Strong Women are Stronger Together series - Jennifer Bartlett edition

A while ago I wrote a blog about why I think asking for help is the gateway to living your best life. That blog was inspired by all of the incredible women I’m surrounded by daily and I decided I would feature some of them in a new series called “Strong Women are Stronger Together.”

Jennifer Bartlett is the first inspiring woman that I am featuring and the timing wasn’t by accident. Jenn is the lead singer for the band Lokella whose music has been described as “progressive, grungy jazz-rock with catchy hooks” and they have a show this Saturday, August 18th at the Pyramid Scheme (promptly starts at 8pm). I’ve seen Jenn and Lokella perform multiple times and their music is fantastic but their performance is even better. I’ll hope you’ll join me to support this local band.

Jenn and I met a long time ago, I actually don’t know how many years it’s been but I started out as her client. She’s been coloring and cutting my hair for years and it took me at least 5 to convince her to let me be her friend. I always thought she was not only a badass but also one of the most authentic people that I know. As if incredible musician isn’t enough, Jenn is also a talented writer and artist. She’s responsible for all of the witty copy on my website and graciously edits and polishes my blogs each week. 

I was thrilled that she could join us on my Wander Whole retreat for a few nights. During the workshops that Holos Coaching & Consulting facilitated, Lauren prompted us to ask someone close in relation to us to describe us in one word and then tell us why they picked that word. Jenn’s sister gave her the word “dynamic” and I think she nailed it. Jenn is a force that stimulates change or progress. She constantly speaks out on topics that most of us are too afraid to discuss. I admire her passion and I love her sense of humor. She makes me want to live true to my values and to be a better person. She's also one of the kindest people I know. I could write pages about why she inspires me and how I’m SO grateful she’s one of my best friends, but I thought it would be better to hear from her what drives and inspires her. After all, she’s the talented writer.

If money were no object, what would you spend most of your time doing?

Jenn: First I have to say...editing a blog about yourself that is written by someone else is truly one way to practice self-control and definitely a humbling experience. Thank you, Anna. You are too kind. I digress...these last few years have really been eye-opening in terms of how to answer your question. Once I decided that I was going to fully take control of how I spend the precious time that we have on earth, I felt a strong shift in my attitude and my confidence; like I had been weight training but only with my middle fingers. If I didn’t have to pay my bills, I would be writing music, performing, producing shows and music videos for our band AND for other artists, traveling with my dogs (Evan can come too), writing poetry, maybe a book, visiting friends and family regularly and spending a lot of time on the water and in the woods. I would be drinking wine and eating fancy popcorn and cheese and volunteering at animal shelters, music schools and art camps. I would throw the BEST over-the-top Halloween parties and bring people together. I don’t know, is that too much to ask? I’m always taking donations!

What inspires you?

Jenn: As much as people can sometimes feel draining, I find them incredibly fascinating. The ways that we allow (or not allow) our emotions to affect our communication, decision making and ultimately our connectivity to the world around us is almost enchanting to me. Because I am so sensitive and empathetic to my core, I feel I’ve always been a natural observer in order to protect myself. The more I dive into my emotions, the deeper I am able to dive into another’s. That’s equally terrifying and captivating...and I sure do love a good spook. 

I hope you will join me for the Lokella show on Saturday, August 18th at 8:00 pm.

My name is Anna VanAgtmael, and I am a certified yoga instructor with a passion for yoga, travel, and connecting with others.

I believe in trying everything once. My values lie in collecting memories over things. Though we desire adventure and authentic experiences, naturally our fear holds us back.

My ambition is to inspire and encourage you to unmask your fears and jump into the unknown.

Anna VanAgtmael | Yoga Enthusiast | Trip Planning Wizard