“this is just part of the journey towards the fully fulfilled Jennifer.”
Jennifer Wright’s project was part of her create • share • heal experience with stigma sessions, while processing career loss and the identity shifts that can come with it. Thank you for sharing your project and story with us!
I met Kerri through a former colleague while building my professional network after a workforce reduction. I was working with a coach and exploring what might come next for me outside corporate America. Joining the group ultimately was about me stretching myself out of my "normal thought patterns" and aligned with the introspective work I was doing with my coach.
CREATE: Looking back, I realize this project had been developing in my mind for many years. Unemployment gave me time to start thinking creatively. I was brainstorming my project and got caught up dreaming about building a brand for all of my creative work. I approached Kerri and told her I had no idea what my project would be, but I shared where my mind was going. She said, "Jennifer! This is your project." The next day, I stumbled across an artisan consignment shop near me. Hearing Kerri's words and finding the storefront took down the walls, and my creativity flourished. With years of communication experience, leading brand identity projects, and hosting online stores, I started to create. My brand evolved in about 5 days. I built a brand and mission, ordered tags, labels, and stickers, built a media presence on Facebook and Instagram, and set up an LLC. Then I started creating new products.
“creating this project reminded me of what i am capable of and that my limits are set only by me! i am more than my title or my corporate job. i learned that working toward something doesn’t always come with a paycheck.”
SHARE: I felt accomplished and free when I shared with the group. I was very emotional about the success I made in just such a short time of physical work. Several of the struggles and emotions I opened up about in the 6 weeks of the group came out during my sharing session.
HEAL: This continues to be a process for me. I am still looking for consistent full-time work, and some of the goals I had for my store have fallen through. But I march on. Some days are more difficult than others, and I am brought back to the skills I learned, the fears I defeated, and the confidence I gained during the 6 weeks I participated in the sentiment project. This is just part of the journey towards the fully fulfilled Jennifer.
I am still working to find an outlet to sell my artwork. I continue to design and create because creating is my healing power. I have started a Master's program in Counseling - Art Therapy, a dream from 30 years ago. And I continue to volunteer for the Art Impact Project, an organization that teaches people about emotional healing through art. All of these things, although separate, are building toward a different life for me.
ON HER HEART: Joining this group was not only healing for me, but it also helped me share what I've learned to help others heal. Build a community around you of people who live with compassion and encouragement. And remember, the hard days are the low; the highs will come. Don't give up on the amazing person you were created to be.
“trust the process. share with the other kind and compassionate humans in the group. and don’t limit yourself to completing a project! the project is never complete, but an evolution of investing in yourself.”
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Jennifer.
stigma sessions no. 3, spring 2026