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

Hi Jennifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In December of 2018, I tragically lost my husband quite unexpectedly. I had 2 young children and I desperately wanted to show my children that we are not victims of what happened to us, we are not defined by labels such as widow and fatherless children. My husband had worked with an amazing life coach and counselor for a few years and after he passed, she reached out to me, she said that he had talked about me so beautifully and loved me so dearly that she wanted me to consider working with her. I knew I needed help and guidance to get myself from the depths of despair and to pull myself together not only for my children but for myself. I was 45 at the time of his passing and I knew that I needed to transform almost everything in my life. For the past 5 years, I have processed my grief, advanced my career, lost a significant amount of weight and I have shown my children how to live and have that life be fulfilling. Along this journey, I have come to the realization that I want to help others both men and women who have experienced major changes in their lives and are wondering what is next. I want to help others who are grieving and do not know what to do next, how to manage their emotions, and how to live in their emotions. I have also noticed that so many of us who have young children put their needs and wants on hold for our children, and I for sure did that, but when faced with the reality that our children watch and mimic our behaviors I am determined to show them that life can be grand and you don’t have to lose yourself or your dreams just because you have children, this is a dangerous path and it gets repeated by each generation. I want to help my clients realize their potential, reach new heights, make their families proud, and be proud of themselves.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am most proud of how I have risen to the challenges of deep despair and grief. I have learned so much in the past 5 years and I get excited knowing that I can help others to see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I have learned that even though my life did not turn out as I expected, and there are many days when I still deal with my grief, I have a full life filled with love and adventures. I get so excited when I am working with my clients and they have not only reached their goals but have exceeded them. I love looking back from where we started and reminding them of how far they have come. How they achieved goals by chunking them down, and accomplished what they desire most. I also know that my work with those suffering from great loss and pain is one of the most important things that I will do. I understand that some days, just getting up and getting dressed is a win. My clients understand that I will always be their biggest supporter.

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.
Downtown Willoughby has always had a special place in my heart, I spent my youth and many nights at 1899 and Willoughby Brew Company. These days, I enjoy a great breakfast at Chagrin River Diner, a walk through all the specialty shops and antique stores. I will always stop for a white mocha at Arabica. During the summer I frequently go through the farmers market where I get the best honey from Cindy and John Gaul at Percy Homestead. I would end the evening with a margarita and chips and guac from Barrios.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am without Tracy Baranauskas, my life coach from Moving Forward Life Coach. She has inspired and challenged me and has been with me through some very dark days. I have also been blessed to have a mother who has guided and shown me how to be a single mom, how to work hard for your children, and how to love unconditionally. My mom is the most generous and kind person I have ever met and I strive every day to be like her. There have been so many of my friends and family members that have wrapped their arms around me and my children and have lifted us up and carried our burden that I must acknowledge how important they are to me and my successes. Lastly, I need to thank and acknowledge my very best friend Tracey, this woman is a guiding light, a cheerleader, and the example of everything I hold dear. She has literally driven 12 hours in the middle of the night to be with me when I needed her most. Thank you to all the strong and loving women in my life who I would be nothing without.

Website: https://www.jburnettecoach.com

Instagram: jennifer_burnette_life_coach

Linkedin: Jennifer Burnette Life Coach

Facebook: Jennifer Burnette Life Coach

Image Credits
All photos belong to me.

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