July has been a month of meaningful milestones.

I celebrated my 51st birthday, and GlowInto celebrated its six-month anniversary.

As I look back over the past year, one realization keeps coming to mind: I was always capable of more than I believed. What has changed isn't my ability—it's my willingness to trust my creativity, take risks, and build something that matters. While continuing to work full-time in sales, I've discovered a part of myself that had been waiting for permission to emerge. Along the way, I've built new friendships, found a renewed sense of purpose, and created a quality of life that feels richer than I imagined.

One of the greatest gifts this year has been becoming part of Little Black Book Women in Business. I walked into a room where few people knew me, yet I was welcomed with encouragement, generosity, and genuine support. Those relationships have reminded me how powerful women can be when they choose to lift one another up. My hope is that GlowInto honors those women by telling their stories with the care and respect they deserve while continuing to build something meaningful for our community.

This month's interviews reminded me that growth rarely happens overnight.

Kim Kilgore of Paper Moon in Mascoutah shared what it was like to leave a successful career as a prosecutor to pursue a more creative life. Her journey wasn't one dramatic leap—it was years of gradually stepping away from one chapter while building another. Today, she not only runs a thriving business but also champions other women entrepreneurs and helps bring new energy to her community. Her story is proof that meaningful change often happens one courageous step at a time.

As GlowInto begins its next six months, I'm reminded that every interview teaches me something new—not only about the women I meet, but about myself. Thank you for reading, for sharing these stories, and for believing in this publication. I can't wait to continue discovering what we all GlowInto next.

Remember...

Every woman has the opportunity to GlowInto who she is meant to become.

See you next month,

Jen

Still to Come This Month

July isn't over yet, and there's still more to discover in GlowInto.

Style That Evolves takes a closer look at affordable beauty with a practical guide to Dollar Tree makeup and skincare. Which products are worth adding to your routine? Which ones should you skip? We'll compare budget-friendly finds with higher-end favorites to uncover the best beauty dupes that deliver without the designer price tag.

In What Shapes Us Now, Gieta returns with "Finding Meaning in Midlife," a thoughtful reflection on embracing purpose, growth, and the opportunities that come with this season of life.

And in Inside the Workplace, Felicia Ford explores "Women in Flight," an inspiring look at women who are rising into leadership, breaking barriers, and navigating their careers with confidence and purpose.

There's always something new taking shape at GlowInto, and I can't wait to share these stories with you.

✨ Interview Spotlight
I'm excited to introduce you to Tami Lange, CEO and founder of Save the Girls. What began with a simple idea to help women carry their cell phones more comfortably grew into a nationally recognized brand. We'll talk about the journey behind her invention, what she's learned as an entrepreneur, and why she believes the next chapter of life can be the most rewarding yet.

✨ New Series
August also launches The Women of Main Street America, a new series highlighting women over 40 who are revitalizing downtown communities by opening businesses, pursuing second careers, and creating meaningful new chapters. Their stories are about courage, creativity, reinvention, and the belief that it's never too late to build a life that reflects who you are becoming.

✨ What Shapes Us Now
I'm also thrilled to welcome Teresa Reiniger back to GlowInto in a new way. After sharing her own inspiring story, Teresa will now contribute to What Shapes Us Now by introducing readers to conversations from her podcast, Female Voices: Life & Loss. Her thoughtful interviews explore grief, resilience, healing, and the experiences that shape our lives.

GlowInto continues to grow in exciting ways.

This month marks the beginning of a new partnership with EdGlen Living, where I'll be sharing the stories of remarkable women from Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, and the surrounding communities. It's an exciting opportunity to introduce even more readers to the women who are making a difference close to home.

You'll also begin seeing new voices throughout the publication. Additional contributing writers are joining GlowInto to bring even more expertise to our Longevity pillar, helping readers explore everything from wellness and financial health to living well in every season of life.