Follow your path – Meet Jenn 22 of 52 Phenomenal Women

Follow Your Path – Meet Jenn:

In her own words

“I loved art from the time I was a little girl. Give me a piece of paper and a new set of crayons and I was very happy. 

Throughout high school, college and grad school, art was my path. The journey may have wavered in different styles (photography, advertising, art education) but the path always remained consistent – art.

Teaching art for 15 years was my greatest joy. I was very fortunate to have a school that treated the arts with respect- we had a full Mac lab with all the newest programs for the students to learn digital photography, graphic design and more. This curriculum expanded to teaching college level class for my students in high school. I was living my best life and inspiring my students daily.

Then it happened. 

An icy fall one cold morning in the parking lot at school. The result: a spine fracture. Four surgeries in just as many years, and now teaching art is currently not an option.

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball, but it is what you do with this new change that defines you as a person.

This drive and my path has led me to Ever After in the Woods. A lifestyle blog that follows my happily ever after with my husband and three kids, while living in the middle of the woods.

Who would have thought that this suburban Long Island girl would thrive in the woods?

This project focuses on food, crafts and travel – art but in a different form. It allows me to inspire others in a creative way and to follow my path. Everyone needs an outlet. What is yours?

I love the freedom of being able to create in this space . Don’t let your disabilities define you, redefine yourself instead. For me, it could be worse, and this is what I remind myself of everyday.

Live your best life and follow your path, your journey; no matter where it takes you- you might be surprised to find out that you enjoy it. Sometimes there is a greater hand that is guiding you along the way. 

How do you inspire others and live your best life?

I always thought that my legacy was being an art teacher. Teaching my students that they can be whatever they put their minds too. At one point it defined me.

Now I’ve learned that you don’t need to define what your legacy will be. Live your best life and that will be your greatest legacy.”

*** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Jenn. This year for my birthday, I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 22 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!***