Meet Jennifer Senne | Writer and Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Senne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
When someone has been independent for most of their life, as I have, and situations change, the question of whether to persevere or give up arises. In 2014, I was diagnosed with a couple of neurological conditions that halted my career path. The thought of giving up crossed my mind. However, I realized I needed to set a good example for my children and not give up without trying to find alternative paths. I’ve always been passionate about writing and photography, but it was only a hobby until recently. In the last few years, I have started writing again and taking fine art photographs whenever possible. Although my days can be unpredictable, I make an effort to cherish the good ones and keep moving forward. Giving up should always be the last option when faced with a challenge. In business, various factors influence the decision to persevere or give up; one crucial factor is profitability. Engaging in a business without a return on investment may be a reason to give up. However, financial gain is not the only return on investment one can achieve. For me, the mothers who have shared their stories while reading my book have been a great return on my investments. Knowing when to persevere and give up is subjective, depending on one’s outlook on life and business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Unfortunately, my passion for writing and photography blossomed when I encountered some life challenges. In 2014, I was diagnosed with a couple of neurological disorders that made it difficult for me to continue my work as a personal and organizational development consultant. Devastated, I turned to writing. I self-published several children’s books, but my latest one, Wonder Mommy, has been my favorite. Wonder Mommy is a tribute to mothers with chronic health conditions. Motherhood is challenging as it is, but when a mother faces a chronic health condition on top of her usual duties, one must adjust to meet her children’s needs; I am speaking from experience. In my book, written from a little girl’s perspective, she conveys how her mother, with a health condition, alters her days to make them fun for her. Despite the unpredictability of her health, her mother makes sure she puts her daughter’s well-being in mind first. The daughter refers to her mother as her wonder mommy.

I didn’t expect to receive random messages and emails from mothers from around the world letting me know how the book has impacted their lives. Hearing their stories and feedback reminded me of why I wrote the book in the first place.

Additionally, although I have been taking photos all my life, I took it seriously only when I moved to South Carolina. I began taking photographs of everything around me. As long as I focus on the beauty around me, I forget about my health struggles. A few of my photographs have been featured in galleries to be enjoyed by other artists and collectors.

Life challenges nudged me to tap into my creative side. The journey has been humbling and exciting; it has taught me to be more expressive, patient, and appreciative of the little wins in life. My journey taught me to be tenacious and know that you don’t give up when you fall. Instead, you get back up and look for other opportunities in life. When you do, hidden gems within you will most likely be awakened.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many beautiful things to enjoy in Greenville, South Carolina. If a friend were to visit for a week, we would head downtown to see Falls Park and take a stroll on the Liberty Bridge to admire the falls. The botanical gardens in the park are incredibly stunning in the summer. In the evening, we would take a walk along Main Street, where we would have our pick of various restaurants, including one of my favorites, Basil Thai Restaurant.  A visit to Main Street wouldn’t be complete without trying an artistic scavenger hunt to find nine bronze mice hidden along the street and explore art galleries, such as the Southeast Center for Photography. This gallery even featured my “Head Above Water” work in “The Woman’s View” exhibit last April. Woodruff is another stop; it’s a growing town where we can find an excellent Irish pub called Conner Flynn’s.

The visit would not be fruitful without visiting several parks, including Rabbit Trail, Caesar’s Head State Park, and Conestee Nature Preserve. Another must do is a drive to the gorgeous landscape view of Pretty Place in Cleveland, SC.

Greenville, South Carolina and its neighboring towns offer a wide range of experiences for everyone, including delightful dining, stunning landscapes, and incredible art. There’s always something new and exciting to explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am incredibly grateful to God for giving me the ability to pursue my passions. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my family for their unwavering support. I owe a great deal to my mentor, John Maxwell, whose guidance has been pivotal in my personal and professional growth. His books and teachings have imparted invaluable lessons that I carry with me every day. Additionally, I want to express my appreciation to David Molnar and the TPM team for their role in enhancing my photography skills, especially Tibor Molnar, who has graciously answered my inquiries about macro photography. Lastly, I want to give a special shoutout to my parents, particularly my mom, and to my granddaughter, Esther, whose mere presence never fails to brighten my day.

Website: www.jennifersenne.com & jcabagnot-senne.shootsites.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wonderfullymade_jenn www.instagram.com/made_wonderfully_photography

Image Credits
Jennifer Senne