ANNOUNCING THE WOMAN OF THE MONTH

Meet November’s Fort Worth Woman! Jennifer Perez has a knack for naturally connecting with others  – and it’s not just because she has the most endearing dimples on her face when she smiles. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Jennifer has experienced her share of trials but never has she allowed them to darken her spirit as she has tackled her two most important jobs head on: mom and entrepreneur. 

As a Junior in high school at the age of seventeen, Jennifer found herself pregnant with her oldest son. She returned to finish school as a Senior and cites that a girl at her school told her that she made being both a mom as well a student “look easy”. This moment was empowering for Jennifer and it is a moment that she has continued to leap off of as an entrepreneur. Despite the fact that life is never easy, if you continue marching forward with both drive and a positive outlook, you can indeed make your challenge look easy to the outside world.

Hand in hand with the victories of success, challenges of life also have a way of leaving behind a path of heartache. After having a second child, her daughter, Jennifer describes her heartache further, “The father of my children has been an alcoholic/addict since the age of eighteen. It has been something that we have all endured and battled with most of our lives. He was my first love and I will always wish him well. Mourning someone who is still alive is heart crushing, especially while raising two young children who deserve a father figure in their lives.”

Jennifer began her career as a lash esthetician to support her children. She states, “I found my passion for the beauty/spa industry at a young age. I worked in Fort Worth at a high end spa and fell in love with the ambiance, stillness, and fulfillment of self care. Being a single mom and sole provider, was tough in every aspect, everything in life was so fast paced at this time it felt imperative to choose a career that made me feel calm and at peace. I went to Ogle to get certified as an esthetician. Shortly after graduating I landed a job at Lash Studio in Fort Worth where I worked for 10 years. I gained a lot of experience and built amazing friendships.”

This kind of work doesn’t come without sacrifice. Jennifer describes, “Although I loved my time as an employee, I worked a lot and I was missing out on time with my kids, their activities and milestones. I needed more and I wanted more flexibility in my schedule. I also knew at the same time that I wasn’t afraid of working hard. I decided to take the leap of faith and lease a space so I could start my own business. There were certain legalities that made this a challenge but I pushed through and all in the same month, May of 2016, I purchased my home and opened Lashes Del Rae. I had enough money saved up to cover only 2-3 months of my mortgage and bills. Praying that there were no emergencies that came up, I HAD to make it work. And I did.”

Jennifer quickly developed a large group of devoted clients -myself included – as she became known for both her honest approach and delicate touch. Lash extensions absolutely require ease of hand and Jennifer has both the tenacity and patience to complete each set for each client to the best of her ability.

Fast forward to stay-at-home orders due to Covid in 2020. During this time Jennifer – despite her success, location changes, and business growth – sat down with her business plan to re-evaluate. She then used the time at home to seek out ways to expand services for her clients as well as obtain a higher education. Jennifer describes further, “I took several classes to help transition into medical skincare.”

Jennifer re-branded as Ivy James Aesthetics in 2021 and moved her business in to Le Reve Skincare and Laser Center where she has been mentored by her dear friend and owner of Le Reve, Ashley Tinley, PA-C. Outside of lashes for her previous clientele, Jennifer now offers Hydrafacials, Geneo Facials, Emsculpt, Tattoo Removal, Laser Hair Removal, Skin Pen Micro-Needling, Chemical Peels, as well as Intense Pulsed Light Therapy. Jennifer describes her goal as a business owner and Medical Esthetician further, “I am committed to continuing education and am always looking into new products and services that will yield the best results possible for my patients. We are all a work in progress and my goal is to help inspire people as well as help anyone who walks in my spa to feel their best. I also want to show young women that there’s hope – even in tough circumstances, you have the ability to create the life you want.”

Like many of us, Jennifer is shifting from one life phase to the next. As a recent “empty nester” yet also in a healthy relationship with a new boyfriend her focus is two-fold: on continuing to be the best mother she can be in this next life phase as well as being in the business of helping women feel beautiful in their natural skin. Change is not always comfortable, but like all challenges, Jennifer makes it “look easy” as she approaches life with a combination of grace and grit that is inspiring – even to a client on her table. Her love for her family is evident no matter the situation and kindness pours from her heart in how she serves others daily.

What Jennifer loves about our city is a beautiful combination of the endless opportunities and cultural diversity. She describes, “Fort Worth has always been home to me. Born and raised. I love the small city charm, southern hospitality and laid back atmosphere. The opportunities in our great city are endless as long as you’re willing to put in the effort. You can make whatever your dreams are come alive here. The opportunities for small businesses are plentiful and there are so many generous organizations. I am proud to be a Fort Worthian and even more excited and honored to be November’s Fort Worth Woman. November to me represents change of seasons and thankfulness. I am forever grateful for the struggles that made me who I am today. I will always be a work in progress. My business will always be a work in progress. I am committed and determined to furthering my education and to continue offering the latest and innovative techniques in the aesthetics industry.”

As Jennifer reflects on her word  to describe her impact as a businesswoman she said she chose the world “resilient” but joked that she feels her word could be “epic”. Both words describe Jennifer’s impact. Her resiliency has gotten her not only through but over every challenge placed before her and a genuine heart Iike hers is bound to make an epic impact: on her children, on her friends, on her clients, and on Fort Worth.

Jennifer of Ivy James Aesthetics is one of the most impeccable examples of a Fort Worth Woman and you can find her at Le Reve Skincare and Laser Center by calling to set your appointment at 682-204-4407.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”

“Still I rise”

-Maya Angelou