Mom on the Move
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Jennifer Swain
Monday, July 26, 2010Meet Mom on the Move Jennifer Swain. Jennifer was surrounded by a number of amazing women growing up, and she hopes to share and teach their strength to her own two daughters.
Growing up I was surrounded by amazing women. My dad had a job that took him away from us when I was in the fourth grade and he didn’t return until I was sixteen years old. He still remained as much of an influence as possible, I have always been a daddy’s girl, but there is only so much you can do when you are so far away. It was left to my mom to fill both roles during that time to me and my older sister while also working a high stress job in the corporate world. Not only that but she managed to help keep her relationship with my dad alive when most people would have given up. The fact that my parents are still married and best friends is a testament to both their wills and their love. Looking back I am in awe of my mother’s strength. I was also lucky because I had a sister who was five years older than me who would step into the mom role a lot. More so when we were very little but as we got older she was always there to help guide me. I looked up to her and valued her guidance. I still do. Lastly, there was another woman who made a huge impact on my life. We called her “Mamaw” and she took care of us when we were little. She died when I was in the eighth grade but she had already left her mark. She was just this big ball of love and had a personality that was bigger than life. She loved helping people and was always there when you needed her. So, it’s no wonder I’ve found my passion working with women. I have a deep love and respect for women.
My husband and I own an environmental company which has really blessed us. I am so thankful for the company but it’s really my husband’s passion. He’s very good at it and I love working with him. But I wanted something that excited me as well. After many attempts I have finally found it. I get to help people get healthy with a company called It Works! My website is www.lovetowrap.com. We have some really great health products that cover a wide variety of issues to help you feel your best. Our most popular product is the Ultimate Body Applicator which helps tone, tighten and firm targeted areas on your body as well as helping with cellulite. Obviously these products are for both men and women but it’s usually women who gravitate towards them. Every day I get to meet new women and help them reach their health goals and hopefully get back into their skinny jeans along the way! I have had so many women who use our products come back to tell me how they’ve improved their lives. It makes me so happy to hear these stories because I love helping people. I also get to help women in business through the Heart Link Network which you can find at www.74008.theheartlinknetwork.com. We have so many fabulous women owned businesses in our area. I wanted to find a way to bring them together. Each month women come to my house for dinner and connecting. We get to know each other and also find out how we can help each other be successful. It’s a very relaxed and fun event. This isn’t a business for me but it is so fulfilling. I love watching women come together and empower each other. I hear so many great ideas and suggestions go from one woman to the next. Each month I am in awe that I get to be a part of it!
Now, like my mom and my sister, I have 2 daughters of my own. One is eight and the other is two. They are my biggest blessings. No one gives better hugs and kisses than my girls. A lot of what I do takes me away from them during some evenings but I make sure they understand why this is important to me. I also think it’s important for them to see me doing things I am passionate about. I want them to grow up knowing its ok to follow their own passions. I am with them a lot so they don’t seem to mind those few hours I am away during the week. Of course I couldn’t do any of this without a great support team. I have an incredible husband who has always been very hands on when it comes to parenting. He supports me in what I do and doesn’t give me a lot of guilt when I have to be gone in the evenings. We are also fortunate that my parents watch our kids during the day while we work. I don’t know what I would do without them and I thank God for them every day.
I am so excited for each day to begin now, I never know what it is going to bring. It’s taken me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up but that’s ok. The journey has taught me so much and made me the person I am today. And now I get to help other people with their journey. I can’t think of a better blessing!My advice for new mothers would be to not be afraid to take time for themselves. We grow up thinking the mom has to sacrifice and just be all about her family. Yes, the family should be a priority but moms need to take some time for themselves and nourish their own souls. It’s not only good for mom but good for the kids as well. A happy mom means a happy family!
Comments
Posted By: Taylor Forrest
Monday, Jul 26, 2010
Way to go Jen! You are an awesome woman and I am proud to be part of your It Works! Team! Keep up the great work!