We recently connected with Jennifer Bigler and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my career. It was right after COVID, and like so many others, I felt the pressure to pivot. The uncertainty of running my own business became overwhelming, and I started to question if I was on the right path. I needed stability, structure, and maybe even a bit of predictability. So, I decided to take a break and accepted a job with the local school district.

At first, I enjoyed it. The social interaction of being around coworkers and the consistency of a 9-5 schedule was refreshing after so many years of working from home. But that feeling didn’t last long. By the end of the first week, I found myself restless. The work was monotonous, and I realized how much I missed the creativity, problem-solving, and sense of purpose that came with running my own business.

It became clear that I wasn’t just bored—I was stifled. I’ve always thrived on building something, on taking ideas and turning them into reality. Clocking in and out each day felt like I was simply going through the motions, rather than contributing something meaningful.

On top of that, the rigid schedule took a toll on my family life. One of the biggest joys of being self-employed is the flexibility it gives me. I’ve always been the one to get my kids ready for school, drop them off, pick them up, and have dinner on the table by evening. Suddenly, working 40+ hours a week outside the home disrupted that balance, and the strain on all of us was undeniable.

Fortunately, life has a way of nudging you back to where you belong. Just a few months after starting that job, I landed two new clients. It was almost like the universe was saying, “You’ve tested the waters, now it’s time to get back to work.” I quit the job, dove back into my business, and I’ve never looked back.

That experience taught me a lot. It gave me clarity about what I value—not just in my work, but in my life. I realized that being a business owner isn’t just a career choice for me; it’s part of who I am. I need to spend my days building something meaningful, something that aligns with my passions and allows me to create a life I love.

Yes, owning a business comes with challenges, but the fulfillment I get from being my own boss, contributing to my family’s happiness, and creating something impactful far outweighs any of the uncertainties. I’m happier as a business owner because it’s where I truly belong.

Jennifer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For folks who may not have read about me before, here’s a little bit about who I am and how I got here.

My name is Jennifer Bigler, and I’m the founder of Living Freely Gluten Free and a social media strategist who specializes in working with gluten-free and allergy-friendly brands. My journey started over a decade ago when my family and I were faced with life-altering dietary restrictions. Navigating the world of gluten-free living was overwhelming, and I quickly realized how few resources were available for families like mine. I started experimenting in the kitchen, determined to recreate the foods we loved in a way that was safe and delicious.

This passion led me to launch Living Freely Gluten Free—a blog dedicated to sharing easy, family-friendly gluten-free recipes, tips, and stories. Over the years, it has grown into a trusted resource for gluten-free families worldwide. Along the way, I wrote and published two cookbooks, Living Freely Gluten Free and 101 Incredible Gluten-Free Recipes, which are packed with recipes designed to make gluten-free living simple, joyful, and delicious.

As my blog grew, so did my understanding of social media, content creation, and digital marketing. This opened doors to help gluten-free brands build their presence, connect with their audience, and grow their businesses. Today, I offer a range of services, including social media management, content creation, influencer and affiliate program development, recipe creation, email marketing, and consulting.

This year, my family and I took a big leap and invested in a local HVAC company, and I’m now proud to say that I’m the co-owner of a thriving HVAC business. It’s a completely different industry from food and marketing, but the principles of customer service, hard work, and creating meaningful solutions remain the same. This venture has added an exciting new layer to my professional life, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to a business that helps families feel comfortable in their homes.

What problems do I solve?
For clients, I solve the problem of visibility in a crowded digital space. Many small businesses, especially in the gluten-free industry, struggle to reach their audience in meaningful ways. I help brands tell their stories, showcase their products authentically, and connect with their ideal customers. Whether it’s creating eye-catching content, running impactful campaigns, or building a loyal online community, I focus on strategies that drive results and engagement.

What sets me apart?
What truly sets me apart is that I live this lifestyle every day. I’m not just a marketer—I’m a mom, a gluten-free consumer, and now a small business owner in another industry who understands the challenges my clients and their customers face. My work is deeply personal because I’m passionate about creating resources and opportunities for the gluten-free community.

My ability to blend creativity with data-driven strategy also gives my clients a competitive edge. Whether it’s crafting recipes that highlight their products, running influencer campaigns, or leveraging SEO and social media to drive traffic, I bring a unique mix of skills to the table.

What am I most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built through Living Freely Gluten Free. Knowing that my work has helped families navigate their gluten-free journeys, enjoy meals together, and feel supported is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of the partnerships I’ve built with incredible brands in the gluten-free space and the results we’ve achieved together.

Becoming the co-owner of an HVAC company this year is also something I’m deeply proud of. It’s a new and exciting challenge that has pushed me to learn and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Supporting families in another way—by making their homes safe and comfortable—has been a fulfilling addition to my professional journey.

What do I want people to know about me and my brand?
I want potential clients to know that I’m here to help their brands succeed. My goal is to make their lives easier while helping them create meaningful connections with their audience. For my readers and followers, I want them to know that they’re not alone on their gluten-free journey and that every recipe, story, and tip I share comes from a place of love and understanding.

At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s crafting recipes, managing campaigns, or running a family-owned HVAC business—is a passion for helping others thrive. That’s what drives me every day, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to make an impact, both in my kitchen and in the digital space.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what truly helped me build my reputation in my market is narrowing my focus to an area I am deeply passionate about: the specialty food space. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of industries—politics, real estate, clothing, and lifestyle brands. While I performed well in those areas, I always felt like something was missing. It wasn’t until I began working with gluten-free and allergy-friendly brands that I found my true calling.

This space resonates with me because it’s personal. I live this lifestyle every day, not just for myself but for my kids as well. I know firsthand the challenges gluten-free families face: finding safe and delicious products, navigating grocery stores, and recreating meals they love. That lived experience shapes how I approach my work and gives me a unique perspective.

As both the targeted customer and someone actively influencing and managing social media for these brands, I understand what the audience is looking for. I know how to communicate the value of a product, the importance of ingredient transparency, and the emotional connection that comes with finding something that works for your family. This insight allows me to create messaging and content that not only speaks to the audience but also builds trust and drives engagement.

By focusing on a niche I’m deeply connected to, I’ve been able to build a reputation as someone who genuinely understands the market, cares about the audience, and delivers results for brands. It’s this alignment of passion and expertise that sets me apart.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been establishing myself within the gluten-free and specialty food industry through my blog and social media channels. This foundation was key because it allowed me to build credibility, showcase my expertise, and connect authentically with the audience and brands in this space.

I started as a content creator and influencer, partnering with brands to create recipes, promote products, and share valuable insights with my audience. Over time, I also began attending expos and industry events, which proved to be a game changer. Meeting founders and brand representatives in person gave me the opportunity to create meaningful relationships, understand their goals and challenges firsthand, and position myself as someone who could help them reach their target audience effectively.

By blending my lived experience as a gluten-free consumer with the professional services I offer, I’ve been able to build trust and deliver value to the brands I work with. Showing up consistently—both online and in person—has not only helped me grow my client base but also strengthened my reputation as a passionate advocate for the gluten-free community and a dedicated marketing professional.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.livingfreelyglutenfree.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingfreelyglutenfree/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Livingfreelyglutenfree
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bigler-181b99132/