One of the most inspiring bloggers I have met on my journey in the blog world is Jen from Carlsbad Cravings. Her blog itself is incredible, but when you meet the woman behind it, you see why.
I met Jen through another one of my favorite blog/real life friends. She wanted to meet up with her when she was here visiting, so we did, and I was instantly girl-crushing on her. Something about the twinkle in her eye had me asking all kinds of questions. Why is she so so happy, and so so kind? It’s sad that kindness and genuine personalities are so hard to come by, but they are. After she left lunch, my friend and I sat there, just beaming after such a fun and lively conversation with her. Mostly about blogging, and how fast she’s grown, and that she makes a great living at it…etc. Her blog is huge, reaching over 1.3 million monthly views. She’s one of the stats I quote to friends who ask if people really can make a living at this. She most definitely is. And get this: she started 19 months ago!
I listened as my food blogger friends talked shop, and ate my pizza, jumping in here and there. They talked about Jen’s transplants a bit and a little about cystic fibrosis. I admit, at the time, I didn’t even know what CF was.
I called Jen up and asked if we could come and interview her, and before we met up, I bought her book. I read it in 2 sittings. And I wept, big ugly sad and happy and sad tears on every page.
I still can’t believe it. The pages turned so fast that I didn’t feel like I was reading. Admittedly, it has been a very long time since I read a story so captivating to me. I felt ashamed for any moment I had spent feeling sorry for myself and my trials, stresses, or worries. I don’t think I really understood what loss was, or what it even meant to be truly grateful for life.See, Jen grew up with cystic fibrosis, along with 2 of her 5 siblings who also had the disease. Her older brother Justin died at 19 to the disease, and Jen nearly did too a year later, but had a life-saving lung transplant that extended her life. The minute you meet Jen, you can tell that there is a story there. There has to be something that happens in your life that causes you to see heaven on earth and look forward knowing that your life may end at any time. She’s right, it really isn’t any different for any of us, because no one knows when the end is, it’s just that she has to look it square in the eye and admit that she’s going to make something of it. She doesn’t waste time in negative thoughts or conversation, she builds others up, she is humble, and she genuinely cares for the people around her.
Her book My Heroes Ask Wallflowers to Dance
Jen is an amazing blogger, but she’s an even more amazing human. So her video shares a little of both: how she succeeds in the blog world, AND about how she takes on life.
Watch the #ColorMeGirlBoss interview below:
Please help spread Jen’s story by sharing this any way you can. Hers is one of hope and love and happiness and we can all take something from that.
If you like these #ColorMeGirlBoss videos, be sure to sign up below to get the emails and I’ll let you know when the next one comes out- you’ll love them!
I’m kinda in awe. As someone who has faced serious illness in my early thirties, I know what it’s like to come to grips with mortality at a younger age than most of my peers, but even I have a hard time imagining what it would be like to go through that at 8! I love the food photography tips. Tripods are soooo helpful.
Oh Meg, I love you! THANK YOU for you beautiful, heartfelt words and wonderful video. I am so blessed to have met you and honored to call you a friend. PS Thank you for editing out my ugly tears 🙂
Wow, she sounds like a truly inspiring woman. I’ll have to check out her blog and book!
I love Carlsbad Cravings! What a wonderful story. I love her message of being grateful. What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your interview!
What great tips! I have been experimenting with food photos so those tips are super helpful.
January
http://www.thebouncyponytail.com/
Such a great post on an inspiring person. It’s been a long time since I have been captivated by a book like that. I know I will be checking it out soon.
Thanks for sharing Jen’s story. I feel like you do– I want to be more like Jen (more grateful, more kind, and cherish the life I have been blessed with).
Thank you for this inspiring video.
i love Jen and her blog is one of my favorites ever. I hope I get the pleasure of meeting her one day!
What a beautiful and inspiring interview! Jen is absolutely amazing! I love her recipes and pictures, and a few months ago I emailed her asking for tips to improve my photography. Many bloggers don’t want to reveal their secrets or take the time to help others, not Jen. She was so sweet and shared many tips with me. I really think my photography has improved because of her! I’ll always be a fan of hers!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful, inspirational story. Such a beautiful piece! 🙂
You’re pretty special yourself. What beautiful, honest and informative writing. I’m definitely getting the book…. I just started a blog and I am amazed at how all the bloggers I’ve interacted with are so kind and willing to answer questions. (And btw… We’re in the same state…. I’m in Los Angeles). Thanks for
Sharing!!
I can use all the tips I can get! Thank you for all the great information.
Really love this interview. Super inspiring!
Such a heart-warming story and I love Jen’s blog! Great tips on the photography too 🙂
I am a HUGE fan of hers! I have reached out to her on several occasions regarding a couple large Pinterest boards I wanted to join and she always responded quickly and kindly….I am a long time subscriber to her blog and love her story! xoxoxo to Jen and to you for sharing her lovely story!
What a beautiful and empowering story. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you for the great interview and sharing Jen’s story. I am a fan big of Carlsbad Cravings and so I was familiar with Jen’s story. But to hear her tell it on camera was so deeply moving. You and Jen make me want to be a better person and and proud to be a blogger.
By the way, you need to put a disclaimer on at the beginning of your video to have their tissue boxes ready… I was a blubbering mess by the end of the video…?
I’m so glad you liked it! I had myself in there for a while, but was sobbing too so I cut myself out. I should have put a disclaimer! In fact, I will add that. 😉 Thanks for the kind words. She’s one incredible human.
Oh a fellow SoCal-er! Thanks so much for the sweet words! I do love this community of uplifting and inspiring women. 😉
And doesn’t that just say so much about her?! I have had a similar experience with other “large” bloggers and Jen is in her own class. Just a good person 122% 😉 So glad you connected with her too!
Come on over and I’ll take you to her! 😉 She’s the best.
Thank you! I felt the same way. I read the book, I sobbed. I don’t think people could hear her message enough! She’s so positive and full of life and keeps it real. I am totally adding the disclaimer! 😉
Oh my goodness!!! When she talks about her Dad talking to her fiancé!!! i was blubbing. Just beautiful!