We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Chester a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
What is the story behind my mission? Before I go into the story behind my mission, it may help if I tell you what it is. The goal of NextJenn TechMom is to use robotics and engineering to unleash the potential of kids from 6-99 while encouraging inclusion and celebrating diversity with authenticity, originality, and PLAY.
As a mom who has worked in Electronics and Medical Devices for over 15 years, honestly, I didn’t realize my potential until I was 25yrs old. I spent much time second-guessing myself and telling myself I wasn’t smart or talented enough to be in a field I love. My initial impression of Engineering was that it was too complex and only for intelligent people. Although those things are true, I believe I would have leaped much earlier with the right direction, experience, and confidence. As NextJenn TechMom, I want to bridge the gap for those who may be like me. Kids of ALL ages who just need someone to show them they CAN!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’m Jennifer, but my friends call me Jenni; I’m a Biomedical Equipment Technician and Business owner, but the most crucial title I carry is Mom. I love technology, engineering, and tinkering so much that I want to share that love with everyone. That’s where NextJenn TechMom was born. I realized the things I love bleed over into my children’s lives, and, in turn, it has given them experience and confidence in areas I wish I had developed earlier. When I sat and thought about how much I have to contribute to the community around me, I couldn’t help but make it happen, and here I am.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
As a business owner, I had to unlearn being afraid to promote myself. I’m not a naturally outgoing person, and for some reason, I always felt like I was being a bother when promoting my own business, but I was so receptive to hearing about others. I had to let go of that shyness and see the value in what I bring to the table.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Funding my business has been the most challenging part of being a nonprofit corporation. Much of my funding came from my pocket. However, I have also received grants and donations from companies like Walmart and other private donors. The golden rule is “ask not, receive not.” so my advice to any business owner looking for capital is 1. Be prepared to support your dream, and 2. ASK!; when people see you are investing in yourself, they are more willing to invest in you too.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nextjenntechmom.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/nextjenn_techmom_inc
- Facebook: Facebook.com/nextjenntechmom
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCL5VRpyvYe6tSQ3K0Iq8_rA
Image Credits
Macon Bib County Bloomfield-Gilead Recreation Center