The Inspirational Jennifer Fournier (Parsons)

I have a lot of strong-spirited woman in my life. They all have amazing stories and strive to be the best versions of themselves. And Jennifer is no exception. I met Jennifer through a friend of mine, Melissa Price. We hit it off right away. You know how sometimes you meet someone, and you just feel drawn to them? That is how I felt when I met Jennifer. When I first posted about the 1^st Annual Care Packs drive, Jennifer reached out and offered to help. She was a wealth of information and really helped make sure the 1^st Annual Care Packs drive was a success. I recently interviewed her for this blog, and we could have rambled on for days. Continue reading to get the full scoop on the incredible Jennifer.

A Sit Down With Jennifer Fournier

Tell me a little bit about yourself. Something that is uniquely you.

My name is Jennifer Fournier (Parsons). I am Irish, Cree, and English. I was born in Calgary and raised in the lower mainland of BC.  I have been in Disability Services since I was 17 years old. I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Family is everything in our lives. Both of my moms have passed on. My mama Linda in 2000 and my bonus mama Debbie in 2017. Dad lives in Cedar, BC on the island. I am constantly working through my “stuff” and I am always rising up. Living my authentic life truly! It is hard and I am doing it so I can leave this place better than when I entered it! I have been married to my soul mate for 17 years and we have 2 rescue bully breed dogs. My bonus kids are 20 and 18 and live in Calgary with their mama.

I am actively involved in the Indigenous community here in Treaty 7 and I am a proud Metis woman whose family is from North Battleford Saskatchewan. My sister and I are doing our family history and genealogy and it is so fascinating!

If you could describe yourself in one phrase, what would it be?

I am love!

Tell me about Bear Clan Patrol

Bear Clan in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) is in response to our communities' need to protect the Woman, children, elderly, and vulnerable community members. One of the Bear Clan council members Yvonne asked me to come and sit with them so they could explain what they are all about. I have known Yvonne for years and I gladly accepted her invite.  Grassroots, volunteer-run goodness for our cities' most vulnerable.

How long have you been volunteering with them?

I have been a volunteer for just over a year.

Why did you decide to start volunteering with Bear Clan Patrol?

I volunteer because it is what I do. It is who I am. It is important for me to stay connected and lend a hand when I am able. The connections I make when I am on patrol are so valued. Every single one of us has a story and your story is just as important as mine and I want everyone I meet to know that They are Important!

What would you tell people that want to start volunteering with Bear Clan Patrol? Words of wisdom.

Do it! You will not regret it!

Tell me a little about Sacred Scents.

Sacred Scents was conceived through my use of essential oils to heal my trauma. My mom Linda used Essential oils, so I was exposed to their benefits at a young age. In the past 5 years, I realized that the blends I was crafting were super powerful and wanted to share them with my people. I realized that I needed to have a solid base of knowledge if I wanted to continue. I started with First Steps Aromatherapy at The Apothecary in Inglewood. I enrolled in the Tisserand Institutes, Master Aromatherapy Class. I am just waiting for my final grade. I Have also taken Essential Oil Calculation and Oxidation and Shelf Life through Tisserand. Sacred Scents crafts essential oil wellness blends for your body and mind. I use top-grade oils and natural ingredients. I have numerous products, from nontoxic household cleaners to an incredible skin line. I have blended based on people's wellness needs. I freaking love it!! The response and outpouring of support has been off the charts!

Favourite product?

Too many to name but I love my Coming Up Roses Face Mist, Sea Buckthorn Serum, and my new Dewy Face oil!

Any funny story about product mishaps?

The first lotion I tried to make I put way too much emulsifying wax in it and it came out more like a solid chunk than a creamy lotion. LOL Lesson learned!

When you aren’t working or volunteering, what do you do for fun/hobbies?

I love to read all the things. I love to cook! I am not good at it, but I love IT!! I like to try out new recipes and my poor family has to be the guinea pigs. LOL

 I also enjoy my dogs to a level of absurdness. One of them has behavior issues due to trauma so we spend a lot of time with her training and making sure she has what she needs.  I am always moving LOL! My dream is to open a foster ranch where I can foster all the dogs that have disabilities, the forlorn, the ones that no one wants, and of course the seniors!

BLB Final Thoughts

I think Jen is simply amazing. She is one of the kindest souls I have ever met, and I think she is extraordinary. She’s hardworking and passionate. I feel so blessed to know her and I’m very thankful for the help she gave me this year winter with our First Annual Care Packs drive. She’s a beauty inside and out and it’s an honor to call her a friend. My favorite people in this world are the people that spread love everywhere they go and Jennifer does just that. Thank you for being you, my girl.