It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story? How did you get to where you are today?
Twenty years ago, I made a career change after a life-altering event with one of my children. I left a lucrative career as a mortgage loan officer to become a hospice chaplain. I started out with pediatric hospice and then moved to adult hospice, and I fell in love with it. I had never imagined this work could be so meaningful.
I have been an avid roller skater since age one. My family owns a roller rink. I teach beginners the fundamentals of roller skating and wrote a journal to help beginners and returning roller skaters.
I am a mother of three adults and a grandmother.
I am a writer and author of 16 books.
Graduate of the University of Michigan.
CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) trained.
My work as a hospice chaplain has given me a lot to write about. I have always loved to write. Life has given me lots of material. Life is my muse, and I love sharing insight. I use writing as a way to help people heal, to provoke thought, and encourage reflection. I wrote a column for the Telegram Newspaper for 15 years, and it helped me establish myself as a writer.
Roller skating has always come naturally because I was born into it. There are things I have had to make an effort to learn, and there are things I still struggle with on roller skates. We are always learning. As techniques evolve, roller skating is no different. New moves continue to be created, just like in basketball. Nonetheless, I love helping others discover their abilities when I explain things to help them develop their skill in learning to roller skate. Bringing awareness to people, in whatever form, is very gratifying when you see it changing lives.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
I did a lot while raising three children. Being a mom, a wife, working full-time, and going to school was probably the hardest challenge I faced. Fortunately, I had an amazing support system. I cried often and quit—never.
Time management was key. Personal sacrifices were made. For many years, I sacrificed luxuries like getting my hair and nails done regularly. I was not able to buy new clothes like I wanted. I drove old cars. That’s all there was space for. I was so humble. My goals were more important to me at that time.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in, and why should someone work with you over the competition?
The best advice I received from a mentor was, “Be yourself.” I have found that being myself has attracted many wonderful opportunities into my life. I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated.
As a hospice chaplain, compassion is key. Being able to read the room, being sensitive to the feelings of others, and being aware of what they might be going through helps me connect on a deep level. Being able to make people feel seen and heard is essential. Human connection—making people feel understood and helped—is key. I work with people at the most vulnerable and delicate times of their lives, so when clients feel your love and connection to God, you have clients and cheerleaders for life.
I don’t subscribe to ‘competition.’ I just do what I do, and those who are meant to work with me show up in my life. I stay busy with a comfortable flow of work. I have always attracted things, as opposed to chasing them. Do your gift and do it well, and opportunities will show up. Be ready to grab them, though, and be well-prepared. Not being prepared and not showing up results in a loss of opportunity.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Be yourself. It’s the best advice I ever received. Authenticity paired with excellence goes a long way.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
To me, success means being happy and having the freedom and resources to do the things I want to do. Success is also when you see tangible evidence that you have helped someone and made their life better.
What’s next for you?
In addition to writing more books and grief counseling, I want to open several group homes. These group homes will provide care and services for those who cannot care for themselves, and spiritual and emotional support will be a huge component of the care services provided.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
I can be reached by phone at 313-772-0642 or on the web at www.getthepen.net or email janine.folks@gmail.com.
