We were lucky to catch up with Mary Jennings recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mary, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
While I don’t know that I could truly pick the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me (I have been lucky to be surrounded by some really kind people), I can say I have been really overwhelmed by the many random acts of kindness I have received over the past couple of years; especially when it comes to my bolos. My bolos are 95% made from repurposed vintage items that I find while thrifting and going to estate sales and flea markets. I used to hunt down the thrift shops in my off time when I was touring for music. People have really seemed to enjoy the wild pieces I’ve come across and in the past couple of years a handful of friends have sent me huge boxes of random pieces of jewelry. Some have come from their own stash. Some came from lost loved ones and they would rather see them have new life than thrown in a bin. Either way, the fact that these folks thought of me with these items and, out of kindness, mail me surprise packages of goodies fills my heart! I’ve made so many bolos and it’s really fun to pass their stories along as well when someone new buys from me.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Mary, House of Jennings, First of her Name, Queen of the Bolos, Breaker of Musical Norms, Mother of Eliza. That really sums me up. I am a bolo-tie making, singing/songwriting, mom nerd. I have been a songwriter for over 20 years, a bolo tie maker for about 10 years, a mom to the coolest kid ever for almost 7 years, and a horror/fantasy nerd my WHOLE life.
I lost my mom suddenly when I was 18 almost 19 years old and music was my savior. I am always going to be a musician and if other people like it enough to come to shows and listen to my music than even better! I started making bolos because I wanted to wear them myself on stage and couldn’t find the right thing. As I wore them, other people asked for them so they became my merch as I traveled and I created No Sass Creations. As trite as it may sound, after losing Mom so young, I realized life is short…sometimes way to short…so I better do exactly what I want to do every day of my life and I am doing that. And I love bringing other people a long for the ride.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think the thing most of my non-creative friends struggle to understand is why would I work this hard and for this long for so little money and security hahaha! Honestly though, for me, it isn’t about the money. If I didn’t express my creative side I would go insane and have no friends. I am a happier person when I am creating, whether it’s music, bolos, or even crafts with my kid. I want to go to sleep satisfied every day and without my creative journey, that would be a struggle.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
To be a mom is to show resilience. Especially in the music side of my work, there is a stigma that once you become a mom you will slow down or lose your edge. You may lose time when you pregnant or with a newborn. I HATE THAT! It enrages me! If you want to pause or end your career after children then great but in no way should that be the assumption. I managed to homeschool my 3 year old during the pandemic all while learning how to record my own music in my own studio and put out an album called, “Matriarch.” I took my own photos and everything because of lockdowns. I had a lot of support from other fellow creatives from a distance but we got it done and I am so proud of it. I did all of this while struggling with anxiety over covid and the world. I was worried about my family, myself, what life was going to look like day to day, but I still came out of it and with an album that speaks of the times. We all had to be resilient during that time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maryjennings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryjenningsmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryjenningsmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenningsmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJsbS779uIxhkXm4HldkWg
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3tqIdxHWQOWswsNAYVCgBd?si=ckILryVkQA2I1ceP9h5vDw
Image Credits
Indoor Photos: Jeb Wilson/Nashville Photo Group Outdoor Photos: Chelsea Erica Smith