Overcomer Series with Jennifer Holt
What do you do?
I help provide calm in the midst the chaos of educating kids! My greatest desire is to help others, and through my site, Happy Teacher Mama, I am able to provide encouragement, teaching tips, resources, and products that make teaching a little bit easier. I want women who are educators, whether in the home or classroom, to find everything they need in one place so they aren’t wasting their precious time scouring the Internet.
Growing up, did you always dream that you would be doing what you’re doing now?
I NEVER thought I would be doing anything I’m currently doing. I am homeschooling my boys while running my business from home. Honestly, I am amazed at where the Lord has brought me!
What made you decide to “go for it” in terms of your career goals/ambitions?
After much prayer, my husband and I decided I would leave my career as a classroom teacher to homeschool my boys in 2015. I NEVER EVER planned to homeschool. It wasn’t because I thought there was anything wrong with it, it just wasn’t a good fit for our family. We knew we would be losing one income when I left my position, but we also knew the Lord would provide! After completing our first year, and starting into our second year, I started considering what options I had to help ease the financial burden for our family. That is when the idea of writing a blog first came to mind. I’m not technologically savvy so this was a strange consideration. But after praying about it, I figured why not. I had no idea what I was getting into, but now I have begun creating a business!
Did you face adversity? How did you overcome that?
Obviously, not being great with technology has created some interesting situations. Especially when you consider running an online blog and business is ALL technology! I also have people ask me how I can do it all, and the fact is, I don’t. Many times when I am working on school, I get behind on blogging. Other times, when I am staying current with the website, I get behind with the laundry. The important thing to realize is adversity will come, and you have to do your very best to ride it out. I have to overcome guilt for “working” even though I’m at home. It isn’t easy, but I’m learning and trying to teach my boys that anything is possible if you just take the plunge and believe in yourself.
A lot of women have these big goals & big ideas that they’d like to bring to life, what advice would you give them in terms of how they can make that happen?
Believe in yourself, and find someone who believes in you, too! We all have times of self-doubt, and when those times come, it’s so important to have another person to cheer for you. Also, write down WHY you are doing what you are doing. This will be something you go back to when you are ready to give up on your dream. When you see your WHY it will help you overcome the momentary frustrations and difficulties.
What’s the biggest regret you have when it comes to your blog/shop/business?
I wouldn’t say I have any regrets, but I will say that I wish I had started my blog and shop sooner! However, I don’t think it would have been what it is now. So, I think the Lord orchestrated it to happen right when it was supposed to. 🙂
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
Just getting the blog published was a huge step! But my proudest moments have been when readers have shared how much a post helped her. That’s when I know I’m doing what the Lord wants me to!
And, just because we like our coffee around here, how do you take yours?
No coffee for me! I prefer chocolate…anytime is the right time for chocolate!
I believe in the story of the overcomer. That has been my story and I believe that is your story too. We want your journey here on the blog to help encourage others just like you and me. If you’d like to share that with us, please come over and share your story with us!
Was this story an encouragement to you? Share it with others!
I know Jennifer, and she is the real deal! How wonderful to see her on this site! She has a beautiful blog, too, and I know she’ll be able to help so many women with her wise and caring words, ideas, and products.