Tell us about yourself in 50 words or less. We want to know one or two things that you'd want someone to know about you?
Hi...I'm Jennifer Peagler. I'm an entrepreneur, still figuring out my place in this world while trying to reach my fullest potential. I always go for what I want and strongly believe that what's meant for me will always be for me. I don't subscribe to what-if, shoulda, coulda, woulda. I'm a doer with a very supportive and loving personal tribe. Oh...my favorite movie of all time is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it. Anything you want to, do it. Want to change the world? There’s nothing to it."
What are you most grateful for in life?
Life, in general. The ability to experience different phases/chapters and learn from them. I'm grateful for the ability to grow and become a better person every day. My family, my friends, my church...I'm grateful for everyone and everything that has shaped my 31 years on this planet.
Who do you find beautiful – and what makes them beautiful to you?
My mom is beautiful. Just being exposed to her and everything that she's experienced throughout her life, good and bad. I love her big, crazy, smile. She's a strong and smart woman...feisty too. My mom likes to have fun and enjoy her life. Ultimately, she does what she wants to do, when she wants to do it, unapologetically. I admire and love that.
Was there ever a time that you felt ugly? What happened and how did you react?
Yes!! I think that's a universal feeling. Even Aphrodite had her moments. There's always going to be that awkward stage...some last longer than most. For me, I've always been naturally thin. Growing up, my height hadn't caught up to my feet yet, so sometimes I would get called "Olive Oyl" from Popeye. I wasn't too bothered, because even she had a boyfriend! When I was in middle school I liked this boy, a lot. We were all on the bus for summer camp. I remember someone telling him that I liked him and he replied with "Ewwww she's too skinny." I'm sure in that moment I was mortified, but we were all summer camp friends, so things were normal the next day. However, I'm pretty sure that comment made me aware of how my physical body can be viewed by the opposite sex.
Based on the time above, when did you realize that you were beautiful?
For me, I'm still coming to terms with that thought. Growing up, I never really considered myself that attractive, but I relate to different types of people, so I got along with pretty much anyone. I was also somewhat of a tomboy...still am to a certain extent, so I shied away from most things related to "beauty." I loved getting my hair and nails done, but makeup, no thanks!! I still get by with some mascara and a lip color these days, thankfully :) I feel I'm really growing into my own nowadays, for sure. I love my body, my smile, my eyes, my skin. My personality is still genuine and real. I'm learning to embrace every aspect of who I am, on every level. So, I guess I'm still realizing how beautiful I am.
What makes you beautiful?
I always try to be true to myself and my beliefs. I've never felt the need to be someone I'm not or behave in a way that is opposite of who I am. I'm just me. Take it or leave it.
How has your idea of beauty changed over the years?
When I was younger, I felt beauty was only a physical, exterior thing. The way a person looked. But as I got older, I started to see that there were more layers to beauty, like personality and character. Those start to be the defining things that separate one person from another. Nowadays, people are starting to look very similar. It's nice to have those distinguishable characteristics, below the superficial layer, to identify true beauty. I think when you find someone or meet people who have great energy and are comfortable in their own skin, they're a true gem...and beautiful.
If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Trust your gut...always.
