Meet Jenna – The Heart Behind Farther Along Homestead

I think it’s about time we introduced ourselves here at Farther Along Homestead. I’m Jenna, and this little corner of the internet is where I share our family’s journey into homesteading.

Hello! I'm Jenna!

Small Town Girl, Farm Girl Dreams

I grew up in a small town in Illinois. While I didn’t live on a farm, we always had animals, and I spent time around family who did. On both sides, my relatives raised everything from dairy cows to sheep and horses, so a love for animals and agriculture has always been part of my story. As a kid, I dreamed of growing up on a farm, and in many ways, homesteading today feels like I’m circling back to that dream.

From College Student to Boatswain's Mate

In 2013, I graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and an Associate’s degree in Art. That summer, I worked as a lifeguard before heading off to Coast Guard boot camp in October. I served as a Boatswain’s Mate, operating small boats for search and rescue, law enforcement, and a variety of other missions. Most of my service was in Texas, and I still say if I ever move again, I’d love to go back. That time by the water shaped me in so many ways. It's also where I met Johan and where he adopted our dog Louie.

New Start, New Dreams Come True

After I separated from the Coast Guard in 2018, I moved to California to be with Johan, where I pursued another passion: becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician. While in school, I landed my dream job at a zoo as an Assistant Animal Care Specialist. That work gave me hands-on experience with animal husbandry, nutrition, enrichment, and medical care across a wide variety of species. Later, when Johan and I moved back to my hometown in Illinois in 2021 with our two dogs and two cats, I worked as a veterinary assistant, once again learning and growing in the field of animal care.

The Greatest Adventure: Motherhood

Life took another turn in 2023 when we welcomed our first daughter. I left the clinic to stay home with her, later helping as a part-time marketing manager for my dad’s business. Now, I’m a stay-at-home mom of two, a chicken keeper, gardener, homemaker, and slowly working toward building an income from home, while sharing our journey with all of you.

All Paths Lead to One

My career path has been varied—lifeguard, Coast Guard, zookeeper, veterinary technician, marketing manager—but each role has given me valuable skills that I now bring to our homestead. Whether it’s animal care, problem-solving, or simply learning how to adapt and thrive, I’ve carried those lessons with me.

Here at Farther Along Homestead, I hope to share what I’ve learned, encourage others who are just starting out, and continue learning from this amazing homestead community.

So, welcome—I’m so glad you’re here!

From Our Family to Yours,

Jenna

Proverbs 3:5-6

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What would your dream job be? Let us know in the comments!