Episode 7: Jennifer Porter

Hi everyone and welcome to Right In Front of My Face - the podcast talking about big things happening right in front of us.  It’s officially December as of this recording and we’ve almost made it through 2020.  I have to admit that I’m am struggling.  In this moment, after what was in all actuality a wonderful Thanksgiving with my 3 people, I find myself missing our life as it was before March 13th.  I’m missing parties and my friends.  I miss wearing a solid smoky eye.  I miss sequins and heels.  I miss getting tipsy with my girlfriends out at a fancy dinner.  But even more than the things I miss, I find myself so sad about what I still do have versus so many people that are just struggling to survive.  I’m sad that American’s haven’t gotten a 2nd stimulus check.  I’m sad that people aren’t having student debt and rent forgiven.  I’m sad that by politicizing masks, so many people have died unnecessarily.  It all seems so heavy right now, and the only thing that is bringing me out of it is people helping other people.  The cliche of Mr. Rogers is very true for me.  When you look for the helpers, you find them.  Those among us who aren’t quitting, who continue showing up for others, and who are forwarding science, tirelessly working for humanity are pulling me through the muck.  I get overwhelmed with gratitude and humility when I think about the brains working through this revolutionary Covid-19 vaccine.  The sleepless nights, the teamwork, and the selflessness that we will be the recipients of is humbling on my worst days.  It makes me feel gratitude to be a part of that humanity, which also exists with the anti-masking, superspreading humanity and still is working to benefit us all.  Unreal. 

Which brings me to my guest this week and a much more joyful topic, Jennifer Porter.  Jennifer is a true entrepreneur and has been starting businesses since I’ve known her.  She’s a triple threat.  She’s smart, she’s witty, and she’s committed to lifting up her community.  I’ll let her tell the story about how her businesses evolved, but I wanted to interview her because of the work she’s doing with an organization called Refugee Artisan Initiative.  Jen sits on the board of this non-profit but has come up with a unique way to support refugee women right here in our community.  Her concerted effort to lift up everyone in her community is a bright light right now.  

Let’s ditch Covid for just an  hour and listen to someone who is both intelligent and  inspiring.  And then let’s all buy our holiday presents from Refugee Artisan Initiative.

Shop Satsuma Designs here: https://satsumadesigns.com/

Find Jennifer on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/satsuma_designs/

@satsumadesigns on Twitter