Jeni O’Callaghan of Verde Valley on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Jeni O’Callaghan and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Jeni, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Coffee, mindless games on the internet, at least 10 minutes of cardio, checking and responding to emails., brekky, Maybe other stuff, but it is morning and I’m not fully functional yet.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My mother, Noel Jordan, an artist, told me to create strong lines in my art. I do that in my art and in my life. The Verde River is also one of those “strong lines”, traveling through central Arizona, a ribbon of green that supports habitats for migrating birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and more.

Rancho Tres Brisas, my family’s personal slice of heaven, is on the Verde, just before it enters the wilderness area, going south to the Salt River. I love to sit on the bank and watch it go by. I see herons, kingfishers, fish and small birds in the brush. Sometimes I see otters, deer, javelina, coyotes, rattlesnakes and lizards. The river and its adjacent banks are ALIVE! I want to keep them that way, thus my work at Friends of the Verde River found me and my passion.

In addition to creating art, I have worked as a Registered Nurse, nursing educator, and currently volunteer as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care), as a board member/volunteer for Friends of the Verde River, and as a board member for Frontera de Cristo.

Okay, it is my bio (one of them) and I cut and pasted.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
These are really annoying questions. Peace

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear of success.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Family, my family is first.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I am retired. I miss the bedside and working with nursing students–seeing their light come on.

Contact Info:

  • Instagram: jocdgr224
  • Facebook: jeni o’callaghan, the artist

Image Credits
Jeni O’Callaghan

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