Hello! I’m Jennifer.

Hey! You’re here! And I’m so excited!

(I’m pretty sure somewhere there is a blogger handbook stating you should never use three exclamation points in the first sentence. But hey, I’m a risk taker—this girl is not afraid of punctuation!)

But I’ll tell you what I am afraid of: living a life half lived … a life that isn’t true to what I feel in my heart.

Been there, done all of it—the wrong marriage, the wrong career, the mortgage, the loans, the very big closet; a life that looked good on the outside but felt wrong on the inside.

But a few years ago I woke up. I took control of my life and cleared out the clutter. I started being honest with myself; listening to my heart, doing more of what I love, and learning to let go of all the rest.

And now?

Now I live a crazy, beautiful, messy life that I absolutely love—and I want the same for you.

Start Here

THE GIRL BEHIND THE BLOG

I’m a traveller, minimalist and dream chaser.

I grew up near Baltimore, Maryland but I caught a bad case of wanderlust at an early age and it has taken me all over the world: pulling pints in London, teaching English in China, caravanning in New Zealand, backpacking solo through Central America and even once getting bitten by a (very small) tiger in Thailand.

Eventually, my travels landed me in Australia, where I’ve spent most of my adult life (so I dream in colour, not color.) I currently live in sunny Queensland—because once you go subtropical you never go back!

I’m married to a handsome Englishman and we have a very cheeky one-year-old daughter. I don’t post much about her on the blog but I’m all about the baby spam on Instagram!

I’ve worked a ton of jobs: waitress, travel agent, barmaid, marketing manager, fruit sorter, account exec, auditor and more. Nothing made me particularly happy so a few years ago I walked away from full-time employment. Now I earn a living by freelancing and selling courses on this blog (which is only possible because I live simply!).

Speaking of living simply, I’m a reformed shopaholic turned minimalist. I believe that clearing out the clutter is a vital part of creating a life you love.

I dream about taking chances, I’m always looking for adventure, and I love learning new things. I’ve learned this keeps my soul happy.

A FEW MORE FUN FACTS

  • I grew up in my family’s Chinese restaurant and then worked in restaurants for many years. I believe you can learn a lot about someone by how they treat a waitress.
  • At 22, I impulsively bought a one-way ticket and moved to London, with nothing but $500 and a vague plan of travelling the world. Surprisingly, that’s exactly what I did.
  • I’m a creative thinker and I ask a lot of questions. Sometimes I create complicated solutions to simple problems, but it’s more fun that way (because it’s all about the journey!).
  • At 23, I lost my father and brother within six months. It was heartbreaking but it taught me that life is short and to live for today. I feel like I honour their lives by making the most of mine.
  • I’ve travelled the world alone, hitchhiked in Alaska and received death threats in Guatemala … but I’ll be frozen with fear if you ask me to watch a scary movie or go into a haunted house.
  • I know it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and follow your heart. I married young to a good man, but he wasn’t the one for me. Deciding to leave was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself (but also one of the most painful and difficult).
  • I don’t believe in letting your past define you. Keep taking chances, trying new things and moving forward (like asking a handsome Englishman you just met to quit his job and move to the other side of the world). They pay off.

CONTACT ME

If you’d like to get in touch, you can contact me via email at jennifer(at)simplyfiercely.com

Please note that due to a high volume of emails, I cannot guarantee a personal response but I do read every email I receive.

Also, I’m not accepting guest posts or sponsored posts at this time. And no, you cannot pay to insert a link on my site. Please don’t write and ask.

38 thoughts on “About Me”

  1. Hi Jenny,

    My name is Anuj Agarwal. I’m Founder of Feedspot.

    I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Jenny Mustard – Minimalism has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Minimalist Blogs on the web.

    http://blog.feedspot.com/minimalist_blogs/

    I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Minimalist Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!

    Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog.

    Best,
    Anuj

  2. Hey Jen,

    Really love the way you speak though your words and the style of your blog!
    I am a recent college grad a bit lost in terms of career, but it’s always been a dream of mine to start a blog. I have lots I want to share with the world but haven’t mustered up the confidence to carry it out and just do it. Could you give me some advices as an experienced blogger? Also, which hosting website do you use? Thank you in advance!! xx

    • Hello Sarah! Thanks so much for your kind words about my blog. And I definitely recommend giving blogging a try—it’s challenging but it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done 🙂

      My website is hosted with SiteGround. I just switched to them after using Bluehost for several years and so far I’m pretty happy with them. I think Bluehost is a bit cheaper when you’re starting out though and for the the most part they are ok (although I did have some issues with them as my website got bigger).

      Some other advice off the top of my head:

      – Choose a simple design and remember that in general, less is more. Be consistent and simple with your branding.
      – Try and be open and honest in your writing; don’t worry about being clever or an “expert”. People want to read your stories.
      – With marketing and social media, don’t spread yourself too thin. Choose a few platforms and really invest in them. For me, Pinterest has been the most powerful tool for growing my website.
      – Finally, just keep showing up. It can take a long while to grow a blog so don’t get discouraged 🙂

      Those are just a few things off the top of my head! Hope this helps! xx Jen

  3. Jennifer, it is so nice to read your thoughts on who you are and the things you have been through! Well keep up the great work and keep going!

    Lots of love.

  4. I came to your blog based on a recommendation from a fellow blogger and boy am I glad she did! What a wonderful blog! I’m so excited to catch up on all the content I haven’t read and to keep up with the new content coming!!
    http://www.elleisforlove.com

  5. Hi Jennifer,

    I am extremely excited to delve into your blog! Your vibe and perspective on life are amazing.
    I cannot wait to read more!

    Best,

    Devin

  6. Hey, Jennifer! I am writing a speech for a public speaking class about Minimalism and was going to cite you as a reference. What is your last name, so I can give you credit for your blog? Thanks!!

  8. Love your about page. I don’t know if I’ve ever read it before? Or if you have changed it recently? In any case, looking good, chica! 😉

  9. I really enjoyed andappreciated the honesty of your post today about your difficulties through your uni years. I have been reading for a while and only just realised you live in Queensland! I am a Caloundra girl myself! I have been simplifying and decluttering and making a career change over the past 7 years and my next challenge is going to be going from full time to part time work and getting a blog going as a creative outlet….any suggestions on who to use to host my site? Thanks 🙂

    • Hey Holly! So sorry – I read this and awhile ago and then must have forgotten to reply! Yep, I’ve been living in Queensland for a few years now and LOVE it 🙂

      For hosting, to be 100% honest I use Bluehost but I think when my contract expires I’m going to switch over and try to find someone local. I’ve had feedback recently from people who have tried to access my site and had problems … not good!

      Good luck with everything! Part time work + blogging is a lot of fun 🙂

      Jen x

  10. I’ve just started reading this blog and it’s crazy how much I relate to your posts! Obsessed! 🙂

  11. I’m so glad I found this blog! I’ve decided that minimalism will indeed bring me more joy. I’ve done that a lot with the people I hang around with, I’ve literally gotten rid of 70% of my wardrobe and it feels so great!

    • Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for sharing your story – and a big congrats on the wardrobe downsize!! ?? (That was probably my biggest challenge when I started with minimalism.) I really appreciate that you took the time to comment, thank you again! xx

  12. Dear Jennifer, I REALLY ENJOY being on your blog! Thank you so much for all the beautiful, inspiring & positive content! I’m looking forward to reading much more of it (and have signed up for the Notes ;)).

    Best wishes, Ana

  14. You inspire me, Jennifer. I know all about living a life half-lived, and I know that point at which you say, “no more” and vow to change it. I hit that point about a year ago, and I’m never going back!!! So glad I found you! <3 alifepluslove.blogspot.com

  15. Hi Jennifer, I love your blog so far and I’d love to hear more about the tiger story 🙂 Looks like you did it all before it got “hip” (in regards to your teaching job in Asia). That’s awesome.
    I am very much looking forward to your new adventures. Safe travels!

    Susanne // http://www.thecozywild.com

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