11/30/2023
Lots of new FB friends calls for an intro!
Hi, I’m Jenni! I’m an entrepreneur and photographer with a bubbly, outgoing personality. I’m a luxury photographer by trade who specializes in business, branding, beauty, and family photography. I love connecting with new people—it’s so fulfilling and gives me great energy!
Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster the last few years—so many ups and downs. I’d like to share with you some of the highs and lows my family and I have experienced, as well as give you a peek at what some of my future goals are. I have a lot of exciting plans on the horizon!
As we all know, the pandemic was a gamechanger for many of us. I was forced to close my photography business, sheltering in place for months with my husband and four children. During that time, I also suffered a miscarriage, and I felt like I was spiraling out of control.
In the summer of 2022, I began to get my groove back after attending an amazing networking event. And I did not look back! My husband and I began to take steps in achieving our shared dream—I would be the breadwinner of the family, and he would be a stay-at-home dad, caring for our children, ages 10, 8, 3, and 1. He was looking forward to taking part in all the hands-on activities with the kids, PLUS cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the house. What a wonderful dream for us both! It was all systems go!
In December of 2022, I attended a local gala where I didn’t know a single soul—I had been inspired to take that step because of my ten-year-old’s recent courageous effort. She had chosen to do an extra presentation at school, simply for the purpose of facing her performance anxiety. At that event, I decided to challenge myself to conquer one obstacle per month for the next year—something that I was afraid to attempt, or that I had never done before, but had always wanted to. So, on January 1, 2023, my mom and I participated in the Polar Plunge in the Illinois River! Over the following months, I tried other things, including going to a trampoline park with my kids (and even jumping myself!), and another time I tried hot yoga! I have some other exciting ideas for upcoming challenges, and I can’t wait to see where they lead me!
On May 8, 2023, my husband became a stay-at-home dad, and it was fabulous! Sadly, two days later, on the morning of May 10, our house burned down due to an electrical fire in our motorhome that was parked next to the house. It was a total loss, and we were devastated. Since the fire, life has looked dramatically different. Previous mental health challenges have resurfaced in the face of such a traumatic incident. Through it all, my positive mindset has made all the difference in coping with such an overwhelming situation. People tell me all the time that I inspire them, and that makes me feel so good!
I’m active in local networking groups and I’m hoping to join a board soon as well.
I’m trying to view our misfortunes with optimism in an attempt to accomplish positive goals—I’m working on writing a book, I have plans to start a podcast, and I’d love to engage in public speaking. I’m so excited for the future! I’m always open to meeting new people—every time I leave my house, I spend a few moments focusing on the reason, and who I may possibly connect with as a result. The right people always seem to appear! If you’re reading this, you may very well be one of them! Most recently, Facebook has decided that I’m an influencer! I’m able to earn money from my posts when my audience interacts, which is a wonderful bonus!
Here is a glimpse into some of the awesome ideas and goals I have for the future:
• TEDx Talks
• Becoming a New York Times bestselling author
• Starting a podcast
• Public speaking
• Achieving the title of #1 Beauty Photographer in central Illinois
• Create a nonprofit organization
• Help people by being a life changer and mindset expert
• Develop ideas for a project on Exposure (facing your fears)
• Be well renowned for all my contributions
Tell me about YOU! What are some of your goals and ambitions?
