Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hart.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is long and layered, filled with life experiences that have shaped me into the woman I am today. Some moments would drop you to your knees, taking your breath away. I won’t pretend my life has been easy—it’s been far from it—but I’m thankful for every lesson that has molded me into the compassionate and creative person I’ve become.

As the result of a teen pregnancy, I was not conceived out of love and entered the world much to everyone’s surprise. Back then, ultrasounds weren’t as precise, and everyone was expecting a baby boy named Brandon. Imagine their shock when a vibrant spitfire of a girl made her entrance. I joke that I came into this world defying expectations, and that theme carried into my childhood.

I struggled with ADHD, social skills, and communication challenges, all of which made school and family dynamics difficult. I was labeled lazy, told to “try harder,” and teased for my learning disabilities, leading to being held back in second grade. Despite it all, I knew from a young age that I wanted to do something I loved so much that it wouldn’t feel like work.

I come from a long line of creators, artists, and blue-collar workers, and their influence stays with me. But finding my path wasn’t linear. I’ve worked over 22 corporate jobs and countless freelance gigs, from owning an insurance company to being a photographer, cosmetologist, bartender, graphic designer, and UX researcher. I’ve always been a hustler, rolling up my sleeves to make things happen, but fulfillment eluded me.

Everything changed when I began creating art to heal. My first public exhibition, Her Journey (2023), emerged from a space of raw necessity—it felt as though the art demanded to exist. It wasn’t just for me; it was for others, too. My work has become a medium for healing trauma, celebrating resilience, and spreading love and kindness.

Today, I’m focused on creating mixed media art, positive affirmation art cards, a healing journal, and sharing this journey with others who are ready to do the healing work. I’ve learned to love my unique brain and embrace practices like yoga, meditation, journaling, and breathwork to nourish my soul. Life remains a journey, but I’m proud to be living my purpose: creating art with love, empowering others to heal, and finding joy in the process.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing about my road has been smooth, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life has thrown me plenty of challenges, each one shaping who I’ve become and teaching me invaluable lessons that I now share with others.

From a young age, I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and learning disabilities. Being neurodivergent made navigating school and family life difficult. I was often misunderstood and labeled as lazy, dramatic, weird, needy, or just “too much.” The teasing, from classmates and even family, left deep scars—but it also planted the seeds of resilience and determination in me.

As I entered adulthood, I carried the weight of self-doubt and the feeling of being “different.” I threw myself into countless jobs, chasing purpose and financial stability, desperately searching for anything that could help me build a solid foundation to be “successful.” I thought I was heading in the right direction with user experience design, as I thoroughly enjoyed the work I was doing. I was making good money, had the house, the nice car—but then came the biggest hurdle I’ve encountered yet: an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis in the middle of the pandemic.

I immediately went into fight mode, facing the battle of my life. That period was transformative in ways I never could have anticipated. It forced me to confront deep emotional pain and years of buried trauma.

Cancer didn’t just change my body—it reshaped my entire mindset. It taught me to slow down, be fully present in the moment, and appreciate each moment with gratitude. It also taught me to listen to my body and prioritize my mental and emotional health. But healing hasn’t been a straight line. I’ve spent years unpacking childhood wounds, learning how to set boundaries, and most importantly, seeing myself as worthy of love, success, and peace.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a creator, plain and simple. My work spans various mediums—photography, graphic design, mixed media, and more—but at the heart of it all, I’m driven by a deep desire to help others heal through art. My current work is profoundly influenced by my life experiences, with a focus on healing, resilience, and self-empowerment. I specialize in art that speaks to the human experience, particularly in areas like trauma, mental health, and personal growth.

One of my most defining projects is the Her Journey series, which explores the impact of my battle with cancer. This series marks a pivotal moment in my creative life—one where the art wasn’t just something I wanted to create, but something that demanded to be birthed. It became a powerful expression of resilience, self-love, and vulnerability—topics I hold close to my heart.

What truly sets me apart is my commitment to using creativity as a tool for healing. I don’t just create art for art’s sake; I create work that serves as an emotional and spiritual companion for those navigating their own journeys of growth. By embracing my struggles and sharing them through my art, I hope to empower others to do the same, fostering a collective healing process.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of embracing imperfection and vulnerability. For years, I tried to live up to external expectations and fix the things I thought made me “less than” others. But over time, I’ve realized that it’s in those imperfections where true growth and strength lie.

Rather than fighting against the parts of myself I once saw as flaws, I’ve learned to accept them as integral to who I am. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a source of power. It allows me to connect with others on a deeper level and forms the foundation of my healing journey and creative process.

Through this lesson, I’ve learned that self-acceptance isn’t about being perfect or fitting into a mold—it’s about loving yourself as you are, scars and all.

Pricing:

• I offer custom art creations tailored to clients’ unique visions, starting at $2,000. Pricing varies based on size, complexity, and materials. For those interested in owning a piece of my journey, you can explore my available art on my website, www.journeyofthishart.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.journeyofthishart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyofthishart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyofthishart

Image Credits
@journeyofthishart