Having grown up in the suburbs of Chicago, from a young age, Jennifer struggled with family trauma that led her to turn to gangs to find community, “safety,” and support. She could have never imagined the stark difference between her rough youth on the streets and her life of financial and entrepreneurial abundance today: and how a simple gratitude-led shift in perspective would be the key to turning it all around.

Today, she opens up about her unexpected career journey from waitressing and hanging around gangs (yes, like ACTUAL gangs!).... to running her own mortgage business that earned her 7-figures while also sharing the mindset that helped make it all happen. 

If you want to learn how to manifest the life of your dreams, tune in to Jennifer’s story for a dose of motivation, inspiration, and some badass girlboss energy.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:44] Jamie introduces Jennifer Hernandez.

[03:59] Jennifer Hernandez begins to talk about her upbringing and feeling unsafe in her own home. 

[08:32] Jennifer describes taking drugs at a young age and why she turned to gangs for community.

[10:41] Jennifer starts to talk about the explicit details of her gang life experience.

[15:56] Jennifer speaks about how early motherhood saved her life.

[18:50] Jennifer explains the perspective that helped her change the path she was heading down. 

[23:20] Jennifer describes the highs and lows of her career in the mortgage industry and within her personal life.

[30:04] Jennifer begins to talk about how she was introduced to manifestation and motivational speaking. 

[32:56] Jennifer states the success she finally achieved coming out of the recession. 

[34:34] Jennifer talks about shifting out of her victim mentality and finding personal strength and confidence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[18:50] Jennifer talks about the role of manifestation in her story and her mindset in executing her dream life.  

[29:00] Jennifer acknowledges her gratitude for some of the most challenging moments in her life and the good that resulted from them. 

[34:25] Jennifer stresses the importance of utilizing love to heal this hurting world.

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Thank you to Jennifer Hernandez for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @iamjennhernandez.

Check out Jennifer’s book at: 

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/No-One-Can-Stop-Me-But-Me/Jennifer-Hernandez/9781637632055

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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Jennifer’s Bio:

Today, with over 18 years in the mortgage industry, Jennifer Hernandez ranks in the top 1% of loan officers nationwide, recognized as the 'Strategic Partner of the Year' by the Women’s Council of Realtors Chicago, is a Top Woman Originator, and holds the #1 position for FHA lending in Illinois. A devoted single mother of four, her life is dedicated to helping people in low-income communities achieve and maintain homeownership, because she herself was once homeless and struggling.

At just nine years old, Chicago native Jennifer Hernandez encountered horrors typically found in fiction – discovering her home unlocked and maliciously vandalized, and all of the blame unfairly placed on her innocent shoulders. This life-changing event marked the beginning of a tumultuous path through parental abandonment, homelessness, early substance use, teen pregnancy, and a deep search for belonging within the gangs of Chicago.

However, from the shadows of adversity, Jennifer has emerged as a testament to the transformative power of both the human and holy spirit. With the help of positive motivation, reclaimed faith, and guided mentorship, Jennifer has channeled the anger and pain of her past into a source of profound personal growth, integrity, and invaluable knowledge.  

Jennifer’s combined faith, passions and personal experiences have equipped her with the tools to make a positive impact and contribute not only to the healing of her family for generations to come, but to her own community.  

In her memoir, "NO ONE CAN STOP ME BUT ME," Jennifer shares her journey from trauma to recovery, aiming to empower others facing hardships. Her story demonstrates that anyone courageous enough to help themselves can change their narrative and positively impact the lives of those around them. 

Today, Jennifer is an expert in: 

• Credit Guidance to rebuild and reestablish your life
• Home Loan Financing in low to moderate income areas
• Renovation home loan financing
• Healing from Trauma
• Success in Single Motherhood
• Manifesting the life of your dreams

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