Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Jensen.
Hi Rebecca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in small house, the youngest of 6 kids and two really great parents didn’t allow for a lot of extravagant things. Sometimes things would get run down or break and my dad would put a sign on it that said, “Do not use”. He’d duct tape it up, strap it closed, or nail it shut! I often wondered why we just didn’t get that “new something” or get it fixed the right way. Well, things cost money and I was young and didn’t really understand how hard my dad worked for what we did have. But as I got older, I realized that things could be fixed and I could do it myself!! I had an instinct to figure things out and build what worked. I had a couple of friends that really encouraged me to put myself out there and start doing projects for others too! (After all, I had helped quite a few people already, so why not try a new adventure and start my own business!?)
So, The Project Woman was born! I started slow and pretty cheaply too, just to see if people liked what I was offering. Word spread fast and referrals started pouring in! I had so much work. It felt overwhelming at first, but I got better and better with each job. Fireplaces, Shiplap walls, backsplashes, painting, and design consulting. Including full home renovations and some cabinetry. Every day stretches me a little more and it increases my desire to learn all I can and try to do harder things. I’ve never been able to sit still. I CRAVE projects, and even when I have one, I don’t stop until it’s 100% finished and I love it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s hard to be confident in what you do, when, especially on social media, you compare yourself to all the other people doing some of the same things you do. You compare how many followers they have and how often they post. I’ve come to conclude with my work, that people call me when they hear how well I’ve done doing something at someone else’s house.
My main goal is to please those I’m working for and ultimately myself. I take pride in my work and love to stand back and see what a difference I’ve made somewhere. I work REALLY hard and it’s hard to stop to video myself and take perfect pictures just so people can hit that “Like” button as they mindlessly scroll on their phones. My hands are usually caked in tile adhesive, mortar, or sawdust. People trust me in their homes and respect my opinion. So, although some parts are challenging, and social media can make you feel intimidated or inadequate, I stay focused on the work I do and the really great friends I’ve made!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love to work! I love staying busy. I was married young and had 5 awesome kids! So realistically, I haven’t sat down in years! (Hahaha) But honestly, it’s really fun. I’m most proud of my kids and how they have turned out so far. We’ve had tons of fun together, but now that they are getting older, I wanted to do something on top of motherhood that made me feel great about myself too.
Project Woman has been a great outlet for me. I work when I can and work around my kids too. Life is all about balance. And I never want to jeopardize that. My husband has supported me 1000%. My community has so many great people and I love being a part of it in a way that makes me happy and feel like I’m appreciated too.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have had a few ask if they could work for me because it looks fun and they want to learn too. But I’ve found that working for myself actually does two things for me… one, it gives me time to quietly think, work, create and build within my own thoughts… and two, it gives me extreme flexibility to when I work and how much I work. What job can offer that? I have control and flexibility and I love that!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: theprojectwoman123
- Facebook: theprojectwoman123
Image Credits
Rebecca Jensen
