Today, for "Women's History Month", meet this amazing woman
Jennifer Carmichael-Payea, 55, wife, mother of 2 sons
Jenna Payea is a 55 year old mother of 2 sons, Chandler(20) and Jacob(17). Jenna is admitting her age because she is proud of where she has come from to get here! She grew up in Bucksport, ME the youngest of 5 children. Her sister Jerriann being the oldest and Jenna being the youngest with 3 boys in between.
Jenna was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 20, which was 35 years ago. Fresh out of college with her whole life to look forward to this was a huge step to overcome and after many months of chemotherapy she has been in remission for 34 years. Jenna does not like to dwell on this part of her life, because it is only one part of her journey. She had the support of her family and friends to help her to move forward. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Jenna moved to Southern Maine and worked in the hotel business for 5 years. Her degree was in Travel and Tourism and she thought she put it to good use, but she was not happy
She returned to school to become a Hairstylist, which had been a passion of hers since she was a little girl cutting the hair off her dolls and piercing Barbie’s ears with sewing pins. During this time she went through a divorce, actually in court on her 30th birthday. Notice how each decade is a new beginning. That is important to remember in life.
Loving her new career Jenna worked for many salons building her client base and even winning a trip to Aruba where she met her new husband Brian. It took her traveling to another country to find the love of her life, but it was all worth it. Brian and Jenna have been married for 21 years and live in Old Orchard Beach.
When Jenna’s boys were 6 and 3 years old she moved her hairstyling business home to be available for the boys growing up. Working from home has given Jenna the flexibility to volunteer at Chandlers and Jacobs school. She has met some wonderful women along the way who she admires greatly, which is why she stepped out of her comfort zone to participate in this project.
Jenna loves her job and loves when a client leaves feeling wonderful!
Jenna hopes her story will inspire someone to get out of their comfort zone!
Jenna's favorite quote is what her Nana always said ...
”This too shall pass.”
***
Thank you, Jenna, for sharing your story with us!
#womenshistorymonth #womenempowerment #womansupportingwomen
5 Comments
Mar 3, 2021, 3:08:30 AM
Kathy Allen - You rock!! Looking fabulous!!
Mar 2, 2021, 8:27:29 PM
Carilyn Lane - Jenna OMG, these came out absolutely amazing and for such an amazing person. So blessed Ive known you as long as I have! Way to go hun!
Mar 2, 2021, 5:35:39 PM
Gina Tapp - Wow Jennifer, you rock! These photos are amazing, and i love reading your life story. So proud of you and the strong, beautiful woman you have become.❤️
Mar 2, 2021, 4:32:51 PM
Stormi Wentworth - Congratulations jenny!! Beautiful pictures!!
Mar 2, 2021, 3:00:08 PM
Amy Therrien - I’m so happy to see this Jenn. Your positivity has changed so many people a long the way and just knowing you a little bit makes me all the more wiser. All your hard work is paying off. Glad to have met you and share your passion for hair dressing. It has been a joy to know you. It has been wonderful to see the blossom of a new marriage that has carried so much joy over 21years ago. Keep on rising, you are certainly a bright star!