Jennae Cecelia is an example of what can happen when you follow your dreams. In her early 20's, Jennae not only a best-selling author of seven inspirational poetry books, but she has dedicated herself to spreading empowering messages of mental health, body positivity and mindfulness through public speaking engagements at schools, counseling centers and camps. Learn more about Jennae's inspiring journey, the mindset that led her there and how she owns her power day-to-day.
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do, including how you got started and what your path has looked like.
My name is Jennae Cecelia and I am a best-selling author of seven inspirational poetry book. My career really took off when I released my book titled, Uncaged Wallflower. Since then I started speaking at schools, counseling centers, camps, etc. on the subjects of mental health, body positivity, and mindfulness.
Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind your books?
I wanted to create books that were inspiring while also honest. It is no surprise that life isn't always perfect, which is why I value sharing my life experiences both the good and the bad and how I manage it all. I write what is on my heart and it is amazing to see how many people are able to read that and relate it to their lives.
You are in your early 20s and you’re a best-selling author. That’s incredible. Can you give us a little insight into what your day-to-day is like?
Thank you! A typical day for me is spending the mornings and evenings writing because that is when I find myself the most inspired, consuming a lot of coffee, going to speaking events, working on social media content and marketing plans, connecting online and in person with my readers, and petting my dog a lot!
One thing I love about you is your vulnerability, in your work and on social media. For those of us who are struggling to share our story, do you have advice on how we can feel more comfortable moving in that direction?
Authenticity is key. If being vulnerable scares you (which for most it does) talk about that. People love when they can relate to someone on a human level. We all have struggles and the more we talk about it, the less alone we feel. I never realized how many people struggled with anxiety and/or body image issues until I started sharing my story. You never know who needs to hear your story and don't worry if you think someone else already is talking about that topic; they are not YOU. Someone out there may need to hear your version.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself when you were just getting started?
To not let myself be consumed by people's negative opinions on the positive things I was doing in my life. I had a lot of people tell me that my books would fail or that I would never make any money as an author. I worried too much that those people would be right.
And on the opposite end, what are your goals moving forward?
My goals moving forward are to keep spreading a positive and authentic message in both my writing and speaking. I hope to keep putting out at least one book a year for the foreseeable future because I still have so much I want to say and I know as I continue through life I will have more stories to share. On the top of my list is making the New York Times bestseller list.
We believe that each and every one of us has the ability to change the world, even if that’s through small acts. Can you tell us about how you own your power in your life and why you do what you do? (This will be the statement we use on social, too!)
My power is writing poetry that positively impacts other people's lives and lets them know they are not alone on THEIR journey.
I own my power by showing up each day and sharing MY authentic journey. The reason I do this is because I want people to know that although we can feel isolated and unheard, WE all have a story in us worth being heard and there are people willing to not only listen, but share their experience with the same struggles as well.
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