In this episode of Leadership Talks, Dr. Kate Vawter speaks with Jen Utsch, Business Owner, Artisan, Firefighter, Author and Founder of the nonprofit Heartizens.org. 

Tune in to this episode as Jen talks about: 

*  how she became interested in working with fire

*  navigating her transition from being a firefighter to molding steel with fire

*  her system for honing creativity, and leaning in to the creative process

*  using the messaging from her dreams as a teaching time

*  her nonprofit and passion project, Heartizens.org

Inspired by her own need to express herself and connect deeply with people, Jen originated her metal art business nearly 20 years ago. At the time she was firefighting in Tucson, AZ and it was thru this profession that she found her passion for fire, its remarkable beauty and power. 

She began a personal journey by torching meaningful symbols and language gathered from a variety of cultures, creating a meaningful product line. After years of careful refinement, her product line with her company, Jendala, is now seasoned.

Jendala's mission is to encourage a sustainable way of living for ourselves and our environment, to bridge diversity, expand our perceptions, and invoke emotions for self discovery and wellbeing. Products and services support Jendala's mission.

Jen’s nonprofit and passion project, Heartizens, provides a supportive space for kids to create connection with self and others through the arts, nature, and awareness.

Learn more about Jen Utsch: 

Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendala/ 

Jendala Website: https://jendala.com/ 

Heartizens Website: https://www.heartizens.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jendala  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendala/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jendalasol 

About the Leadership Talks Podcast

In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success. 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061 

Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter 

Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/