Check Out Jenn DeLeo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn DeLeo.

Hi Jenn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story has had a lot of chapters. I started out acting modeling when I was younger, then life took me in a completely different direction. I became a mother of four, went through two marriages, raised a family, and experienced some major life changes that forced me to rediscover who I was outside of being a wife and a mom. Now, at 48, I feel like I’m starting one of the most exciting chapters of my life. I’m writing my story, exploring new creative and business opportunities, and learning that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. My life definitely hasn’t followed a straight line, but I think that’s what makes the story worth telling.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I spent years in a marriage affected by abuse and alcohol, while trying to protect my children and hold my family together. There were times when I felt like my voice wasn’t being heard, which made an already painful situation even harder. Ultimately, after a long legal battle, I was awarded sole physical custody of my youngest daughter. Walking away from that chapter and rebuilding our lives required a strength I didn’t know I had. It taught me that sometimes starting over isn’t the end of your story it’s the beginning of finally becoming who you were always meant to be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve always been a storyteller at heart. I started my career in acting and after stepping away for a number of years to raise my family I’m finding my way back to it again. My life has taken me through some extraordinary chapters including marriages to both a doctor and a rock star and experiences that ultimately gave me an entirely different perspective on life and storytelling.

Along the way I discovered a love for writing. I’ve completed a children’s book and I’m currently writing a deeply personal book inspired by my own life experiences. What I’m most proud of is my ability to continually reinvent myself. Whether I’m writing or performing I’m drawn to stories that are honest emotional and relatable. At this stage of my life I feel like I have more to say and bring to my work than ever before.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played an interesting role in my life. Some of the things that felt like bad luck at the time ultimately pushed me in directions I never would have chosen for myself. I’ve learned that you can’t control what happens to you, but you can control what you do with it. Some of my greatest opportunities have come unexpectedly, and some of my hardest experiences have led to the most growth. I believe luck may open or close a door, but resilience, hard work and being willing to reinvent yourself determine what happens next.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Jenngracedeleo

Image Credits
I’m attaching a photo you’re welcome to use for now. I’ll actually be in NYC next week and am planning to have some professional photos taken while I’m there. If your deadline allows, I’d love to send you a few of those as well before you make your final photo selection.