Meet Jenny Ponce | host of Miami Lit Podcast/CEO of Miami Lit Pro Studios

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

Hi Jenny, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was centered around the idea of showcasing all the amazing culture happening in Miami. I grew up here and always noticed how disconnected most people are from the city they call home. Miami has its flaws but it special qualities outshine its ‘issues’. Our city’s history encompasses so much; it is the epitome of perseverance and strength. Most people think Miami is all about beautiful beaches and a fun nightlife but there is so much more. As the last two years have proven, the rest of the world has begun to recognize Miami’s potential. We have artists, authors and business entrepreneurs all doing amazing work. I wanted to create a space where we can shine a light on these people and how their accomplishments enrich our community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Miami Lit Pro Studios is a video marketing solution provider. Through a journalistic/documentary style approach and careful research we help shine a light on people’s success stories. Our biggest production right now is Miami Lit Podcast, where we speak to guests about their art, company or community endeavors-always with the goal to provide positive media that enriches the listeners experience. My biggest goal is for the guest and the listener to walk away having gained at least one thing from the episode. What sets us apart from others is how much value we pack in our services. Each episode is carefully researched and structured to highlight the best from our guest. There have been quite a few moments I’m proud of and grateful for. Starting with the creation of this positive media platform that is focused on community and topics of worth. I’ve been so honored to have guests that include Pulitzer Prize winning author Junot Diaz, director Leon Lee and elected chair of community council Martha Bueno just to name a few. I’m really excited about the fact that each episode showcases a glimpse of the guest’s life, struggles and successes. It’s amazing to see people from different walks of life and yet all our lives are so similar reflecting the universal aspect of the human condition. Another thing I’m extremely proud of is our events involving the community. One that stands out is our collaboration with artist Diana ‘Didi’ Contreras and helping her enter the crypto space with her art. That moment has a special place in my heart.
It was a long road to get here and one I would have never imagined. I received a bachelor’s degree in literature and became a south Florida teacher with over ten years of experience as an educator. I decided to leave teaching but couldn’t walk away from my passion for books, people’s stories and having a positive impact. After a lot of thinking, Miami Lit was born. By the way, the lit is short for literature. It was not easy to get to where we are today but nothing worth having is easy so I welcome the challenge. That has always been my mindset and I think it has helped me in moments of doubt.
One lesson I’ve learned is to really rely on your tribe. Those family members and friends that truly impact you not just in the way you want but in the way you need. I struggle to ask for help and starting this business has definitely humbled me and taught me how to do that. Another lesson is progress is the goal, not perfection. I fall in that trap all the time and it is counterproductive because it leaves me stuck- without any progress and definitely no perfection.
I would want the world to know that no matter how scary your dream is, you owe to yourself to give it a shot. It will be difficult but that’s never stopped anyone and it shouldn’t stop you either.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would start with breakfast at one of my favorite places, Chef Sucre. We would head over to Calle 8/Little Havana and explore all its history. We would take a tour of my friend Diana’s art studio and check out her murals that adorn the area. Then head to Wynwood for more art. We would also have to stop by Sergio’s for some croquetas. End the day with a tour of the historical parts of South Beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first person that comes to mind is my husband and business partner, Manuel. His unconditional support and spirit for adventure has helped balanced my much more careful demeanor. Add to that his incredible talent for sound engineering and lighting and I have the best man for the job. There is also my parents who, much like my husband, are supportive no matter how ‘incredible’ my goals may seem. I’m also blessed to be surrounded by an incredible group of friends who always give me that push in moments of doubt. A book I can always count on is Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. It always reminds me about the power of the written word, its transcendental values and its impact.

Website: www.miamilit.com

Instagram: miamilitpodcast

Linkedin: Jenny Ponce

Twitter: miamilitpodcast

Facebook: miamilitpodcast

Youtube: miamilitpodcast

Other: Miamilit.eth

Image Credits
Manuel Ponce