Jen Bahl on Havin'a Bahl Building A Life That Makes Every Moment Count
Get ready to be inspired and empowered in this episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast! Host Betsy Leonidas sits down with her friend Jen Bahl, the incredible woman behind the successful business "Have a Bahl."
Betsy introduces Jen, highlighting their friendship that blossomed through their involvement in the local non-profit organization, Kindervelt. She marvels at Jen's quiet and observant nature, but also recalls a moment when Jen amazed her by running a meeting flawlessly, despite admitting her nerves.
Jen takes us on a journey through her professional life, starting with her internships at Glamour magazine after her parents' divorce. With determination and resilience, she moved to New York City, only to face a setback when her dream job at Glamour fell through. Undeterred, Jen landed a job as an executive assistant at Nautica, eventually rising through the ranks to manage the events and sponsorships department. However, after realizing the toll it took on her family life, she made the courageous decision to start anew in Cincinnati.
In Cincinnati, Jen discovered her passion for planning events and decorating through her involvement with Kinderbelt and various non-profits. She opens up about the emotional journey she went through when her father-in-law was diagnosed with terminal brain tumors. Jen's ability to create beautiful and meaningful moments for her family during this difficult time inspired her to start her own business, "Have a Bahl," where she styles tables for events and creates unforgettable experiences for her clients.
As the conversation turns towards life after 40, Jen shares her personal experiences with anxiety and the holistic methods she uses to find peace. From supplements to acupuncture, yoga to paddleboarding, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and prioritizing mental health.
Betsy and Jen connect over their shared love for entertaining and creating special moments. Jen imparts her wisdom on making every moment count, offering practical tips like bringing flowers or a game to a dinner. The episode concludes with Jen's powerful advice to embrace the highs and lows of life, and to focus on personal fulfillment rather than seeking approval from others.
Tune in to this uplifting and empowering episode as Betsy and Jen show us that by embracing our passions and taking risks, we can truly write our own stories, no matter where life takes us.