We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I think of risks, I first think about my WHY. If I am considering whether or not to do something knowing that it may or may not work how I see it in my head, it becomes a calculated risk, and something that I must do no matter what. The past eights years of my life has been full of personal and professional risks that I accepted scared and all. Nervous and all. Doubtful and all. Every important decision I have made since June 28, 2013 – the day my new life started – I made knowing and accepting the potential risks no matter what they were. All because my WHY was bigger than me. Bigger than my fear. Bigger than what if.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My drive to keep reinventing myself or trying something new, whether the last idea was a success or not. I will say that I am most proud of my mobile app, The Slipout. Writing has always been something I loved. It was my security blanket as a kid. English was the only class I got A’s in high school. I am where I am today because that love for writing never stopped growing and evolving. Along the way, I have learned that the people who are meant to be on the journey with me will be. And anyone who is not meant to go, will not. As with anything worth having, I have to do it for me whether one person claps for me or 10 million. I want the world to know that I am the face of life after trauma. If you have been or are being abused, that is not the story of the rest of your life. You have a purpose, now walk in it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Over the course of a week, we would hit up my favorite breakfast spots: The Little Branch Cafe (Downtown), The Original Pancake House (Hyde Park or Oak Lawn), Batters and Berry (North Side). We’d probably visit the Art Institute, Aquarium, and Navy Pier. Rent Divy Bikes to ride on the Lakefront. And definitely visit one of the most interesting places I’ve found recently, the Japanese Garden behind the Museum of Science and Industry. Outside of those things we would just play it by ear and probably explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is not one name and if I did start naming I am certain to forget one or two and be in deep trouble. So I will say to the ladies that God sent to help me navigate my new life (and the few who were here before) THANK YOU for the love, support, encouragement, kicks in the rear, and being my friends. None of the things you all call me a super hero for would be possible without you all being just a phone call or text message away.

Website: www.lisarjenkins.com

Instagram: @kracommunications1

Facebook: kracommunications

Image Credits
Photos 1, 2 & 8 by Xposeur Photography Photo 5 by SarahKPhotography Photo 6 by Felicia T. Simpson

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