We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Perri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I went through a divorce from my abusive first husband over 25 years ago, I felt completely isolated and alone. There was no guide, no mentor, no one to show me how to rebuild my life. I was drowning in fear and uncertainty, trying to pick up the pieces of a life I didn’t break.

In the beginning, it was all about survival. I was struggling with severe PTSD, shame, and my ex husband was in prison. I had two little boys depending on me, and failure wasn’t an option. I worked three jobs just to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. There was no safety net, no backup plan, just sheer determination to create a better life for them.

One of those jobs led me into the world of personal finance. Not because I had a passion for it at the time, but because I had to figure out my relationship with money. Afterall, I was doing it all on my own. I had to learn how to manage money, grow it, and stop being afraid of it. Financial stability was about freedom, security, and breaking the cycle of struggle.

That was a steppingstone into what would become so much more. Each woman that I met had a story of your own, and a set of emotions to work through and heal from. I saw firsthand how many women—especially those coming out of difficult circumstances—felt lost when it came to their finances. I knew what it was like to feel powerless, and I also knew what it felt like to take that power back.

That moment planted a seed in me, that grew into a mission. I had to ‘become’ the person I so desperately needed back then. I had to build something that gave women the tools and support to rise from their own struggles stronger than ever. Over the years I have transformed the way I serve my clients and have added personal coaching in the areas of divorce, mindset, confidence and empowerment.

Today, I don’t just teach women how to manage money, I help them break cycles, heal from the past, and step into the powerful, unstoppable version of themselves that was there all along. Because when a woman realizes her worth, her strength, and her ability to rise? There is nothing she can’t overcome.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My company, SHERO Life & Empowerment Coaching, was born from a deep belief that every woman is the hero of her own story. Too often, we are told to wait for someone else to save us, to fix what’s broken, or to give us permission to become who we are meant to be. The truth is, we already have everything we need inside of us. Strength. Resilience. Power. We just have to own it. That’s why I do what I do—to help women step into their power, rewrite their stories, and build lives they love, on their terms.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. My journey has been filled with many challenges—escaping an abusive marriage, single motherhood, rebuilding my life from nothing, and most recently, facing Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a condition that left me paralyzed. At every stage, I had a choice: let the challenge define me, or push through and rise above it. I chose to rise every time.

And that’s what SHERO is all about—helping women rise. I took my personal mess and made it my message, first through financial education and now through empowerment coaching, mindset work, and transformational guidance.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You are stronger than you think. Life will test you. It will knock you down. But your power isn’t in never falling—it’s in rising every single time.

So, if there’s one thing I want the world to know about me, my brand, and my story, it’s this: You are the author and the main character in your story and the only person who is allowed to write it. Never let anyone take the pen from your hand. Your strength, your resilience, and your courage will take you further than you ever imagined. You just have to claim it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta, I’d make sure they got the full Atlanta experience—a perfect mix of great food, rich culture, deep history, and well-earned relaxation. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or someone who just wants to unwind, Atlanta has something for everyone!

Atlanta’s food scene is next level, and I’d make sure my bestie got to taste the best of it:

• Mary Mac’s Tea Room for true Southern classics like fried chicken and sweet tea. Busy Bee Café for legendary soul food.
• Fox Bros. BBQ—a must for smoked meats. H&F Burger inside Ponce City Market for one of the best burgers in the city.
• The Optimist for amazing seafood and oysters. Marcel or Bones for a top-tier steakhouse experience.
• Flying Biscuit Café for dreamy biscuits and grits. Sun in My Belly—a hidden gem for next-level breakfast dishes.
• St. Julep or Ponce City Market’s Skyline Park for cocktails with stunning city views.

Atlanta has a deep creative heartbeat, from art to live performances:

• The High Museum of Art – A must-see for any art lover.
• SCAD FASH Museum – For fashion and film enthusiasts.
• The Fox Theatre – Catching a show at this iconic venue is a must!
• Ponce City Market & The BeltLine – Shopping, street art, and a vibrant energy you can’t miss.

Atlanta has an incredible history, and no visit would be complete without honoring it:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site – Walk through history and tour MLK’s childhood home.
• The National Center for Civil and Human Rights – A powerful, immersive experience about civil rights movements past and present.
• College Football Hall of Fame – A must-visit for any sports fan!

After all the eating and exploring, we’d need a little downtime to recharge:

• Amicalola Falls – A stunning waterfall and nature hike just outside the city.
• North Georgia Wine Country – A day trip to Dahlonega for wine tastings at Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Montaluce Winery—because sipping wine with mountain views is always a good idea.
• Atlanta Botanical Gardens- This stunning, tranquil escape it a must-see for anyone seeking natural beauty and inspiration in the city.

Atlanta has so much to offer. No matter what you’re into, this city delivers!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No success story is ever truly a solo journey, and I am beyond grateful for the people who have poured into my life and helped shape the woman I am today.

First and foremost, my incredible husband, Carmine. He has been my rock, my safe place, and my greatest cheerleader. Through every high and low, he has stood by me, lifting me up, believing in me even when I doubted myself, and reminding me that I was made for more. His unwavering support has given me the space to dream bigger, push harder, and step fully into my purpose.

And then there’s Lisa Nichols—a powerhouse, a mentor, and a woman who forever changed my life. Her words, her wisdom, and the way she sees people have had a profound impact on me. She not only taught me what’s possible but also showed me how to unlock my own power and share it with others. She inspired me to own my story, use my voice, and step into the light unapologetically. We recently released a best-selling book together called ‘Rise Up’ which was a full circle moment for me.

And lastly, to every woman who has shared her journey with me, to my clients who trust me with their transformation, and to every person who has lifted me with encouragement along the way—you are part of my story, too. I am here today because of the love, mentorship, and unwavering belief of so many, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Website: https://Sherocoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferperri.official/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennperri/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jperricoaching

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jperricoaching/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jperricoaching

Image Credits
Some of the photos are provided by:

Celebrity Branding Agency by @mikedunnusa
Cindy Rawlings at Captured Moments by Cindy

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.