Meet Jen Pham | Award-Winning Producer & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Pham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I don’t know if I pursued a creative career or if a creative career pursued me! I guess we pursued each other. My parents pushed my siblings and me to do “big things,” which were narrowed down to three professions: doctor, lawyer or ambiguous “business” person. Never in a million years did they think I would be working in entertainment. I went to NYU and took the standard liberal arts classes. I was very resistant to a creative job because at that time, I didn’t really have an example of someone who worked and earned their living as a creative. I randomly decided to go into Broadcast Journalism because Oprah did that. While researching and filming other people’s stories, I discovered my love for storytelling. At my core, I am a storyteller and I love that I can do it in so many mediums, from behind or in front of the camera, from a :30 spot to 5 minute piece. From there, I started to really lean into my creativity. I was able to carve out a path for myself with internships that led to Production jobs. I also was into performing comedy, doing stand-up and improv around NYC. I started auditioning and landed commercials. My storytelling and comedy background really gave me a voice and perspective and set the stage for my career.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your career, can you tell us more?
I am currently a Producer at Paramount by day and a content creator for Walgreens on other days! I write and produce various video content for Paramount and create content for Walgreens where you can see me on their social! I’m trying to make “Walqueen” a thing 🙂

I had to ask colleagues what sets me apart because as I read these questions, I suddenly forgot who I am lol. They said my positive attitude and upbeat demeanor make me very charismatic and personable which allows colleagues to connect with me in a unique way that lets projects be filled with passion and amazing collaboration. I agree! I like to think that I bring this to every aspect of my life.

In the 1980s, my family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam to escape the war, which automatically makes me a part of the first generation pool. As their oldest child of three, I was the ultimate guinea pig. There wasn’t a protocol for my parents to follow so rules were made up along the way: my mom made my clothes while other kids wore the Gap and she packed me fried rice for lunch while everyone else had sandwiches. But then we went shopping for new clothes and I asked for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When I think about my story, I think about my family’s story and how far we’ve come. It’s almost hard to grasp because when you’re living it day to day you don’t really see a lot of change, but a lot has! The 1st generation perspective and representation is so important. I think as long as you true to your authentic self, anything is possible!

I am currently working on a YouTube series with my mom to share Phamily Recipes (see what I did there?) that I grew up with and are easy and accessible for everyone to enjoy. It’s a great way for us to share stories about our culture over something everyone loves: FOOD!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, who came to America with nothing and gave me everything. Even when they didn’t understand why or agree with me, they still loved me and supported me. My daddy even made a Walgreens video with me a couple of months last year before he passed. I will treasure it forever.
Oh and Oprah! She showed me how to dream without obstacles.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hellojenpham

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKXS6JhhqZHYBcbeaqs05AA/featured

Image Credits
ABC News Doc “Swiped” (GMA pic) Elysian Brewing (photo with JVN) Walgreens Lately