U.G. Digital Mag: OK, because my photographer for my headshots is on tap [laughing].
Jenn Williams: I’ll be shooting with you guys soon.
U.G. Digital Mag: So when people look at you and the stories you tell, there’s a level of strength and confidence that shines through. It has taken you so long to get there though, and I know you still struggle with things. How do you manage to present yourself as strong and confident, and put it out there to the point that people don’t see the bad?
Jenn Williams: Knowing that I can’t bring that baggage to a new relationship, and learning to let go. A lot of times, I’m faking it until I make it. It has to happen for me to get things done. It’s just one of those things that forces me to get through and be confident.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s funny to hear you say that. It could be because I think I’m getting old, but I’m on that page.
Jenn Williams: I’ve always struggled with depression though. You don’t want to look the way you feel all the time. People will start thinking you’re on the ledge [laughing].
U.G. Digital Mag: You’re unapologetic in your being and your presence, and that is so awesome. What makes you that way?
Jenn Williams: The thought of not going for this scares me. I’ve had so many crazy things happen to where I feel like my days are numbered just like everyone else’s. Why sit around and not do this? Having this ability and knowing that everyone can not write the way I can, I had to recognize it was a gift. Tomorrow is not promised.
U.G. Digital Mag: I feel good that I finally made it to that point where I realized what I am here to do, and being OK with pursuing that. It’s so good to be in that place because so many people don’t make it there. You’re in such an amazing place. I know readers are seeing your strength. It’s funny how many of the readers were at your show for “Im My Mind”, cheering and giving praise, but they had no clue the drama that happened through the day. They had no clue that much of the cast was brand new as in added the same day or days before. They didn’t realize the struggles you went through when some of your stage props and furniture hadn’t shown up. But as the saying goes, the show must go on, and you followed that motto. I would have said damn it, it’s a wrap. I know me, and I can be strong, but it’s out the window at that point for me. You kept it going and made it a huge success.
Jenn Williams: You know what? After the play, I had to take a cast member home to Akron. The whole drive there, I was literally shaking because I knew it was crazy. After she got out the car, I cried. I knew it was nothing but God. There was no way that I could have done it by myself. I felt that “In My Mind” was a vital piece to my resume.
U.G. Digital Mag: I agree. I heard so much good about it. I had a friend who was there and she’s the one who brought me into the loop. In so many online groups people are posting about you. It’s funny, too, how you immediately see others who start up after they see you. It’s good though because we’re seeing how much talent is out there in Cleveland, and you’re responsible for driving a lot of that talent. It’s just to speak more volume to what you do in your craft. It’s really amazing.
Jenn Williams: It really is truly humbling to me to tell people I’m doing this with God. People thought I was lying. I got offered a free commercial, but I’m not sure if it will go down because the guy thinks I’m lying about the company being mine [laughing].
U.G. Digital Mag: That goes back to my comment before that people assume that a woman can’t do what it is you’re doing. It’s such a chauvinistic society.
Jenn Williams: Right. It really plays into what we said. He thinks this little short black girl can’t do it.