So, I am REALLY excited about this post. I know, you are probably thinking, she always says she is excited about every post. Ha! Fair enough, I am usually pretty into everything I post, but that is the benefit of having your own blog. Anyways, I think this is post is extra special because we got to chat with entrepreneur, turned author, Jennifer Tress!
Her new book, “You’re Not Pretty Enough” (YNPE), is a compilation of hilarious, relatable stories based on her life. She came up with the title for her book (and platform) based off of something her ex-husband said to her as their marriage was dissolving (seriously, what a jerk!!). After shopping her manuscript around to all the big publishing houses, she heard everything from, “You need more of a marketing platform” to “This is great, but you’re not famous enough yet. Contact me when you are!.” She decided to go the self-publishing route via Amazon’s indie-publishing platforms, CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing. Want to buy the book? Click here!
What really makes Jennifer a rock star is that her brand goes far beyond just a book. She also has the YNPE Action Center, which is a safe space where girls and women can go to explore feelings of insecurity in a way that is positive and empowering.
Jennifer dishes on the 3 things she wishes someone had told her in her 20s:
1. You will never make everyone like you and that’s OK. As Bonnie Raitt sang, “I can’t make you [like] me if you don’t…” Sure can’t! (and won’t). Take pride in who you are and what you do. Be open to feedback. Be kind. But don’t worry about the random colleague or acquaintance who doesn’t seem to “get” you. The primary people in your life (hopefully) do. And they’re the ones who count.
2. If you’re unsure, ask. If you don’t know the answer to something (and have exhausted your search in trying to find the answer), don’t be afraid to seek an understanding. It doesn’t make you look weak or stupid. It makes you look like you care about the topic at hand, and are invested in a positive outcome.
3. Save some money every time you get paid. Even if it’s $15-25, make some room in your budget for savings. You’ll panic less if you have something stowed away for an unforeseen emergency, or to bridge the gap between paychecks (without having to add to a credit card).
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