Style | May. 2025
THE PORTRAIT: JENIFER SPEER
By Contributor
edited by Sherry Thomas
photography by Katrina Wittkamp
styling by Theresa DeMaria
hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest
Jenifer Speer wears Leo Lin from The Lake Forest Shop.
Ohio native Jenifer Speer spent years living on every coast before realizing her roots were meant to be planted on the North Shore—Lake Forest, specifically. In addition to the many clients that she works with at her Jay & Emee boutique digital marketing agency, Speer has taken the lead on marketing efforts for this year’s Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens fundraising event. “This includes a social media revamp, website updates, and email newsletters,” she says. “These efforts have already led to a significant increase in engagement and visibility.” Speer has been at the forefront of social media since the early 2000s, simultaneously charting a career path that includes nearly 13 years as a buyer for a well-known fashion retailer and launching a fitness event marketing company in Seattle.
“During this time, I also built a personal following on TikTok,” she says, explaining that her authentic storytelling made her a micro-influencer and led to collaborations with such brands as Photowall, Brooklinen, SmartSweets, and Carbon38. “After briefly re-entering corporate America for a second time as a global change manager for a Fortune 500 company, my passion for creativity was reignited during my travels.” Isolated in hotel rooms, she rekindled her love for social media and knew it was time to pursue her true calling. Speers left corporate life once again to found Jay & Emee—dedicated to disrupting the industry by prioritizing work-life balance and delivering high-impact digital strategies. Her ability to fully immerse herself in each brand ensures her clients’ voices and online presence align seamlessly with their goals. She took some time from her busy schedule recently to share a few of her favorite things.
Social media influencer who inspires you? Lydia Elise Millen. Most Instagrammable spot in Lake Forest is? The mural wall to the north of Lake Forest Juice Shop or Forest Park Beach. Beauty product you can’t live without? Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tinted Highlight in Peau de Rosé for the perfect glow. Favorite local restaurant to dine alfresco? Le Colonial. Your drink of choiceis? Lemon Ginger Boost from Spirit Elephant. Love so much that we learned how to make it at home. Next stamp on your passport? St. Lucia. Favorite weekend escape is to where? Our family lake house in Townsend, northern Wisconsin. Favorite new musical artist or band? Benson Boone but always default to Coldplay.
What are you most looking forward to this summer? Spending quality time with my husband while the kids are at sleepaway camp. Favorite picnic item? Vegan Charcuterie with ample amounts of mixed olives and cornichons. TV show or podcast you can’t stop binging? Podcast is The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show. Favorite home decor brand or designer? Amber Interior Design. Advice you give to everyone about posting on social media? Just start, be consistent, and be authentically you or your brand. I often find people waiting to be perfect or for the perfect moment and the landscape of social media has changed so much that people want authenticity over perfection. Favorite city in the world is? I have two—Munich, Germany and Merano, Italy.
