Gems with Gen

Have you ever met someone new and immediately thought they were special? Not just nice. Not just talented. But grounded, thoughtful, and fully themselves?That’s exactly how I felt when I met today’s guest, Leah Chin.Leah and I met years ago while working at a creative agency where we consistently brainstormed (and executed) big ideas and built content for major brands. I can strongly say if you’re looking for someone with a creative eye and a vibey POV, she’s all that (and then some).Did I mention she’s personally worked with brands like Ami Cole and Ember Niche? Right, the resume is STACKED.What makes Leah’s story powerful is that she didn’t just talk about wanting change: she made it.Originally on a path toward the medical field, Leah pivoted into a full-time career in social media and content creation. That kind of career change is not small. It requires clarity, courage, and a willingness to let go of the version of yourself you once thought you had to become. Our conversation went so deep that at one point, I asked Leah, “Is this a therapy session?” Maybe!In this episode, we get into:what it really takes to pivot careersher transition from the medical industry to a creative fieldbalancing a full-time job with your own creative pursuitsbuilding a career in social (she now manages social over at CFG - a global influencer marketing agency)developing sustainable wellness routinesstaying authentic both online and IRLIf you’re navigating a career shift, questioning your path, or trying to build a creative life without burning out, I encourage you to tap in.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Leah's Background02:02 Leah's Journey from Medical Industry to Digital Storytelling04:05 The Role of Mentors and Friends in Career Change05:51 Authenticity and Being True to Yourself as a Creator07:59 Creating a Wellness Community for Women of Color09:56 Unlearning Myths About Wellness and Self-Care11:50 The Ongoing Nature of Wellness and Self-Improvement13:49 The Challenges of Adulting and Mental Health15:46 The Impact of Mindset and Self-Talk on Creativity17:44 Waking Up Early and Building New Habits19:40 Balancing a Full-Time Job with Creative Projects21:37 The Therapeutic Power of Puzzles and Art23:39 Self-Compassion and Giving Yourself Grace25:29 Overcoming Comparison and Self-Doubt27:16 Travel and Finding Confidence Outside Your Environment29:26 The Importance of Giving Yourself Time31:14 Places That Make Leah Feel Most Relaxed33:18 Key Lessons in Wellness and Creativity35:25 Closing Remarks and Gratitude“When it comes to creating, I think that I give myself grace, which allows for there to be balance.” - Leah ChinKeep up with Leah: her IG, her TikTok, her wellness page. She’s a masterclass in building an authentic online presence that actually connects.Follow the podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠, and follow Gen ⁠@g.ennifer⁠Stick around. I’ll see you in the next one. 🫶🏾💎 Gen

What does it mean to see yourself as beautiful? Is it hard to embrace your natural self? And if you had the chance to burn your life down and start all over, would you? In this episode, Gen sits down with model Paris Gardner for a raw, soulful conversation about identity, transformation, and self-worth. From growing up in the south to redefining success on her terms, Paris opens up about the power of supportive figures, shedding expectations, the comfort and desire for change, and what success means to her. Whether you're curious about breaking into the modeling industry or you're standing at your own crossroads, Paris’s story will inspire you to bet on yourself and never look back. Resources For The Gems <3Follow Paris on Instagram @paris_gardner_Check out the magazine Paris mentioned @missionmagazineFollow Gems with Gen on Instagram @gemswithgenpod

There’s something different about Summer 2025. The air feels lighter, the vibes feel aligned, and the season is practically begging you to romanticize your life. But a dreamy summer doesn’t just happen—you’ve gotta get intentional about what stays and what goes. In this episode, ⁠Gennifer⁠ is mapping out her personal "Ins and Outs" for the summer. She’s saying goodbye to things like doom scrolling, people-pleasing, and shrinking herself to make others comfortable. In their place? Boundaries, bold moves, 8 hours of sleep, and maybe—just maybe—a summer class. (Don’t hold her to that last one.) Tune in as she gets honest, aspirational, and a little unserious about creating a summer that feels good. If you’re ready to have your best summer yet, start here. <3 For more gems, follow the pod on @⁠gemswithgenpod⁠, and Gennifer @⁠g.ennifer⁠ on Instagram.

Gen is back and with a BANG!! This time, she brought a special guest - her best friend of 20 YEARS, Alexxus Finnell (@alexxusfinnell) joins the Gems With Gen pod. They chat about their origin story, how their relationship has evolved, and drop some gems on what makes a good friend.For more gems, follow the pod @gemswithgenpod, and Gennifer @g.ennifer on Instagram. 

Ready to get real? Join storyteller, and professional yapper Gennifer Allen—aka Gen—as she dives into the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of life. Through personal stories, chats with incredible guests, and her own (sometimes chaotic) adventures, Gen shares down-to-earth advice to help us all level up. Some stories will inspire, and others will shock—but there will always be a gem to take with you. 💎 Follow the show on Instagram @gemswithgenpod and Gennifer on Instagram and TikTok @g.ennifer