For the past 30 years, pop culture wouldn't be the same if Jennifer Lopez wasn't a part of it. She has given us, herself, and the industry three decades of her life, yet, she's nowhere near done. Her career is the epitome of hard work, dedication, and true passion for her art.

But, it all started somewhere. How did J.Lo manage to do it? What makes such a success that even at 51, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Let’s Start at the Beginning…

...when J.Lo didn't even exist yet – and Jennifer Lopez was an actress. From the words of the late Tejano singer Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. In 1997, Jennifer was playing the role of Selena, when her true calling came to her almost naturally. Mr. Quintanilla talks about the day they were filming the Astrodome concert scene. The studio had gathered 30,000 Selena fans to play the audience. Once the scene was finished, the excitement in Jennifer’s face was evident. She had goosebumps. She had experienced the thrill of performing in front of an audience. That’s where Jennifer, the pop star, was born.

Selena, 1997 | A still-shot from the concert scene in Selena

Moving on…

…to when J.Lo was born – and like her singing career, it came naturally and just stuck. She reports her time with the late rapper Heavy D., who'd call her Jennifer-Lo, Jenny-Lo, or J.Lo while they were recording her first album. She decided J.Lo would be the best name for her second album, and it just seemed to stick after that.

A Work Ethic Unlike Any Other

J.Lo's work ethic and dedication are always evident to her friends, family, and colleagues. Marc Anthony, her ex-husband with whom she shares two children, speaks to her ability to understand ideas and visualizing them before anyone else can. When she has a vision, 9 out of 10 times, she emerges successful, says Anthony.

Another of her exes, Ben Affleck, reports being completely blown away by her work ethic. Even after giving it so much of her time, she remains the most hard-working person he's known in the industry. He also adds how he's happy that she's finally getting the credit she deserves.

Instagram, Alex Rodriguez | This is what his family currently looks like

Michelle Obama, who shares a great friendship with J.Lo, praises her beauty, talent, and work ethic. What she remains forever impressed by, however, is the celebrity’s ability to leverage those gifts. She speaks about how Jennifer realizes that life is best when shared with others, and so she continues to lend her voice to the voiceless, encourages people to vote, and even tries to improve healthcare for children and mothers.

Getty Images | J.Lo reports being healthier than ever now

In Essence…

J.Lo's throbbing success and unwavering support from loved ones and fans did not come overnight. Her success is not owed to happenstance. She is aware of the privilege she has to be doing something she loves so much. She wakes up grateful every day and gives it to her all like it's her first day stepping into the shoes of an actress, singer, and businesswoman.