We were lucky to catch up with Jenna Bruxvoort recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jenna, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Several years ago while in the U.S. Army I was struggling with suicidal ideation. I was lonely, isolated, and felt I didn’t have any good options, particularly options that were my own. I was looking down this long, set path that was “success” by every definition, but it just didn’t feel like it to me.
I decided to rattle myself and my life. I got out of the Army, moved to a new state, and for the first time started figuring out who I was and what I wanted. Most importantly, I got a dog.
I joke that my dog Lola saved my life, but it’s more that she helped me find my life. I got back outdoors with her – hiking and camping. We fell in love with the trees together. She brought me a business idea by way of a loblolly pinecone. She gave me purpose, joy, and love.
I surely don’t have the answer to suicidality, but I know that life brings beautiful things so I’m holding on for the ride.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the Founder of Loblola, and we make dog toys inspired by the beautiful communion between dogs, nature, and play. The idea came while watching my dog Lola turn pinecones into play things one day in the woods. It struck me that this is exactly what dogs in the wild would have always played with – pinecones, sticks, and other bits of nature.
So our flagship dog toy is the Loblolly Pinecone Puzzle Toy (it’s also part of where we draw our name: loblolly + Lola). We’re working to get our second dog toy, the Milkcap Mushroom Interactive Toy, released this spring in three colors! And we have several more products in various stages of development! I’m most excited about growing from a one-product company to an entire line of true-to-nature dog toys.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I take a preventative approach to feeling overwhelmed. I know the things that make me feel really good and fill my bucket — things like taking my dogs for a walk through the woods, riding my bike or skateboard, sipping tea and stretching. Building these things into my day not only makes me feel really good, but it also prevents the day from becoming too chaotic.
On the other end of things, I’ve learned to say no. I’m really okay disappointing people in order to look out and take care of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loblola.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lobloladogtoys/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lobloladogtoys/
Image Credits
Ashley Caitlin Photography Prickly Pears Photography Rowan Stout
