Influencing with Purpose: Jennifer Gilmore of SassyTeacherChic.com

Social media influencers are everywhere. However, not all influencers were made equally. Some use their platforms for more than just advertising themselves. This issue’s Influencing with Purpose focuses on Jennifer Gilmore of SassyTeacherChic.com, a fashion/lifestyle/travel blog. 

photo credit: J+J Studio

What made you start your blog? 

I loved looking at social media for ideas for my teaching outfits. Eventually, I developed tips, tricks, and my own personal style. With my husband’s support, I decided to begin sharing what I learned on Instagram. 

What are some of your favorite stylish-yet-kid-friendly brands? 

Loft, Express, PinkBlush, PinkBlush Maternity, Target, Nordstrom Rack, and Old Navy.  

Has your style changed now that you’ve got an elementary school student and an infant?  

Other than footwear, my style has not changed. I’ve always kept it simple yet classy. On the other hand, I think I’ll save the heels for date night, and stick to wedges now that I’m a mom of two. 

So many of us have let our style go during the pandemic. What are your choices for comfortable-yet-stylish clothes that can go from the couch, I mean workstation to a Zoom meeting to school pickup to picking up dinner? 

I just realized that I’ve spent the entire pandemic (February 2020 till now) pregnant! For me, the best thing to wear has been slip-on dresses. They’re always comfortable, always work appropriate, and then after the ‘zoom’ workday, I have no guilt laying on my couch. Now that baby is herre, a dress is still more comfortable as I heal from labor & delivery. My favorite ones have from Loft, Target, and PinkBlush Maternity. 

What is the most important thing you try to convey as an “influencer”? 

I want to show that an “everyday person” like myself can influence others for good in their lives, too.  

This is our health and renewals issue; what things are you adding to your life for 2021 to help you start the year off right? 

My goal in 2021 is practice contentment and thankfulness. I have spent years trying to conceive Baby Number Two, imagining my dream home, and striving for everything else in-between.  I finally have everything that I ever wanted – two healthy children, a beautiful home, a fulfilling job, and above all, the most wonderful husband! It’s time to stop and smell the roses, enjoy what I have, and practice gratitude and contentment. 

photo credit: J+J Studio

What’s your favorite book and why? 

This isn’t fake, but my favorite book is the Bible. Its lessons never go out of style. I read it every day, and my family strives to apply its principles.  

Who have you always wanted to meet? 

My husband and I love music! And not just one genre. We’d love to meet Vance Joy, American Authors, AJR, Justin Timberlake, One Republic, and Mumford & Sons. Can we have a private concert? 

What political or social issue motivates you to take action? 

All of them. Everything that has occurred just makes me see the need to teach my family, my students, and others to apply the golden rule at Matthew 7:12 : “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them,” regardless of race, creed, background, political party, etc. If we all truly applied this, there would be fewer problems.   

Readers of this publication love their pets, tell us about yours. 

Two years ago, my husband and daughter found a tiny black mini-pincher puppy taking shelter from the Texas heat under our car. We took her home and spent weeks looking for her family. After the third week, we realized that she had been with her family all along. It was us. Our daughter Jocelyn named her “Scoutie,” and it fits her. She constantly on the lookout to play, cuddle, and for something yummy to eat.  

What is Fort Worth missing? 

The only think Fort Worth is missing is natural scenery: canyons, cliffs, mountains, forests, sandy beaches, and ocean views. Each year we travel far away to enjoy those views, but we are always happy to return home.  

Tell us your Fort Worth favorites 

• Coffee Shop: Summer Moon Cafe 
• Breakfast or Brunch place: Snooze A&M Eatery 
• Hangout with friends: Shops at Clearfork & Sundance Square (it’s a tie) 
• Place to relax and recharge: Milk & Honey Spa 
• Museum or gallery: Kimbell Art Museum 

• Artist or musician: Fort Worth Symphony Concert in the Gardens 
• Yearly event: Main Street Arts Festival 
• Boutique: Francesca’s 
• Spot to take photos: Fort Worth Botanical Garden 
• Sweet treat: Andy’s Frozen Custard  

• Hamburger joint: Rodeo Goat 
• Mexican restaurant: Juan’s Burrito Express