Some of the most profound changes we experience in life begin with self-reflection. While the journey inward can be intimidating, Enneagram coach Jennifer Rhee of Sunlit Enneagram guides you toward those transformative "Aha!" moments that lead to positive change. The Enneagram, a psychological framework, classifies individuals into nine personality types. Through this system, Jennifer helps clients identify their type, uncover recurring patterns in their lives, and make meaningful adjustments to live more authentically and fully. Read her story below to learn more about her journey and her advice for people looking to embark on Enneagram journeys of their own!
How has your cultural identity influenced your journey so far, if at all?
Being a first generation Korean American has definitely influenced my business journey both positively and negatively. On the one hand, my parents instilled in me the value of hard work, efficiency, and productivity from a young age. I also think being an Asian American in the mental health and self-growth space is a strength that I can use to benefit others. Sometimes people can use the Enneagram in ways that ignore cultural context, doing more harm than good. I want to offer my cultural context to those who don’t want to have to explain themselves or their upbringing to someone before getting the support and coaching they might need.
On the other hand, there is still a lot of stigma in Asian and Asian American spaces when it comes to doing a non-traditional job like life coaching. I left my Silicon Valley tech job to pursue my passion, but even I still have internalized stigmas I work through from time to time.
For someone exploring the Enneagram for the first time, what advice or resources would you point them to?
The Road Back to You is a book that helped me early in my Enneagram journey. Please note that it is written from a Christian faith perspective, but I believe it is one of the simplest approaches out there to the Enneagram, which can be very overwhelming and confusing to beginners.
I would also caution newbies against trusting an online test result! While personality tests are trendy and fun, they are not always the most accurate. The Enneagram is most useful when learned at depth and not just superficially. An Enneagram life coach could also be a resourceful guide for someone interested in using the Enneagram to grow! I personally love @Enneagram.life on Instagram as another great resource for beginners.
What were the key milestones and significant events that influenced your journey to become a certified Enneagram coach?
I used to be really skeptical of personality tools such as the MBTI or Enneagram, and in fact hated when people tried to box me in with these personality labels. It wasn’t until I met a speaker in 2019 who fundamentally shifted my view. I learned about my Enneagram type, felt really shaken by how resonant it was, and fell down another rabbit hole into all things Enneagram. The Enneagram helped me recognize my blind spot patterns that were causing relational ruptures in my life (as a recovering type Two who struggles with people-pleasing). It also helped me relate to and work better with people of all nine types on the Enneagram, who see the world VERY differently!
Over time, I realized I had a knack for connecting with people and using the Enneagram to help them feel seen and better address their own blind spots. In 2020, I applied and was accepted into a cohort studying under renowned Enneagram teacher Suzanne Stabile. I later withdrew due to the chaos of 2020 and the global pandemic, but studying with her was definitely another milestone event and deepened my understanding. In 2021 I finally got certified to be an Enneagram life coach via Your Enneagram Coach, and then launched my small business late last year.
What is an aspect of being a business owner that forced you to learn something new?
It’s been really fun (and challenging) to dive into the art of brand management and marketing. I’m actually in the process of transitioning my life coaching business name, with a new logo, and even thinking through things like brand colors. I feel lucky to have friends more familiar with marketing than me, who’ve been essential guides and supports in this process. This was a part of being a life coach that I didn’t originally foresee myself doing, but I realize now how important representation in media is!
What is the most rewarding part of being an Enneagram life coach?
I really love helping my clients connect to the deeper motivations that they may not even be aware are influencing their actions. At some point in coaching, they may have an “aha” moment where this unconscious feeling becomes real to them. From there, we can more effectively address deeper fears or broken beliefs to find peace and freedom. It always brings me so much joy to hear back from a client who tells me they’re doing better!
What is the most challenging part of being an Enneagram life coach?
Honestly, I really struggle with the self-advertisement required of a small business owner and coach. Unlike other small businesses who sell a tangible product, I have to sell myself, in a way: my story, my brand, my coaching. It can be draining at times, but I’m learning to work through those blocks and take it a step at a time.
If you could go back in time and tell your past self anything, what would it be?
I guess I would go back to my past self who was still working in tech a few years ago, and tell her not to give up on her dreams and passions. I would want her to know that it is possible to do something she loves – and that one day, she will!
What are your favorite form(s) of self care?
Boba always cheers me up if I’m down! I also like working out at the gym or going for a short run if I need endorphins.
What can the community help you with?
Please share the word about my business! Follow me @sunlit.enneagram and feel free to comment on any posts with questions you might have about the Enneagram :)
Share another Asian-women-owned small business or entrepreneur that inspires you!
@yellowchaircollective has inspired me from the beginning of my own business journey! I love that they were started by Asian women FOR Asian Americans, specifically. I believe they have been a crucial voice in the Asian American mental health space.
What is the last thing you were curious about?
I’ve recently been wanting to get back into running (something I used to do years ago). I went down a rabbit hole of research to understand the best way to incorporate running into my life while minimizing loss of muscle mass. (The answer is a bit of a long story, but in general you should be running super slowly 80% of the time, sprinting at top speeds 20% of the time, and going to the gym as usual on non-rest days!)
Many adult children of immigrants can relate to the pressure to follow the path that society lays out for us, but Jennifer's story reminds us that following the non-traditional path towards our dreams can lead us to a beautiful place of fulfillment and purpose. As we embark on our own personal journeys, we're grateful for people like Jennifer and tools like the Enneagram to provide clarity along the way!
Here's where you can find Jennifer and more of her Enneagram wisdom:
Website: https://www.sunlit-enneagram.com/
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