We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I do everything with purpose. Regardless whether it’s the small things or the big things in life. Make everything you do the best that you’re capable of doing and do them all with the best intentions behind them. Enjoy the present moment. Be present. You will always thrive in how you feel if you can learn to stay in the moment that’s happening now.
Let things roll. Be okay with not knowing how things will turn out. That’s where the excitement comes in. Be alright when things don’t go as you thought they would or should. I like to begin adventures and my day with quality intentions that include the people around me or who I come in contact with that day. I like to focus on my intention which is, I hope you will feel better when you leave than when you came. I do not put expectations on anything. I like the elements of surprise and excitement. If things aren’t as fulfilling as they could be, that’s okay too.
My motto in life is this:
There are two important things in life to remember, there are only lessons and blessings in life and when you realize that lessons are your greatest blessings then there is only one important thing to know….at the end of each day there are only blessings
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have owned several small businesses in my lifetime. A salon and a catering business and now a restaurant.
I have enjoyed and loved every step of the journey.
The restaurant I currently own is The Magnolia House on Park Avenue in Danville WV.
We are a small restaurant catering to the needs of our community and local towns.
We serve home cooked comfort food. We also provide catering services and event space rental for your special event.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I love the quote that says “The only way to not succeed is to give up”. I truly believe in this. If you stay with us long enough and your desire is strong enough. You can and will succeed. It takes a lot of determination and a lot of work to turn nothing into something but the reward of fulfilling your desires are worth every ounce of work you put into it.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents instilled how important it is to find your own way and give everything your best effort. They taught me there are no boundaries if you set your mind to it. The best advice came from my dad.who has told me from a young age, “Jenny, make your own path, support yourself and never put yourself in a situation where you have to rely on someone else to take care of you. Always make sure you are independent and can support yourself”.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: The Magnolia House on Park Avenue
