Dear Friends,
There are so many moments as an entrepreneur you feel you aren’t going to make it – like there is no possible way you will pull off this endeavor, not only because of your own inadequacies (of which you confront many on a daily basis) but because the universe is undoubtedly working against you.
I had one of those days last Friday. It all started off so well with so much anticipation. Friday was the day my development team was to deliver the digital reality of my latest invention – what I believe is a revolutionary news service launching in two weeks. We held weekly calls, spoke often, had long consulting sessions but I had yet to see evidence my vision could function for both the end user, (that’s you) and the creator (that’s me, and hopefully others). To my knowledge, nothing has ever been created like it before so there’s a lot of unknown, which is totally exciting and incredibly risky.
I got up early on Friday morning, worked-out, sent some emails before the kids woke up, made breakfast and prepared for our Friday tumbling classes. I had a babysitter lined up for the afternoon so I could focus on my website development. I was going to do it all. I was going to finish the week strong.
I was going to have balance!
After all it had been a long week with no balance at all. Corralling two young children, with a traveling husband, a business owner himself and entrepreneur. We were all over the place both literally and figuratively. And nothing seemed to be going right.
At the beginning of the week a project that should’ve taken me 2 hours, took 3 days because of technical glitches. We recently realized that working out of a home office isn’t going to work for either of us so we rented a new work space; trouble is, we had no furniture or Wifi – so we spent hours making it useable (which currently includes a folding table and many runs to Ace Hardware). My husband attended jujitsu class, something he really enjoys, and came home with a nasty black eye after a sparring session – right before he had to speak in front of 400 people. Our 3 –year-old (potty-trained) and 1-year-old (not potty-trained) experienced more “accidents” than are worth mentioning or describing; while it’s true we will look back on these circumstances and laugh, right now the smell of Lysol permeates so deeply into our psyche, it’s hard to think past it. We just couldn’t catch a break.
And “mama” wasn’t happy. I could feel my frayed emotions unraveling more and more. While trying to build a new business, I continue to uncover so many issues with our new home. Earlier in the week, I could’ve sworn our new heater (that had to be installed in an emergency over Christmas) simply wasn’t functioning correctly. But I just wasn’t sure what was *really* going on; I’ve never actually lived in a house before – only apartments or flats – so this is my first experience in homeownership. I’ve always had a bad feeling about the wiring in the home; a feeling I couldn’t explain. I kept getting told “Everything was fine”.
So Friday, was the end of a long week: an exhausting week, an emotional week. I dressed the kids, jumped in the shower in their bedroom so I could keep an eye on them ~ and jumped out quickly but not quick enough to grab my son who quietly made his way to the kitchen, climbed up to a bar height counter top and opened the child proof caps of Benadryl and Motrin that I left out from the night before. He then proceeded to drink the contents straight from the bottle. I caught him in the act and immediately went into panic mode (in as controlled a way as possible). Luckily, after calling Poison Control, I understood he didn’t drink enough to force a trip to the ER. However, as many of you parents know, Benadryl in large doses for a child isn’t just plain frightening and doesn’t just make them drowsy… it can also make them agitated and for the next several hours, poor Trace was such a handful I could barely keep him under control.
We got through tumbling class but my quality time with my kids was ruined and I couldn’t make it back to our office in time for our meeting so I ended up pulling off the road to use a coffee shop with wifi. I settled in, ready for the great unveil to find that my laptop simply would not work. No lights. No charge. No nothing. No power. All black. I panicked for the second time that day.
When I called the developers, we got the laptop to reset, but it was clearly barely working, which led to a trip to the Apple store, on Friday during rush hour traffic. I walked out of the store with an unexpected new computer and a huge bill – but much-needed equipment. On the way home I thought, “Ok, this is a crazy day, but I’m SO lucky. Trace didn’t need to go to the hospital. I have a new computer that can support this endeavor. “Momlife” is hard. I hadn’t eaten all day. I had accomplished none of my errands. But compared to being a mom in Syria? I have zero to complain about. These are all “first world” problems.
As soon as I get home, I see Trace and my daughter Liberty are happily playing, I throw in some laundry right before getting them into a bath. At that same moment, the email comes in with the permissions to access my sparkling new website. And then….All the lights go out. Literally.
Our house is black. And the heat is definitely not on. It’s freezing outside. No tripped breakers. I reset and reset them all with my two kids running around in the dark giggling. No one in our neighborhood had power issues; it was clearly our house. It was bizarre and eerie. The microwave kept coming on and off, with a screeching beep; lights would flash on and dim. I could see enough to get the kids to bed; thanks to my husband, we have a lot of headlamps around the house. I called electricians, and no one would pick up their phones or call me back. The electric company’s phone line is automated – I couldn’t reach a real person. I didn’t know what to do. I actually didn’t panic for a third time that day – I was too exhausted. I contacted a friend who runs a vacation rental company in case we needed to rent a place to stay for the weekend, bundled up and fell asleep.
The next morning, the electric company showed up at my door and simply said “Ma’am you have a big problem” They proceeded to tell me that unbeknownst to us there was a fire in our meter box. A fire that if it burned hot enough and long enough, could’ve burned through the main breaker and right into our house; it looked like it was almost through the process of doing just that. As the slow burning fire got worse, less power got to our home – hence why I felt the heater wasn’t working even though it was brand new.
After a few hours, power was restored. I loaded the kids up to go to Chick-Fil-A for lunch, relieved and ready to get out of the house and let it warm-up. A new friend called me and left one of the strangest voicemails I’ve ever received. We hadn’t talked in a few weeks ~ She recently had her third baby and I’ve felt terrible for not being more in touch. She said “Jenna, I know this might sound crazy but I had this moment of quiet this morning and I was praying and I got a very clear message to pray for you. I know this is going to sound strange but I just had to reach out.” She went on to say that although I might be going through something difficult, and feeling very alone, or feeling like I may not have the right words to pray (all true to me) – God sees me and loves me.
I was dumbfounded. A few times in my life, usually from some amazing, powerful women, I’ve had moments like this – where unexpectedly there’s a reminder, beyond explanation, of a Higher Power at work in all our lives.
And suddenly, my attitude just shifted.
In my social media posts, I detail some of the challenges I’ve confronted over the last several months but even those forms of expression, while truly genuine, are limited. I’m incredibly lucky and endlessly blessed. I’m excited and optimistic about the future. But it’s been a tough road leaving a city I loved and relocating to a new state with two babies and a completely different way of life. Everything takes a lot of energy: Trying to find new friends. Trying to unpack. Trying to find the grocery store. The gas station. A dry cleaner? Trying to organize my life, figure out who I am “off-air” and be a good wife and feeling like I am failing miserably. I literally don’t know what to wear because for the last 10 years, I’ve had a work closet. That sounds crazy right? It’s true. I showed up to work in my work-out clothes and had a beautiful wardrobe hanging in my office, selected by talented stylists; I edited what I wore but only after they brought me amazing clothes beyond my wildest dreams. Going through these personal rollercoasters all the while trying to pursue this crazy dream of building a company that has to happen NOW. Doing that alone and explaining over and over again what I am pursuing to people who clearly think I’m “just a news anchor” or totally insane or both. Trying to fund this project when money fell through with the little savings I had put aside to get it off the ground. I didn’t leave Fox with a big check, major investors or a well-coordinated departure to re-emerge on some other network – I left on my own terms, by choice. And because of that I AM alone.
But that’s okay. I want to be a pioneer in the way we deliver news and the way we tell our stories. I want to be a force for good and I want to do journalism differently.
I hear what you are asking for from “the news”, and I want to make it better for you. And that’s when I realized, I am being tested.
The light always attracts moths.
The obstacles, some of my own making, (like the Benadryl debacle) are reminders to do better or boulders being thrown in my path. And at every turn, the light shines in the darkness – literally. Whether it’s the friendly electric company workers taking extra time to help me in the frigid cold. The great young sales associate in the Apple Store who listened to my situation, helped me find a solution and said to me before I left the store, “Hey, we have Wifi. You want to look at your site on your new computer?” And when he saw the site said, “That’s AMAZING. That’s truly needed.” No strange coincidence his name was “Nehemiah“. The shadow of doubt and darkness grows long when you feel alone. It’s important to recognize all you’re learning along the way. And the lessons, like candles, light your next steps. So here’s what I’ve learned:
Poison Control should be in everyone’s phone even if you don’t have kids: 1-800-222-1222
If a toddler drinks half a bottle of Benadryl, that’s likely a cue to run to the hospital. If it’s less than that? You avoid the hospital but it’s a bumpy ride.
Don’t leave any medicine out. Period. It needs to be in a locked cabinet.
If you have a laptop that’s 3 years old, it’s probably hit its life span. Backup your work.
If you have unexplained electrical issues (dimming lights, questionable heat) start at the source of the problem – your meter box. And don’t give up when the experts tell you, there’s nothing wrong.
Double-check your fire alarms. Only by the grace of God, and that completely inopportune power outage, did we not have a devastating fire in our home.
And…
Entrepreneur is just a fancy word for “fails on a regular basis until TBD”. But as I recently heard in a spin class of all places “Failure is only feedback”. That sentiment has been said many times in many different ways. I’m grateful for the feedback. And for the darkness. Because it reminds me what is light. And this project is light. I can’t wait for you to see it.
Finally…
Come from a place of gratitude. Fight for it when it’s not easy. See challenges through that lens and this will make your purpose pure. It will set you apart.
Thank you for standing by me and being a source of light in my life. I am truly grateful.
Jenna
P.S. I want you to be the first to hear about my project – Sign up here to get the first announcement: https://mailchi.mp/ed219f632858/jenna-lee-usa
Your story is inspiring… your journey hard… but your final destination will be rewarding. Wishing you nothing but the best as you set a new path for all of us to travel on.
Jenna, pls know I so appreciate what you share. I truly believe God is using EVERYTHING in your life to make you into what HE (GOD) wants you to be. I personally felt you had life made. But the more you share, the I admire you and can, to a certain degree, relate to you. You get it like no one else does! You are truly amazing!!! God does love you and He’s there for you. Ask God for his help. He can do amazing extra ordinary things that you can’t even begin to imagine in your life and your family.
May GOD continue to bless you and open for you no man can close.
Praying for you Jenna!! You so are the girl next door!! 😉
Beautifully written article about the challenges that life presented to you and the inspiring ways you handled and are handling them. I am confident that your new venture is already successful and that you will soon be able to accept that fact.
Very inspirational. As reading this I am reminded of how fortunate I am and how God works in our lives.
Thank You.
You are amazing! Mom life is hard. I’ve given up my career for the good of at least one parent being at home with our kids. This job is tough! I try to resign at least once a week. You’ve got your hands full but in the end God is with you Always. Can’t wait to see what you have coming. I have followed you since you were at FOX. Now I feel like I really know you because of your real life experiences that you share. Best to you! Peace.
I can totally relate to your ‘obstacles’. I remember in the beginning of my small biz startup, thinking I can’t handle one more thing, I’m tapped out intellectually. It was at THAT moment that I realized I have to, and guess what, I did!
Things got a lot easier after that.
I like this page i’m on now, this Jennaleeusa.com page lol
VERY classy, easy on the eyes too.
Best of luck Jenna, we are with you every step.
Terry the egnima ; )
Count all things as Joy,
Secondly, you cannot do everything. As one who has raised 4 kids, has 8 grand kids, two great-grand kids, started three corporations in a male dominated field,the kids are what is really all about!
Hi Jenna.
I too have had to call Poison Control. Embarrassing, but worth it.
During a hard time in my life, God gave us a much longer for son – we named him Ezra Nehemiah (Help and Comfort of Jehovah)…and the kiddo has lived up to his name!
Just a reminder (and I can only say this because my kids lives past toddlerhood), you’ve got this! You will make it thru…and your kiddos will be your biggest fans on the other side (next to Leif, of course).
We love you, Jenna! I just know your new project will be great!
I travel so much for work sometimes in very far off places and your daily Jenna Lee’s that you used to post we’re great because I could get news quickly and efficiently. Looking forward to what you are going to start next.
The part about your GF getting that feeling from God about you…I have to. Didn’t say anything. Didn’t want you to think I’m a Nut. But I keep getting a strong feeling you are supposed to be involved With Israel in some way. Happened many times. Just kept it to myself.
You are inspiring!
Oh Jenna, I am putting you on my prayer list. I am excited to see what you are up to and if it is good then you are bound to have some trials along the way.
Welcome to Texas! It will all work itself out. Looking forward to the unveiling.
Loved this! It took me 52 years to learn the simple concept of asking myself two questions when things go haywire. 1. In any way can I change what is happening? 2. In any way can I control what’s happening. I have to step back and really think about one or both of this questions. Although, I have found, that they are 99% of the time joined together. If the answer is no, which it usually is, I’ve learned to give it over to God. He always has the much better way to handle it. When I do this, it is amazing how quickly things come together and in a much better way than even I, alone, could have done it. When I don’t, well life is in a state of crazy and usually doesn’t end well! Just wanted to share that with you.
Thank you for lifting me up today. This article hit me right in the soul. You are a mighty warrior for truth.
Miss you. Very glad to find you. In Texas of all places. Me too. It is a big adjustment. I came from California.
You’re a writer. What you wrote here takes something most people can’t do. Very interesting!
I am in tears reading this, soooo reminded me of my daughters journey (still going) and mine
still on going. The Lord has your back Jenna, theses situations only cause us to depend on Him more, as we become stronger.
God bless you
Shirley Arellano
Quite the time you’ve been having!
Very interested to see what you come up with. Always admired how calmly and insightfully you handled questioning guests on Fox. There’s so much more than “screaming heads” that can be done.
I look forward to seeing your new venture! And hang in there little mama, we have all had those days, weeks, months, years that feel like will never turn right! My son drank Camphoneck (Sp?) at least I thought he had and after a trip to the hospital and 3 hours of strongly encouraging him to drink charcoal water which he was having none of it, I have never kept that in my house again! Press on toward the goal!
You know what they say Jenna, the first million’s the hardest. When you get this off the ground and successful, you will remember this week forever.
You know what? I always liked watching you on Fox News and was sad to see you go. But following you on social media, I have come to realize what a joy and blessing you are to the world. Thank you so much for sharing your life and thank you for what you’re trying to do for journalism. I anxiously await the announcement. God bless you and your family.
Dear Jenna,
I’ve been telling myself for weeks that I was going to send you a proper email. I even wrote one & deleted it because I felt foolish for reaching out & cheering you on. I’m going to rewrite that email, dang it! I ask you to forgive me for not doing it sooner. What I can say right now is this: No matter the stage of life, no one really has all the answers. We all stumble & even fall down from time to time. At 46 you’d think I’d have it all figured out, but in some ways I feel more “lost” than when my kids were tiny & they’d both gotten into medication left in a drawer that no one knew about…They survived & have done quite well in spite of my humble inadequacies. They’re where they’re meant to be at this stage of life, but it’s left me reeling in unexpected ways. I spent years as a writer, working in politics. I went to culinary school in London right after our daughter left for college just to make myself do something crazy & brave. And yet I still feel mixed & lost & excited & passionate all at the same time! I love what you are doing. I admire the courage it has taken to be where you are now. I’d love to be a source of goodness & suppport for you. I’d love to collaborate & contribute. Most importantly, know you’re not alone. Know you’re believed in, prayed for, & that I’m cheering you on from SF❤️
All my best,
Robyn
I have absolutely no idea what your business plan contains or your vision for delivering news differently-.so with all due respect a suggestion- Missing from news are facts- just plain unvarnished facts- today the number of DACA went from .8 to 3.6 million. We have no idea what exactly is the immigration cost to taxpayers. Fox never use a graph- chart or graphic to compare anything-how many opioid deaths per day- how many heroin arrests- Why was the flu vaccine ineffective. No context. No analysis just talking to the same people who are experts on seemingly everything…there is no investigation into any subject below the sound bite – no comparisons – no historical context.
Just a few thoughts. My best wishes on your new business- my grandfather always told me it’s better to sell peanuts than work for the other fellow…
When I started my business (after 15 years in corporate America) people told me that I would have the highest highs and the lowest lows. Often within five minutes of the other. They were right. I was also told that you have to keep trying/changing and stay focused on your goals. The life of an entrepreneur!!! I enjoyed seeing you on TV. I wish you amazing success with your endeavors. I also remember that Family comes first. After all. They are the biggest fans.
Jenna, I am listening….and following quietly. I wish I lived next door to you so I could help out when you need it (for example: watching your kids while you shower/bath). You are quite an explorer in nature and I am guessing you will be very successful. Do you need some money help for a sitter , till your project gets started??? I don’t live next door, but I can give some money for a short needed help. Support where it might be needed.
Best to you, and I pray that God continues to watch over you, and your family ! : )!
The very best to you in your new home, and with new neighbors and friends.
I like to see what your new project will be …
Jenna, i have watched you on fox 🦊 for years. As a Father on 2 girls about your age, have been impressed by your way you tell the story, witch is the truth about the story!! My Beautiful Wife and i Have been married for 37 years! Also been farming since 1972. Anyway best of Luck To You Guys! Keep fighting for your dreams to come true!! Thanks.
I’m gonna have to read that Monday… I’m sure it’s Good
Thank you for this insight, amazing reminder we all need to here. A blessed insight!
Oh my goodness. I am an entrepreneur and boy does that come with failure, aka lessons. Thank you for being real, honest, bold and authentic. You’re a light. Prayer is indeed powerful and God sends messages and people to us when we need them, we need only open our hearts to see it. I cannot wait to watch your journey unfold. Blessings!
Jenna,
You’re sheer strength and persistence alone are mesmerizing to me. I loved reading this submission because it reveals how real you are and only compelled me to believe that God surely is utilizing you to cause people to believe in themselves again and the power of their God. I think you are great (understatement). Praying you continue to be blessed in all you do and a very personal thank you for your inspiration!
THIS post. It was as if you were LITERALLY speaking to ME. Thank you so much for sharing all of this. I am in bed and too exhausted to elaborate, but I want you to know that your words in this post not only made me cry, but also struck such a cord on so many fronts. Thank you for the God Wink. I needed that. ❤️🙏🏻
You will do well. I love that you focus on God and family first. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Miss you on Fox News!
That was a crazy week. However, you are not alone. Mama said there’d be days like this or weeks and there has been.
You were always my favorite anchor! Was so sad you were gone….you have a very calming demeanor, and what ever you talked about made me want to listen….good luck in all you do. Live your best life! You are in my prayers!
Young lady if it was easy everyone would be doing it. We have enough of that now and don’t need anymore. So stay focused, strong and true to yourself. You will get there!
We need ya out here in the fly over states.😎
Speechless!! So proud of you, excited for you and inspired by you!! The light truly does shine in the darkness! You could play poker, there is truly so much more to you than you let be obvious!! #GodIsWithInHerSheWillNotFail
Wish you nothing but the Best! Stay on the path to your dreams to come true!! It has worked for me!
Hi Jenna! Wow what an adventure you are on! I was riveted reading this (and promptly put Poison Control in my phone) I miss you terribly but can’t wait to see your project!! Xoxo
Jenna,
Thanks for sharing all of this. I have been following your new adventure from the beginning. Even commenting from time to time on your Instagram posts and you’ve responded a few times much to my happiness.
Of course, I watched for years on FoxNews. And you were one of the great talking heads there. But I really do feel you have wonderful depth and a solid / authentic vision for delivering news with limited bias and directly as possible.
I do understand there is no such thing as unbiased reporting or retelling of factual events. It’s impossible for a human to divorce or compartmentalize emotions completely. Etc.
That all said, I am working on a project related to Blockchain and Citizen Journalist. It’s a big project and it will benefit the entrepreneurial journalist like your self. But most importantly it wil provide the best information and “truth” to the general public. It’s a very sophisticated echo system.
I don’t have a lot about it currently on my own website, but I am giving you my website so you can read up on me. It’s:
http://www.earlyman.com
I’d love to start a conversation with you about what this will look like and tell you about some of the other people involved on both the Cryptocurrency / Blockchain side and who I am speaking with about the Citizen Journalist Side.
Hope to be able to help you and see if you want to be part of this new concept that hopefully will fundamentally change the power structure in media and delivering “NEWS”.
It would not change anything you are doing for yourself or effect your vision for your platform. It would only compliment it. You remain independent and autonomous.
Please feel free to reach out at any point. I am in DC most of the time, but I am in New York, Palm Beach and Texas quite a bit.
Looking forward to speaking to you!
Robert
Cell: 202-669-2332
Email: rrm@earlyman.com
Girl, ALWAYS trust your gut, ie, electrics. When that fleeting thought flys by your forehead that a thing should be done, dont be “reasonable.” Just do it, you are inherently nearly always right.
And remember this, the number of lines of communication you can create and the amount of attention you can generate, is directly proportional to your gross income.
You go, girl. You are a success.
What a great article. I will keep you in my prayers and I am so wishing you the best and I am positive great things are in store for you in the future. God bless and good luck!
Jenna, I can relate to the chaos, the feeling alone and feeling like a failure my husband has Parkinson’s and up until last year we had the most wonderful life. Now I am his caregiver and every day is different. I keep counting our blessings and give God the praise and ask him to keep me healthy so I can care for Dennis. Sometimes I think I could lose my mind, partly because I’m mourning my marriage and missing the man I married. He is now showing signs of PD onset dementia…just another test of faith. I get where you’re coming from and I think you’re amazing. Do not sell yourself short or doubt yourself. You have the greatest teacher walking by your side and sometimes carrying you
every day…hi name is Jesus. Looking forward to watching your project blossom and grow. Love to you.
Johnnie Francine Wuethrich
Vista, CA