An Inspired Chat with Jennifer Snyder of Chatsworth

We recently had the chance to connect with Jennifer Snyder and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
What brings me the greatest joy outside of work is watching my adult children flourish in their unique gifts, talents, and passions.

My daughter, 24, recently passed her qualifying exam to become a PhD candidate in biomolecular science. She’s currently working in an immunology lab where she studies macrophages—specialized cells in the immune system that act like Pac-Man, devouring harmful invaders. Her dedication to such complex and meaningful research makes me so happy.

My son, 22, is about to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. He’s a fitness influencer who’s found a creative and authentic way to blend fitness, anime, and music into engaging content. Watching him build a brand that reflects who he is—and inspires others along the way—is truly inspiring.

Simply put, my joy comes from seeing both of them grow into the people they were meant to be, each thriving in their own space, pursuing what they love with purpose, passion while serving others.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jennifer Snyder. I am a certified life coach and a people-focused professional with a deep passion for guiding others through life’s toughest transitions.

My coaching journey began by helping individuals navigate new beginnings after loss—whether it was the death of a loved one, divorce, or other major life changes. This work came from a deeply personal place. After the sudden death of my spouse, I became a widow and single mother overnight. That profound loss became a turning point—not just in my personal life, but in my purpose.

I’ve been on a path of reinvention ever since, and it’s from that place of lived experience that I help others do the same. Like the saying goes, “beauty from ashes.” I truly believe that something meaningful and even beautiful can emerge from pain—and I’ve made it my mission to walk alongside others as they rediscover themselves and begin to write a new story.

While I began by focusing on grief and loss coaching, my work has since expanded to include women’s transformation and empowerment groups. It brings me so much joy to watch my clients take brave steps forward, make positive changes, and reconnect with the strength and purpose that’s always been within them.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Great question—and I’m happy to be transparent.

The first thing that comes to mind is how I used to feel about being overweight and struggling in school. I had a hard time learning, and for a long time, I believed school just wasn’t for me. There were many circumstances that fed into those feelings, and I carried that weight—both physically and emotionally—for years.

Fast forward to age 49, when I had to start over after the sudden loss of my husband. That devastating moment marked the beginning of a deep healing journey and a rediscovery of my own strengths, talents, and worth.

Today, I’m 56—and I’m in college. With the support and tools available now, learning feels much more accessible, and I’m thriving in ways I never imagined. I believe it is possible and I am an “A” student. Anything is possible!

And the weight? Let’s just say I’ve learned to embrace my curves. There’s something about surviving the unthinkable that ignites a new kind of strength—one rooted in resilience, confidence, and an indomitable spirit.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Everything.

While I would never wish the tragedy of losing my husband—the father of my children and my partner of 25 years—I can honestly say that our family grew in ways we never could have without that loss.

Grief is complex, messy, and far from a linear path. I wasn’t just navigating my own heartbreak; I was holding space for my children’s grief while becoming the sole parent and leader of our family overnight. I wasn’t divorced with shared custody—I was a widow and the only parent they had left.

Those early days were brutal. The weight of responsibility was overwhelming. I’ll never forget one of the first questions my son asked me after their dad died:
“Are we going to be homeless?”
I looked him in the eyes and said, “We’re going to be okay,” even though deep down, I wasn’t sure what our future held.

At the time, I hadn’t worked full-time in years. I was a stay-at-home mom, active in volunteer work, and always present for school events and games. But suddenly, everything changed. Thankfully, a supportive community surrounded us, and I was offered a full-time job. That opportunity became my first step toward financial independence.

Even though I felt like I was standing on shaky ground, I knew my children were depending on me. I told myself, “I’m in it to win it.” They had goals and dreams, and I was determined to give them every opportunity to pursue them.

And they’ve risen to the occasion. If you were to ask them today, they’d tell you they’re grateful for the lessons we learned together—grit, resilience, and the power of showing up even when life hurts.

Suffering taught me strength I didn’t know I had. It taught me to lead with courage, to persevere through uncertainty, and to never give up! Success never taught me that.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends say that what matters most to me is my faith, my children, my furry companions, and serving others.

Through my work as a life coach, I have the privilege of walking alongside people, asking the kind of clarifying questions that help them discover their own answers. My friends know how excited I get when I see someone move from feeling powerless to empowered. That transformation lights me up.

They’d also tell you I’m passionate about hope—and that I truly believe it’s never too late to change, grow or pursue a dream, And above all, they’d say I lead with love. One of my favorite quotes is from Pastor Rick Warren: “The best use of your life is love.” That really captures how I try to live. My friends know that I love God, I love people, and yes—I love animals too.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
They would say Jennifer loved hard. She loved her children fiercely and made sure they were always at the front of the line—not with entitlement, but through relentless advocacy. She pushed them, encouraged them, and was determined to open doors so they could have every opportunity to grow, thrive, and shine.

She believed in them deeply and guided them to discover their gifts, use their voices, and make a difference in the world.

Jennifer was an advocate for hope. She lived with purpose, loved without hesitation, and showed that even after great loss, life could still hold beauty, meaning, and joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jennifersnyderclc.com
• Instagram: _jennifersnyderlifecoaching_