Jody & Jennifer Lyddane shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jody & Jennifer, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Our business is more about passion, therapy, and creativity. Many people view it as a ‘side hustle’ and a means of generating income. While that is true, we use it more as an outlet to create something together and as a way to unwind and rid ourselves from the stress of everyday life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been in the military for over 25 years and Jennifer has supported all of my dumb decisions, stood by me, managed the ship during multiple deployments, and moved across the country with me throughout my career. She is a Master Barber and owns a Barbershop in Versailles, KY named Versailles Barber Co. Together, we manage JL Forge where we create custom cutlery and other hand forged items. We use both coal and propane forges to build knives used for hunting, fishing, crafts, stabbing, cutting, hiking, biking, or kept on a shelf as hierlooms and keepsakes to be cherished for generations.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Jennifer and I were both traveling down the wrong path prior to meeting one another. Together, we got back on track. Twenty years later we have a great life with two amazing children who both surpass all of our expectations making us more and more proud everyday. Our children not only changed our perspective of how we view ourselves but enhanced our marriage and life in general.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t put so much emphasis on what others might think about you. You cannot make everyone happy and not everyone is going to like you. Keep a tight circle and make sure a few of those people in your circle are better than you. I always liked the quote from the Lorax, “A tree falls whichever way it leans, be careful which way you lean.”
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Our marriage and our children. We both embrace the biblical principle from Genesis 2:24, meaning a person must leave their parents’ household to cleave (cling to) their new spouse. We have done that and we have a strong family unit and even stronger bond because of it. We try to be good examples to our children and teach them to get out of their comfort zones often. We are truthful with them and apologize when we fail, this type of honesty builds trust. We teach them to work hard and use our business to illustrate that. Our son is a standout middle school baseball player and our daughter is a highschool wrestling star. We support them in life and back them in everything they’re willing to put in the effort for.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
We both feel at peace when we are using our creativity and working with our hands to create unique pieces in the forge. Creating art fosters inner peace by acting as a form of therapy, reducing stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being, and connecting individuals to their inner selves. The creative process allows for deep self-expression and we express ourselves through our damascus patterns and other processes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.jlforge.com
- Instagram: JL Forge and Lipstick Blacksmith
- Facebook: JL Forge and Lipstick Blacksmith and Versailles Barber Co
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