We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Yokley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
This is very simple. In looking for my own health and wellbeing solution. it became apparent that it was desired and needed. While attempting to recover from an abrupt separation after a 20+ year relationship/marriage i was in dire need of mental and physical recovery. To make a long story short, my recovery consisted of a 21-day pressed juice detox and a consistent fitness regime. Family and friends around me noticed the significant changes to my outer appearance (weight loss), energy level and an internal glow. During this time i became a certified ZUMBA instructor. I taught classes for free times a week. Whenever i would mention to my class, family and friends that I would be doing juice fast, they would bring empty bottles so that I could fill them with juice so they could go in the Juice fast along with me. This stated happening so frequently that I realized there was a need and Jen & Juice was birthed…
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There are two sides to me. I have been in the Information Technology field for over 25 years. I love it as that’s where the inner geek in me is allowed to play (lol). Over, the years i know that there was ministry in me. I thought maybe some type of Tech Bible study group for Women. That idea never took off, that was a sign for me…. That was not it. My separation uprooted me from Cincinnati, Oh to Nashville, TN. As I started the journey to my own healing, I was drawn to women experiencing similar types of emotional pain. My classes became a refuge for hurting women. My message to them would be some form of “YOU DESERVE TO BE HEALTY AND BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOU”. We would dance, laugh and cry ourselves to healing. Was this easy…….. NO. When I saw some of the women were ready to file for a divorce…. I was not ready for that. I was not prepared. I almost quit teaching. But, one morning while driving I remember God saying I will equip you with everything you need, continue with my work. Some look at what I do and say it’s a business. However, I see it as my pulpit. This is a platform where I am able to minster health and wellness and share the TRUTH about how to get there. The lesson that I have learned, is God will give you a vision and the help to support it. We cannot be attached to the WHO. That’s God’s Choice. I had to learn to be open to who’s on the roster and those names changing. I want the world to know that this brand is ALWAYS going to provide holistic health and wellness support.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I used to say I was simple. I have come to learn and admit….. “I can be complicated.” Or maybe I am just evolving and accepting that facet of maturity. The visitation would include experiencing the homebody side of me. We would spend and evening enjoying a delicious home cooked meal with family and friends followed with conversation, laughter and possibly table games. One of the mornings would be consist of brunch with Mimosas followed by an afternoon visit to the museum. I love to laugh, so a trip to the comedy club one evening would be a must. I am also a lover of great music, one of my most favorite musicians is Damien Escobar. Catching him would be a treat, however, I have found that I love to experience music in smaller quaint venues such as a Winery. This would be an option while visiting. I am somewhat of a foodie, but just don’t get out to experience different restaurants. I would use this as an opportunity to try some place new. Depending on the day, i can be super social…lol (this is the complicated part of me)… But, if I am feeling peopleish (new word) I would spend an evening on the strip connecting with strangers… talking, laughing, dancing. Just having a good ole time. The introvert side of me, would spend an evening just hanging out with at the house binging on NETFLIX and eating bad food (lol). To summarize and experience with me is not predictable.
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?
My shoutout is to EVERY single person that entrusted my brand with their health, wellness and fitness. I view health and wellness as sacred as one’s spiritual journey. It’s so unique to each person thus making it very fragile and must be handled with care and compassion. It is the ESSENCE of that precious gift we experience daily called “LIFE”. I say THANK YOU!!!!! I also want to send a huge THANK YOU to my family and close friends. They are soooo supportive. Their support, encouragement, and financial support warms my heart. They purchase my products and/or services, quick to share with their peers about my product and services. My TRIBE IS THE BOMB.COM !
Website: jenandjuice.net
Instagram: fitnessnatinus2018
Facebook: Fitness Nation Us
Youtube: Jennifer Yokley