Name: Jennifer Smestad
Age: 27
Title: Country Artist, Songwriter, Model, Actress, Former Miss Arizona
Married/Single: Single (in a relationship)
Kids: 0
City you live in: Currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, but I was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona.
A typical day in my life includes…
I try to always stay active and fit in a workout, even if it’s just going on a walk. I read The Bible and spend time in prayer and self-reflection. I do some type of personal development, whether that’s reading a book or listening to a podcast. I attain songwriting sessions where I get together with 1-3 other songwriters to collaborate and write a song together. I perform in a writers round or showcase at night, where I get to perform a few of my original songs in front of a crowd with either just an acoustic guitar or a full band, depending on the gig. Then, I wind down and go to bed!
I was born…
to sing!
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the weather. I am made for the sun and the heat.
I’m listening to…
I obviously love music, so here are some of my current faves: Kacey Musgraves’ “Golden Hour” album, Maren Morris’ “GIRL” album, John Mayer, The Night Game, “Nothing Else” and “Run To the Father” by Cody Carnes, “Another in the Fire” by Hillsong United, and of course “Half the Man” by me!
My family…
is my everything! I am so blessed with such a loving and supportive family. They are there for the ups and downs and walk alongside me in every step. My older sister is my best friend and my parents just celebrated 31 years of marriage!
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Jesus! To sit down with Him in human form would be the coolest experience. He is the ultimate Friend, Father, and Counselor.
One thing I cannot live without…
community and friendship. I don’t like to be alone!
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a country singer!
I’m inspired by…
overcoming my fears. Every time I push myself to do the very thing that scares me (for example, public speaking) I feel empowered and even more inspired to conquer all of my other fears. It’s very freeing and I highly recommend trying it!
The one person who motivates me is…
one of my dearest friends, Jordan Wessel really motivates me. She was Miss Arizona USA 2014 and is not living in New York City modeling and podcasting and changing the world! She is the most kind, genuine, inspirational, and incredible human and any time I need some motivation or a pep talk, I call Jordan or go watch her Instagram videos! Follow her at @jordwess.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
that dogs would live forever.
The perfect day would be…
I would start my day out with a good workout with my favorite personal trainer, Scott Keppel with Scott’s Training Systems. Then, I would get some sun at the beach or a relaxing pool followed by a massage or facial and quiet time to read. Then, to finish up the night I would put on the most comfortable clothes, cuddle up in blankets, turn on a movie, and eat popcorn and chocolate with my family or friends. And of course, take a bath with bath bombs right before I go to bed.
My first job was…
I worked at a boutique called One Wing Boutique when I was in high school in Chandler, AZ.
My favorite escape…
I love to travel, so I will escape anywhere as long as it’s by plane and far away. Sydney, Australia is my favorite place!
My life…
is full of spontaneity. Every day is different, which keeps it fun and entertaining, but it also makes it difficult to have a consistent schedule.
I’m currently working on…
new music! I will be releasing six singles total in 2020.
Always…
stay true to your morals and values and live out your calling.
Never…
stop working on your health and well-being (mentally, physically, and emotionally) because you can’t serve others if you aren’t healthy enough to serve yourself.
Favorite Quote…
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31
Biggest Dream…
headline a stadium tour and play the Grand Ole Opry. I would also love to go on tour with my fellow Arizonan, Dierks Bentley and fly with him in his airplane!
My Pet Peeve(s)…
the sound of dogs or cats drinking water, digging through my purse for my keys when my hands are full, and when people smack their food.
More about Jennifer…
Jennifer Smestad is an American country singer/songwriter hard at work in the heart of Music City, Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Gilbert, Arizona, Jennifer moved to Nashville in 2016 with nothing but a Bible and clear vision. Fast-forward to present, and Smestad has carved her own unique path down to Music Row, having written/co-written hundreds of songs whilst releasing her debut self-titled EP in early 2018.
Smestad knows how to captivate an audience with her genuine and infectious personality; with no autotune or smoke and mirrors found in her performance; what you hear is 100% pure country tone. From local community events to sporting stadiums singing our national anthem; from leading worship at her home church to delighting audiences in large or intimate venues around Music City; music has been more than a passion for Jennifer.
Smestad’s work ethic has proven true in other major areas, as she has previously competed in the Miss America Competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey as Miss Arizona 2013. Utilizing her aptitude for singing with the title of Miss Arizona, she was given the platform to share her story worldwide of overcoming Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Social Anxiety, with which she was diagnosed at just the tender age of ten years old.
She has been featured on Us Weekly, The Today Show, Daily Mail, and other major international networks, but most importantly, she has had the opportunity to touch the lives of so many others who have struggled with the same or similar challenges. Music has been the medicine for her toughest times and she can’t help but try to heal the world a little bit more by sharing it.
Jennifer spent 2019 diligently pouring out her heart and soul into her craft, gearing up for new releases. In October 2019, she released her single “Find Me Here”, which is a heart-wrenching message specifically written for families going through infertility, miscarriages, and infant loss. Smestad and her co-writer, Robert Ricotta, wrote this song after Smestad’s own sister miscarried twins, with a goal in mind to comfort and give hope in painful situations.
In 2020, Smestad plans to release six new singles, each with a fresh perspective of country music’s truest roots. Sonically, you’ll hear a more mature, more fearless, and more self-aware artist attempting to address some of the best and most difficult parts of being a human on this unpredictable planet.
In honor of a little girl’s first love (her father) and the future love of a husband, Smestad chose to release her first single of 2020, “Half The Man” on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2020. “Half The Man” is an everywoman type of song, revealing the truth that they deserve a man worthy of their love, one who will take care of and respect them as a good father does. From weddings or anniversaries to Father’s Day celebrations, “Half The Man” pays tribute to the first love of a little girl’s life, her father. Welcome to 2020’s Daddy-Daughter dance song.
“Half The Man” is available now on all streaming platforms.
