome. And overcome she has!

Jenna’s goal in every photoshoot is to create an experience for her clients, not simply a

transaction, a recurring theme in this series. She embraces the privilege granted to her each time

a client seeks her artistry to memorialize in photos a special event or moment of significance in

their lives. There is an intimacy in such an invitation that drives Jenna’s passion to create works

of art that her client’s will cherish for a lifetime.

In her spare time, Jenna enjoys listening to the music of Taylor Swift and being a cat mom. You

can contact Jenna at jennamcwilliams2001@gmail.com. You can also follow her on social media HERE

Young Entrepreneurs Rising: Part 3

Exploring New Buffalo Explored