“Don’t allow your trust in timing to be an excuse for complacency. Go looking for opportunities!”

Name: Jeneque Pinnock

Age: 23

Place of birth/Residence: Jamaica

Kiki: What’s your earliest childhood memory growing up in Jamaica? 

Jeneque: From as early as I can remember, I understood that education, was ‘the great equalizer’ that could change anyone’s circumstances. Neither of my parents went to university and because of that, they instilled the importance of higher education in me. It’s no wonder that during Miss Jamaica World 2017 I was most passionate about tutoring, volunteering and lending my voice to issues of education and youth development.

I went on a nine-day trip to Africa through my involvement with the Shashamane Sunrise, a charity and volunteer organisation that supports children’s education in developing countries in Africa and the Caribbean. Our team visited Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda and delivered school supplies and furniture. We contributed to building renovations and interacted with the students through confidence-building exercises. To say it was the experience of a lifetime is putting it lightly!

Kiki: We love seeing you live your best life on Instagram. What do you do for a living? 

Jeneque: For almost 3 years, I worked as an Account Executive at a full-service media, advertising and production company in Jamaica. I’ve always been very passionate about people so I find it fulfilling being in a communication-intensive role, which involves continuous dialogue between clients, stakeholders and other team members. I am currently transitioning into my new role as a Digital Marketing Manager and I’m ready for the challenge! I also love giving back and impacting others in some way. If I can look back on my life during my final days (hopefully many decades from now), and feel like I was able to impact, influence and/or improve the trajectory of even one person’s life, then that would be a ‘fulfilled life’ in my eyes.

Kiki: What advice would you give to someone who wishes to follow in your career footsteps?

Jeneque: I get this question so often and always think long and hard about my response, simply because… it’s difficult to answer. I would love to be able to give step-by-step directions, but the truth is, we will all have varying paths to success. But, here are a few things I can share:

1. It won’t come easy. You must put in the work.
2. It won’t come overnight. You have to trust in timing and God’s plan.
3. Don’t allow your trust in timing to be an excuse for complacency. Go looking for opportunities! 
4. You have to be your biggest cheerleader and harshest critic simultaneously. No one has got you like you’ve got your back and no one knows your strengths and weaknesses as well as you do.
5. Network, network, network! I can’t tell you how many times an opportunity presented itself because of someone I interacted with. Recommendations go a long way.
6. Always put your best foot forward – from your physical appearance to your decorum and how you engage with others.

[Random Fact: I think 6 is my lucky number]

Kiki: I agree! You always put your best foot forward and look fabulous doing it. What’s your secret?

Jeneque: Two words: Argan Oil! It keeps my tresses healthy, and remember, don’t go to bed with your makeup on! When it comes to my diet, I watch my portions. I’ve cut out rice and consume dairy and red meat in moderation. [I can’t say no to Oxtail though.]

Kiki: What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Jeneque: At 18 I was just starting Undergraduate studies. I was still ‘finding myself’ and sometimes felt uncertain about who I was and who I wanted to be. Looking back, I would say: “Girl, you got this! Everything you need to accomplish your dreams is inside you, waiting to be developed. Give yourself time. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep working, and be patient”.

Kiki: What makes you Jeneque?

I am… unpredictable and unexpected; a walking contradiction.

I am… soft and yet, tougher than most would expect.

I am… the life of the party and yet, an introvert.

I am… focused, driven and motivated.

I am… me. There is no one else exactly like me; and that in itself, makes me unique.’

Getting to Know you… and everything about you…

Kiki: What song/lyric currently defines your life right now?

Jeneque: I’ve been rinsing “I Can” by Chronixx for months now. I relate to it on an emotional level.

Kiki: What are you currently coveting right now?

Jeneque: A car and travelling to at least one more country I’ve never been to before. I’ve been to 4 since the start of the year [God is so good], so a 5th one would be the icing on the cake!

Kiki: Who do you insta-stalk and why?

Jeneque: Beyoncé… need I say more?

Kiki: What’s the next thing on your bucket list?

Jeneque: I want to go sky-diving!

Let’s stay connected…

Instagram, Twitter, Facebook @JenequeP | LinkedIn: Jeneque Pinnock