Penned By Design

Send us Fan MailJen Turner turned down two publishing deals to keep full control of her own covers, titles, and voice. In this episode of Penned By Design, the Houston native and author known as Jen With A Pen talks about bold storytelling, creative entrepreneurship, and building a career entirely on her own terms.Jen is the author of several urban fiction and suspense novels, including Bond and My Ex Is Now My Stepson. A Houston, Texas native, her work explores bold relationships, betrayal, healing, and the consequences of difficult choices, and she has built a brand rooted in originality, persistence, and trusting her own vision.In this conversation, Jen and Destiny talk about:Why Jen chose self-publishing over two traditional publishing offers Her unconventional writing process, and why she never writes a full chapter from start to finish What it really means to have thick skin as an author The moment her belief that "no dream is too big" was tested the hardest How she protects her work after another author copied her material Why she refuses to stay in one genre, from street lit to her upcoming fantasy releaseIf you are a writer, author, or creative entrepreneur trying to figure out how much of your voice you are willing to hand over for exposure, this episode is for you.Read the full companion blog post: Owning Your VoiceConnect with Jen Turner: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_jenwiththepen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenspeaksvictory18 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.turner.426491Subscribe to Penned By Design for more conversations on writing, publishing, and creative purpose: {Join Us}Join the Penned Newsletter on Substack for more creative entrepreneur, publishing and writing advice and insights.🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                           Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcastFacebook: Penned By Design PodcastTwitter: @pennedbydesignYoutube: Penned By Design Podcast🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the life you've built no longer fits the person you're becoming?In this episode of Penned By Design, Destiny Jordan sits down with educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Aziza Afghan Beauty, Waheda Nazir, for a thoughtful conversation about identity, reinvention, and finding the courage to embrace a new season of purpose.After years in education, Waheda reached a crossroads familiar to many creatives and professionals: the realization that success isn't about staying the same—it's about allowing yourself to grow. Together, they explore what it means to outgrow a career without losing your purpose, the importance of mentorship and community, and how our personal stories shape the businesses and creative work we build.Waheda also shares how her Afghan heritage inspired the creation of Aziza Afghan Beauty, a brand dedicated to preserving traditional beauty wisdom while offering a different perspective on Afghan culture—one rooted in resilience, craftsmanship, family, and timeless traditions.Whether you're a writer, author, educator, entrepreneur, or creative navigating your own transition, this conversation offers practical wisdom and quiet encouragement for anyone standing at the edge of a new chapter.In this episode, you'll discover:Why your career is not your identityHow to recognize when you've outgrown a season of lifeThe difference between encouragement and true mentorshipWhy purpose evolves as we growHow cultural heritage can inspire meaningful entrepreneurshipPractical advice for navigating career transitions with confidenceWhy every business begins with a story worth tellingIf you've ever questioned whether it's too late to change directions, this episode is your reminder that growth isn't about leaving your purpose behind—it's about discovering a new way to live it.Connect with Waheda Nazir & Aziza Afghan Beauty:🌐Website: https://azizaafghan.com/📱Instagram:  @aziza.afghan.beauty 📨Email:  [email protected] 🎙 About Penned By DesignPenned By Design is the podcast for writers, authors, and creative entrepreneurs who want their words—and their work—to make a lasting impact. Hosted by Destiny Jordan, each episode explores the stories, strategies, and creative journeys behind meaningful books, businesses, and brands.Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoyed today's conversation, please leave a review—it helps more writers and creatives discover the show.Join the Penned Newsletter on Substack for more creative entrepreneur, publishing and writing advice and insights.🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                           Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcastFacebook: Penned By Design PodcastTwitter: @pennedbydesignYoutube: Penned By Design Podcast🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

Send us Fan MailWhat does it look like to write a book not for attention, but out of love? For author, educator, and literacy advocate Jynesis Hawkins, it started with her son.In this episode of Penned By Design, host Destiny Jordan sits down with Jynesis Hawkins, author of Kai: The Jungle King, a children's book rooted in self-worth, courage, and the power of embracing who you are unapologetically. Jynesis opens up about the real story behind the book, what it means to write for a child who is non-verbal, and how 50 copies selling out in two weeks confirmed that her message was bigger than she imagined.But this conversation goes far beyond one book. Jynesis and Destiny dig into what it takes to build a purpose-driven creative platform while holding down a full-time teaching career, raising a child with special needs, and still finding ways to pour into yourself along the way.In this episode you will hear:Why children's books are one of the most powerful tools for building confidence and emotional intelligence in young readersWhat the "anti-life" framework is and how writers can use it to design a creative life they actually wantThe real costs and decisions behind self-publishing a children's book, including sizing, printing, and ISBN basicsHow Jynesis used AI tools ethically in her illustration process and what that means for indie authors todayWhat habit stacking looks like for a busy creative who keeps breaking promises to themselvesThe question that will stop you cold: is your paycheck worth your peace?Whether you are an aspiring author, a self-published writer, a parent, an educator, or a creative entrepreneur building something meaningful, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting and start writing the story only you can tell.Connect with Jynesis HawkinsWebsite: jynesishawkins.com  Instagram: @jynesismoniqueTikTok: @jynesismoniqueSubscribe to the Penned By Design newsletter on Substack for more writing wisdom, publishing insights, and encouragement for purposeful creatives.Pen your own story, designed by you.Join the Penned Newsletter on Substack for more creative entrepreneur, publishing and writing advice and insights.🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                           Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcastFacebook: Penned By Design PodcastTwitter: @pennedbydesignYoutube: Penned By Design Podcast🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊