Business Fit Magazine Special Editions Mother & Daughter Special Edition | Page 20

What would you say are your
strengths?
I am good at drawing well, I love doing it at least.
I can always make a joke or lighten the moment
probably even when I shouldn’t. I stand up
for what I believe in. What people think of me
doesn’t matter. I try to stay true to myself. Playing
the flute and acting in the school plays always
brings me joy. I love making people feel included
that usually aren’t by peers. One of my favourite
things to do is help. They say I’m always cheering
for the underdog, I guess.
Where does your positivity come
from?
Just seeing so much anger and hate and not
wanting to be like that. The choice is simple to
me you can be kind or be a jerk, your choice.
What do you like to do? What
are your hobbies?
Drawing, playing in the band, hanging with my
friends and family. Helping people feel better
about themselves.
What are you hoping for in life?
I want to be able to wear a suit and become
successful without people telling me I’m trying to
be a boy. Being successful isn’t just money. I want
to see the change in equality and be a part of
that change.
What are
dreams?
your
hopes
and
That one day I don’t have to be the person to look
out for depressed or left out people because it
won’t be a thing anymore. I want to be a famous
tattoo artist and meet people from all over the
world.
Any additional information you
would like to share with our
readers and with other teenage
girls out there?
Its ok to not be ok. If you need to talk to someone
talk to your mother. If you don’t have a mom find
someone you trust and never give up!
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Genna’s story
Who are you?
Most of my childhood I moved between Montana,
Wyoming, and California. I spent most of my
youth in northern California until the year 2000
when we moved to Casper, Wyoming where I
have lived for 18 years.
I’m 34 years old and am finally on the greatest
journey of my life! I have been in Casper since
my Sophomore year in High School. For years I
felt this sort of regret being from Wyoming but
now it gives me a sense of joy and individuality.
Not many people can say they live in a state with
a population of 579,320.
I grew up moving around and had a hard-
working mom who had to sacrifice being home
to provide for our family. My dad was stern,
drunk, adventurous, and a Veteran. He did the
best with me he could and knew how to make a
mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I got to
see many sites all over the west coast, cultures
from all over the world, and lived in so many
different homes I think I have lost count.
Moving to Wyoming from Oakdale, California was
a blessing in disguise. I have had the honour of
growing up with the greatest set of girlfriends,
an awesome life partner, Jarrett, had a beautiful
daughter, and finally found peace within myself.
None of this would have happened if my own
mother had not pulled me from the streets in
one last effort to save her family. We moved to
Wyoming, she left my dad and our story began.
I had to give
Raylene strong
vibrant shoes to
walk in.
Before I started my journey to myself and
healing, a friend once mentioned “You wear a
bruised mask with no fear.” This was huge for
me, yet so true. I lived many years thinking abuse
verbally and physically was normal or just a form
of expression. It took me many years to say I will
not let my daughter think this is ok. I had to break
the chain. I had to give Raylene strong vibrant
shoes to walk in.
Jarrett and I own a local skateboarding company
working from our home, LMTD Skateboards.
Jarrett’s passion for skateboarding and my love
for advocacy has taken us all over the state
and given us a chance to help many people in
the skateboarding community. Skateboarding
has always been a part of my life. I love the
community it brings and the sound of the rolling
wheels. Together we hope to one day put LMTD
and Wyoming Skateboarders on the map. We
want to provide our community with a place to go
when they need knowledge, rest, physical activity,
or contentment. I want a full indoor/outdoor
skate park with people from all aspects of life
there to enjoy one of their greatest passions.
This would truly be one of my life’s greatest
accomplishments, and we aren’t stopping till we
get there.
Living in Wyoming my entire adult life and
raising Raylene here has had its triumphs and
restrictions for sure. It is a very rural and the best
way I can phrase it “Stuck in our Ways”. We hunt
and fish, each town is at least 75-80 miles apart,
and we depend on the energy industry. Our
mountain tops are some of the greatest places
on earth and our prairies have wildlife living
abundantly. We say YeeHaw and Y’all and we still
wave to each other passing on the highway. For
this I am proud and grateful to experience life
here in Wyoming.
Why were you interested in
taking part in this Mothers and
Daughters Special Edition?
Funny story, I am currently working with a life
coach and was challenged to take a chance and
be vulnerable to let the world know I’m here. So,
I did. Never did I think we would be chosen, nor
have I met Vikki or even come across her work
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