Jenny Honeycutt shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jenny, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Who are you learning from right now?
Honestly, my biggest teacher right now is… me. (Who knew? Turns out I’ve been running a free masterclass in life lessons this whole time.) I had this lightbulb moment recently where I realized I’ve entered a new phase, no longer just surviving on Goldfish crumbs and reheated coffee, but actually paying attention to what my experiences are trying to teach me. And get this: they might actually help me become the mom and woman I think I want to be.
So I decided it’s time to do something truly groundbreaking: choose… me. Yep, selfish in the best way. I’m learning what makes me happy, what makes me me, and how to show up as that version. Spoiler: self-care doesn’t always look like bubble baths and yoga — sometimes it’s hiding in the pantry with chips or saying “no” without a three-paragraph apology. But hey, growth is growth.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jenny. I recently turned ..whispers dramatically… forty.. I thought I had life pretty figured out – until I didn’t. I had checked off so many of the boxes I thought mattered: travel, once-in-a-life experiences, family, stability, all the pieces of a “good life.”
Then my dad passed away, and suddenly it felt like the ground shifted. I went from feeling secure to questioning everything – especially who I was.
I’m a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend. Those roles bring me joy, but somewhere along the way, I got lost. No real hobbies outside the daily motions, unless you count couch rotting or rage-cleaning the kitchen. I was happy, yes, but maybe also more lost than ever.
That’s when I realized: this season of life is my second “coming-of-age.” Another chance to rediscover myself, to choose intentionally, to choose me. It’s basically just round two of your twenties – except this time the bills are scarier and the hangovers last longer. I did find the silver lining that I was really leaning into having less tolerance for nonsense and the dominos started falling organically.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that always had to be “on the move” and treated life like a never-ending to-do list. That version of me crushed in the first half of life – getting it done, climbing ladders, doing all the things. But heading into this next chapter, I realized She’s just exhausted and probably needs a nap.
Now, I don’t need to hustle so much as I need to be in the present. I don’t need more stuff or more chaos. Give me less noise and more gratitude for the quiet moments that’s right in front of me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be kind to yourself, because you’re going to screw up. -and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Don’t worry- Who you are today does not have to be who you are tomorrow if you don’t want it to be.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
Hustle culture. I used to think grinding 24/7 meant I was winning at life — that if I just stayed busy enough, I’d prove my worth. Spoiler: it doesn’t. Running on caffeine, guilt, and anxiety doesn’t equal success or happiness. FOMO is not a motivator. What really matters is passion, integrity, perspective, kindness… and yes, occasionally letting yourself take a nap or binge-watch without guilt. That’s the hustle worth having.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Growing up Korean in a mixed household, “follow your passion” was never really on the menu. The script was set: college, career, honors, rinse, repeat. I spent a lot of my early life living for other people, which turned me into a certified people-pleaser — basically a human Swiss Army knife for everyone else’s happiness.
But here’s the twist: it wasn’t all bad. That upbringing helped me become the empath I am today. Being thoughtful toward others is my love language, and I’m proud of that! Even if it sometimes means overthinking a text reply for three days (then forgetting to send it for another week). Now, I’m learning to honor my own path while keeping my heart open – so I can show my daughter what it looks like to live authentically, follow your passions, and lead with empathy. That, to me, feels like the truest version of doing what I was born to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: thehoneybutts.my.canva.site/about
- Instagram: @thehoneybutts
