My 38th Birthday + My Visit Home
Hello THIRTY8
Happy Birthday me! On June 27th, a visionary was born.
I cannot believe that I am thirty-eight years old! I know, you are shocked, but I am a product of a Melanin Queen, aka my mother and I am the Melanin Goddess. We age like fine wine, honey!
Jennifer J. attending The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, GA for a night out of fun.
Last year, my birthday was AWFUL! After dealing with the unexpected loss of my grandfather, who is my real life father figure and adjusting to living in a new city, it was HARD! Let’s not mention, and I was also stressed out to the MAX at my job (I was working there during that time, but through the grace of God, I am free from that hell-hole - Lord, forgive me).
Choose Happy! Jennifer J. along with family and friends during her birthday lunch at Flower Child in Buckhead.
Choose Happy! Jennifer J. along with family and friends during her birthday lunch at Flower Child in Buckhead.
Honestly, I was not expecting a great birthday this year, but God said otherwise. He showed me that I am loved and cherished by so many amazing people. My celebration was ongoing for weeks, and I couldn’t be happier. Now let’s keep it real for one moment. Most women (like myself) expect a great birthday spending time with your significant other, loving one another and feeling like a queen. Last year, I wished for that, but this year, I did not receive that. I am single, and my mindset has completely changed. Even though I did not spend my birthday with my (prayed for) significant other, I spent it with friends who genuinely love me for me. That alone made me feel whole.
Jennifer J. at The Ivy in Cleveland, OH.
On my actual birthday, I decided to take a self-care day. I started my day with coffee on my patio while reflecting on my year and future, I finally had a chance to visit the High Museum of Art, I treated myself to a pedicure, and finally ended my day with a business dinner with the Atlanta Chapter of Promote-Her.
Jennifer J. visits her house where she grew up in Cleveland, OH.
The last stretch of my birthday shenanigans, I booked a trip to my hometown to see my family and spend some time with my friends. My visit was amazing, even though it was only for three days. Granted, I would have loved to catch up with all of my friends at home, but my trip was entirely too short, and my family is my priority. I had a chance to visit my house where I grew up, sit on the very same porch whereas a little girl, I played with my Barbie dolls, I sat and visioned my life as an adult, where I experienced losses of friends, boyfriends, and family members. This is the same porch where my family saw me off to prom and graduation from high school — the same porch where basically, Jennifer became Jennifer. Sitting on the porch grounded me as I look at where I am today. It gave me an extra push to go even harder with my business.
Jennifer J. at one of the four Cleveland landmarks throughout the city. She has pictures with three out of four.
Being home gave me so much clarity. I felt vindicated, knowing that people finally see all of my hard work, dedication, and sacrifice finally starting to come full circle. I am not the typical woman who dedicates her career in the corporate sector. I am not the woman who can be placed in a box and living a cookie cutter life. I am a woman who is free as a bird - a creative, and it took me years to finally let my family see me as an artist. They finally see my vision coming to life. I couldn’t be happier! That is why my thirty-eighth birthday was one of my best yet.
Jennifer J. with her best friend, Chaneka at The Ivy in Cleveland, OH.
To my friends and family who I did not get a chance to visit during my time home, I am sorry. Please don’t take things personally. Three days is not enough time to see everyone. I send all of my love to you.
Be great and amazing,
I don’t know about you, but since the pandemic began, I changed how I wear my makeup while wearing my mask. I am sure a lot of us can relate. We have watered down our makeup looks. Before I begin to share how I wear my makeup, let me remind you to throw away your masks! I strongly recommend wearing a disposable mask and throwing it away at the end of the day.