I found this article about Jennifer Coffey and me from the March 2012 Inside Q and it felt appropriate to share for Founders Week at QVC!!
Story by Mia Rodriguez-Lopez
QVC's Newest Program Hosts: Jennifer and Kerstin have essentially been joined at the hip since they started working for the Q. On air, you’ll see that they’re very different in how they present and sell—but as individuals, they’re the same height, the same shoe and clothing size, and during their auditions they chose the same two favorite brands to sell—kindle and philosophy. they keep the same traditions for their kids, too. Kerstin admits, “We always joke about how we’re so similar we’re almost the same person!”After speaking candidly with these two women, it became evident that their backgrounds are similar, too.
Jennifer Coffey:
Jennifer’s adventure began when she reluctantly agreed to audition for program host at the suggestion of a friend. “I used to own a chain of clothing stores in texas and ran a small public relations firm,” she explains. “I would be on television a lot promoting these businesses, and I found I really enjoyed it. Then, I was asked to co-host a morning show in San Antonio. “My best friend is a photographer and videographer. When I mentioned to her that I saw an email about QVC host auditions she egged me on to submit a video. She wouldn’t leave me alone about it and offered to film it, so I submitted the video. then I crossed my fingers, said a prayer and a couple weeks later I got a phone call from QVC saying they wanted me to come in for an interview and live audition! Then after another, and another, and then the final round—here I am now!” As a single mom, Jennifer says she’s overjoyed to have her daughter, Gabby, on this adventure with her. “It’s a big change living here rather than in Texas.
I tell people there’s a remarkable amount of southern hospitality up here. People are very accepting of me and answer all my silly questions. My daughter likes the students she’s with and she’s been very well received.” When asked about adjusting to the changes in industry, Jennifer tells me, “It’s not much of a big switch for me, from running a store to selling products on air. I feel like it’s much the same thing, but to a wider audience. It’s thrilling for me to know that I’m not just having this conversation with one person, but rather millions. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the QVC viewer, which I’ve already started to do via social media, reading the community blogs and meeting people on the street who recognize me. I know it’s a family in here—but it’s a family out there, too, that I want to get to know, because I plan on being here for a long time!”
Kerstin Lindquist:
Kerstin is a Southern California native who spent nine years as a news reporter. “I definitely prefer QVC to doing the news, that’s why I’m so glad I chose to work here. I loved being a reporter, but with news there are a lot of constraints on being able to speak openly and show who you are. here they want to see your personality. It seems like everyone has to work, so I feel that it’s important to be in a place you love, doing what you love doing. I found that here!” When asked if she misses the sunny shores of California, Kerstin concedes, “I’m a big beach girl, so it was a hard decision. my husband and I lived three blocks from the beach in a little tiny cottage. We have a much bigger house now, which is really great when you have 2 two-year-olds and two dogs!” The real passion in Kerstin’s life is the love she and her husband have for their two daughters, Grace and Georgia, born five months apart. “We couldn’t get pregnant so we started adopting, and while we were adopting, we managed to get pregnant!
We were very blessed; our daughters are just the reason for everything. that’s why I started writing my blog, which became very popular and turned into the foundation of a book I’m writing that lets others know about infertility and adoption, which I feel is something that everyone should talk about. “That’s why the people and culture are my favorite parts of QVC. I can be open about these subjects that mean a lot to me and be accepted warmly. I can honestly say I really like everyone I’ve met. I love education, and with this job there are so many different products that you’re constantly learning."
Here's to many more years to come!
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xo
Kerstin