A rock star on the red carpet and in real life, Jen Su shines with glamour, grace and positive energy that uplifts everyone around her. Get inspired: meet our new Real Woman of REALM.
Jen Su: we all know her as a TV Host and Style Expert, jet-setter and fashionista queen of the social scene. During our Real Woman of REALM photoshoot, we got to know another side of Jen.
Behind the glamour is a real woman. Thoughtful, funny, down to earth and dedicated to her craft. Generous with her time and talents. At the shoot, she stayed longer to make sure we had everything we needed and were happy with the content. Her easy-going way made the afternoon so much fun. Our all-women team agreed: we had the best day.
One of the things I love about our photoshoots is the conversations that unfold. Jen shared with us stories about her children and the challenges they have faced. When I asked how she got through the difficult times, she told me: “I have learned to not sweat the small stuff.”
Wise words from a wonderful mother, businesswoman, friend and fashionista. I am thrilled to introduce you to our next Real Woman of REALM, truly an Empress: Jen Su.
Ann King Lagos
Founder + Designer
FIRST LOOK: Ann King Lagos & Jen Su wear REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry's new Everyday Pearl Collection paired with denim and white tees. Jen's jacket by Nicole Miller, white silk shirt by Prada, jeans by Veronica Beard. SHOP ALL JEN's LOOKS
Q&A with Jen Su
What do you do for work?
I’m an international style and entertainment correspondent for the Sunday Times and contributor for Vogue Style Guide, FOX 29, The CW, and News24. I also sit on the board of directors for the Philadelphia Film Society and Philadelphia Fashion Incubator and am a professional member of the Recording Academy.
for play?
I love singing and playing classical piano. I’ve studied piano since I was 7 years old, and as a young girl, I won a TV "Taiwan Idol"-type singing contest, released five albums and had an amazing career in Asia and South Africa in both performing and broadcast news.
for others?
I have many philanthropic causes. One which is especially near and dear to my heart is the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). They saved my son’s life and I’m eternally grateful.
AT WORK: Jen Su (2nd left) is a media contributor for a number of publications and shows, such as FOX 29's Good Day Philadelphia with (from left:) Ramillionaire Carr, Alex Holley, Mike Jerrick and Karen Hepp. Photo courtesy FOX 29 Philadelphia. BELOW: REALM's Portrait Hoop Earrings that Jen says "bring in a spiritual message and positive energy flow."
Tell us about your book.
My book, From Z to A-Lister: How to Build Your Personal Brand, is my personal guide to my "Zen" approach to events, social media and developing a brand. I’m working on a sequel and hope to have it out soon!
You have met and interviewed many celebrities and influential people. Anyone who has made a particularly strong impression on you?
Kim Kardashian, whom I met again at SNL 50, is always gracious with her fans and a fantastic mom. Ariana Grande is perfection and is warm and authentic. Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, is always impeccably dressed and I highly admire her fearless vision, discipline and ability to lead with both elegance and edge.
FASHION ROYALTY: Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour with Jen Su. Photo by Hunter Abrams for Vogue Vintage Market.
You have talked about the struggles you faced to get to where you are today. Can you tell us about that journey and how you persevered?
It was a struggle on many fronts. I grew up a shy, quiet kid with braces and thick coke-bottle glasses. When I won the singing contest, I was thrust into the spotlight and suddenly everything about my physical look was being analyzed under a microscope. Moving countries and starting over was so challenging, and when I returned back to my birthplace of Philadelphia with my son stricken with cancer at the time, and then when things started to get better, the pandemic hit. It was a rough start, but I never gave up. All you need is one person among the hundreds of rejections to believe in you, and I’m blessed with a lot of support from the community.
We love your style—so on point and of the moment.
Please share your top 3 style tips with us.
1. Have a "capsule wardrobe" with high quality,
solid pieces that are easily mixed and matched—and make sure
YOU love what you’re wearing!
2. If you’re not sure about wearing a certain outfit
do a test drive and take photos and videos
on your phone to review and decide.
3. Wear at least one piece or accessory
that can be a bit quirky or a good conversation-starter.
I’ve made so many friends this way!
Inside scoop, please: what’s the next hot fashion trend we don’t want to miss?
Ice blue and butter yellow—wow, definitely inject some light blue and creamy yellow into your wardrobe this season!
ON TREND: Jen Su in REALM's new blue CZ Azure jewelry collection. Romantic blue tulle butterfly dress by Mew Mews. REALM Spirit Pavé Hoops in CZ Azure, Spirit Pavé Cuffs 5mm in CZ Azure and CZ Blanc, Spirit Pavé Ring in CZ Azure, Ever Pavé Ring in CZ Azure, Ever Ring in CZ Blanc. SHOP ALL JEN's LOOKS
How did you first get introduced to REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry and Ann King Lagos?
I met Ann at Philadelphia Style magazine’s 25th Anniversary party and we just hit it off from there. I’ve been so inspired by her journey and her beautiful jewelry—it’s an honor to be part of the REALM family!
What do you love about REALM?
The jewelry is absolutely exquisite, beautifully crafted and affordable. The inspirational messages with each piece are so supportive and uplifting.
Which REALM Iconic Collection resonates most with you?
DOMAIN, representing Home, Protection, Life. The Portrait Hoop Earrings bring in a spiritual message and a positive energy flow.
Your favorite REALM jewelry styles?
Spirit Pavé Cuffs, Corset Pavé Cuffs, Talon Pavé Earrings and the Promise Solitaire Studs are all must-haves.
At REALM, we talk about having an attitude or mood that’s Classic, Romantic or Rock Star. How would you describe your personal style?
Rock Star! Definitely. I love going a bit overboard with my dress at events, but why not? I’m a Leo, so I think I was born ready to get out there and make things happen.
What does it mean to:
#BeYourBestSelf
You are unique. Smile and take charge.
#BeYourOwn Empress
You rule over your own destiny, and it takes effort,
failure and perseverance to make things happen.
#ReignThoughtfully
You envision and manifest without bragging.
You are subtle yet powerful and charismatic.
FAMILY STYLE: Jen Su with her husband and sons.
Mother's Day is coming up. Would you like to share some thoughts on the joys and challenges of being a mom?
Being a mom is the toughest job ever, so take a little time for pampering and self-care: you deserve it! As a mom of two incredible boys, I’m so lucky to see them healthy and thriving.
What advice do you have for women in business… and in life?
Network, network, network! It’s about who you know that will carry you far. You’re in your own league and your own lane—don’t compare. And don’t forget to hug and express gratitude to the people who mean the most to you.
What does success mean to you?
Feeling satisfied that you have achieved something that gives you purpose. It can be anything from singing to kids in the cancer ward at CHOP to getting that exclusive red carpet fashion story to simply living well.
You’ve been interviewed many times. Is there a side of you that hasn’t been revealed, but you’d like to share with us?
I grew up painfully shy, and because I never spoke in class as a young girl, my teachers thought I couldn’t understand English, which of course, wasn’t true. I’m 100 times more outgoing now, but I still have times where I need to conserve my energy and hide away!
GLAMOUR + GRACE: Jen Su pairs some of her favorite REALM jewelry styles with jeans and a top of black mesh with pale pink silk roses by Elmira Vandenberg. Gala Pavé Ring, Promise Solitaire Earrings, Crescent Pavé Collar, Corset Pavé Cuff. SHOP ALL JEN's LOOKS
CONNECT WITH JEN
IG: @jensu1
X: @jennifer_su
www.jen-su.com
#jensu #jensustyle
