Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Zanotti.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennifer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been an Esthetician and make-up artist since 2001 and just recently completed my nutrition certification. I worked for MAC cosmetics as an artist and retail manager for a little over 6 years before opening my own business in October of 2007. I loved being part of the beauty industry and exploring my creativity as an artist. I always wanted to have a business of my own. With timing on my side, it became a reality. I was 25 when I opened my business and was also at the heaviest weight I had been all my life. I started focusing on my health. I was lifting and eating much cleaner, educating myself on nutrition, vitamins, etc.
When I was 31, I was introduced to jiu-jitsu, by my friend, trainer and one of my coaches, Ilya Bodnya (Ilya’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu). I absolutely fell in love with jiu-jitsu and started training pretty much full time. It was my passion! I started competing about 6 months after I started and haven’t stopped since… now, being a purple belt. I set goals for myself to compete in all the major tournaments… Pans, Worlds, Masters Worlds, through the help of my sponsors BJJ Tees, Fuji Sports and The Bad Apple. I’ve had amazing moments and success in tournaments and some heartaches! All making me a stronger person and competitor! I think what I am most passionate about though is teaching. I started a women’s program at my other coach Jeff Serafin’s gym (Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) in June of 2017. It has gone from 1 to 4 days a week, and the class keeps growing. I am so proud of all the women and how dedicated they are. I think the most fulfilling this for me is to see how empowered they feel and how much jiu-jitsu has given them… I know how it has completely changed my life.
This October, I celebrate 11 years of Jen Z’s! It’s crazy to see how much my business has evolved. My services include facials, waxing, make-up, reiki, wellness/nutritional coaching, personal training sessions and jiu-jitsu privates. Beauty, Wellness & Jiu-jitsu! Why not?? Hahaha! My mission is truly to empower, inspire and motivate others to live their happiest, healthiest life possible. Through my own life experience and evolution, I want to help guide and support others! I’m also grateful to be a regular guest on WGN radio’s “The Patti Vasquez Show with Andrea Darlas” where we do a Motivational Monday segment and talk all things jiu-jitsu, wellness and lifestyle oriented!
Great, 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?
Hahaha, no. Nothing worth it ever is. You have to go through challenges to learn and grow. Owning your own business, especially brick and mortar is not easy. You are the last one to get paid, and that can take years. I really had to put myself out there, taking on leadership roles in my community, taking on the role of President for the local chamber of commerce, spending a lot of time building relationships and networking. My only business experience was what I learned as a retail manager for MAC. I had to take one day at a time and find resources to teach myself. Luckily I had the amazing support of my family, especially emotionally. It was definitely stressful, but also amazing! I love being able to work for myself! And truly grateful for all my incredible clients. They are why I am still in business for 11 years. A personal struggle was going through my divorce a couple years ago, which was very hard. I just threw myself more into jiu-jitsu, comps, and work which helped me get through it along with that important support system of people around me. My ex and I are now on great terms and still remain friends which were very important to me.
Please tell us about Jen Z’s Beauty & Wellness Services.
Oops. I got carried away. But I don’t think there many places that focus on beauty, wellness & jiu-jitsu all in one place! 🙂
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I can’t think of just one… I come from a big Italian family. We always had family over and great food! Family time was most important, and spending time with my grandparents of course. We still have my Nonna Mary with us. The rock of the family!
Contact Info:
- Address: Jen Z’s Beauty Services
2665 Waukegan Ave
Highland Park, IL 60035Women’s Classes at Serafin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
2306 Main Street
Evanston, IL
Tuesdays-7:30-8:30 pm
Wednesdays-8:15-9:15 pm
Thursdays-7:45-8:45 pm
Sundays-9:30-10:30 am - Website: www.jenzanotti.com
- Phone: 224-628-0334
- Email: jenzsbeautyandwellness@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jzbeautyandthebeast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.ori.5
Image Credit:
Hoong Giang for the comp photo
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