Jennifer Basden shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I think I’ve been chasing true love for a long time. To love my self, my life and to know what it feels like to be loved. Unconditional love.
I’ve stayed in places for far too long that made me unhappy.
For me, there is no stopping. I want to have my fairytale , my happy life, and a huge part of that is also knowing my children are happy and healthy and doing well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My brand Jenndidthishair on social media is just a piece of my puzzle. Most importantly I’m a mom of 3 amazing children (2 are adults now) and I volunteer for CASA in my free time advocating for foster kids.
My hope is to be a safe place for anyone who needs it. Whether they are in my chair at the salon, on my couch as a friend or a child in foster who just needs a consistent person in their lives. I grew up not feeling safe or loved most of my childhood and now I want to have an awareness for where I can make others feel safe and loved.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I felt unlovable. My father left when I was 4, my mother was unable to care for us as she was an addict and I was always alone. I never understood why my parents “didn’t want me”.
Why I had that life ?
Now as a mom myself I know the importance of a strong family foundation and the importance of loving your children. I don’t necessarily believe my parents didn’t love me I just think at the time their addictions were more important.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For me not feeling good enough or worthy has always something I struggled with. Never knowing where I fit in. Not having the confidence to know my worth and know that I deserve to be loved. Abandonment is hard for me. The last few years I’ve worked really hard to overcome those fears and learn to love myself. Also allow myself to be loved.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My kids! I love being a mom more than anything else. I love every minute of cheering them on and supporting their dreams and being there for advice. I love making memories and knowing I can hug them tight every day. When I die, I want them to be able to say. I had a great mom, she really loved me and did the best she could.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when I’m gone I am most remembered for being a great Mom. I hope people remember that no matter what I went thru or the struggles I faced my children felt loved and safe. I hope I’m remembered for being the mom who took too many pictures and made everyone wear matching shirts or bought WAY too much food for every party I threw. I want their memories of me to be warm and loving. I wanted them to have the childhood I never had.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jenndidthishair
- Facebook: Jennifer Basden
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