How To Be Authentic In Your Art with Jennie Lopez
I think we’ve all felt like we don’t belong anywhere at some point… Too much of this, not enough of that… Jennie Lopez experienced the same thing. Growing up, Jennie often felt like her identity had too many sides. She was an engineer who danced. A technical thinker with big energy. She loved precision, but also expression. And every environment seemed to ask her to choose just one.
“Too bubbly for engineering. Too nerdy for dance.”
So many creative people—especially women—have been told to “tone it down,” “pick a lane,” or “be more consistent.” But Jennie’s journey shows what happens when you do the opposite. When you decide that your wholeness is not a liability—it’s the point. It’s what will help you stand out from everyone and find YOUR people.
The Power of Duality
Jennie talked about living “different lives at the same time”—and how painful it was to constantly code-switch. Until one day, she realized that what she was trying to minimize was actually her greatest gift.
“That’s my unicorn horn. That’s what makes me unique.”
It’s not about branding yourself to be more palatable. It’s about integrating the seemingly opposite parts of yourself and letting them work together.
This is what makes artists memorable: they’re not trying to replicate someone else—they’re showing us a version of humanity that we haven’t seen before.
Authenticity Will Get You Further Than Anything
We often try to hide the parts that make us different from other people. And I get it - it feels a lot more safe to blend in. And as singers it’s sometimes hard for us to not automatically copy what we hear other singers do - even if it’s not intentional. But then we don’t know how to get away from that and really use our own voice to express.
More often than not it’s not a vocal or musical thing - it’s about truly connecting with your self as a person. What genres do you really like? What lights you up (even outside of music)? What’s your spirit animal? Anything that helps you get to know yourself better. And when you find the uncomfortable parts of yourself, that’s when you lean in more and use them as your super power. This is what makes you stand out and therefore connect more deeply with the RIGHT people - not with everyone, but with your people.
Your MAP To Authenticity
Jennie says that when you’re truly in alignment with what you’re supposed to be doing, everything starts falling into place. If there is a disconnect we can easily experience burn out, lack of motivation and discipline, and even quit altogether. I too have struggled a lot in my time as a singer, as a business owner and even in my personal life to truly connect with myself and keep my passions alive. So she shared a great trick that you can apply when you’re not sure if you’re acting in your truest self and are on the right path, or if you need to refocus a bit.
She explained the MAP concept to me. Here’s what this means.
M - Me or a mask? Ask yourself is that really you or are you putting on a mask to make sure other’s like you/want you to do?
A - Alive! Do you feel alive doing this? Does this give you energy or drain your energy?
P - Pause and Reflect. It is important to slow down from time to time and check in with yourself. Is what I’m currently doing helping me get closer to my goals/my north star?
Follow this MAP and you’ll start living your life and artistry as your most authentic self, therefore connecting with your audience deeply!
Final Thoughts: Let Your Wholeness Be Heard
Authenticity isn’t a trend. It’s the foundation for every meaningful performance, conversation, and connection. Jennie’s story is a reminder that your creativity doesn’t need to shrink to fit someone else’s template.
Let your curiosity lead. Let your joy take up space. Let your contradictions breathe.
You’re not too much. You’re just in the wrong room.
Find the one that lets you be all of it.
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