Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Grissom.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Over the past decade, I became passionate about my health and the health of my family. We adopted a plant based diet, incorporated ethical buying practices into our lives and exercised regularly. I ran or did yoga most days and then one day my husband put me on a bike and told me to have fun. I was terrified but quickly fell in love. It became therapeutic for me to be on a bike – the whir of the tires, how quickly I could get away from city noise, and it brought about a whole supportive group of amazing people I now call friends. I want everyone to experience the freedom and joy that come when you’re riding a bike.
I knew I wanted my career to align with a healthier community, so I began searching for an opportunity. That search eventually led me to Fort Worth Bike Sharing and allows me to be part of making our city healthier on many levels.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
You know, I have a really great life but I’m not sure there is such a thing as a smooth road. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted in life, and even longer to figure out how to get it. I often found that I was my own roadblock. I thought if I didn’t know everything no one was going to take me seriously. Luckily, my husband had enough confidence in me for the both of us and always encouraged me to try new things. I learned that what’s important is taking that first step, that it’s ok to acknowledge what may not have worked and that trying something again in a new way isn’t a failure.
So, when I realized I wanted a career change, I figured the first step was letting people know and asking for advice. I talked to anyone and everyone who would listen. I didn’t know what would become of those conversations; some went nowhere but some led to amazing opportunities in both my personal and professional life. My biggest piece of advice would be to take a step – any step – to get moving. If it’s not the right step, you can always take another one in a different direction.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fort Worth Bike Sharing – what should we know?
Fort Worth Bike Sharing is a non-profit organization that operates Fort Worth’s only bike-share system.
To me, it’s like the magic answer to all of life’s problems. Need to get somewhere, need some exercise, care about the environment, want to enjoy the day – here’s a bike! The amazing team at FWBS keeps the system running, the bikes safe, and the events we participate in so much fun. We’re proud that we are able to offer a subsidized First Mile membership option to citizens who need it and that our bikes are part of making memories around Fort Worth.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
I became a mom before really working on my career and even though I have it easy – seriously my kid is more responsible than I am – it’s hard! I spent several years in jobs that were OK but didn’t really fulfill me because what I wanted was time with my daughter but I always felt like I should be doing more to cultivate my career. During that time I remember my mom telling me that “you can have it all, but maybe not just all at the same time”. I realized that what I “should” be doing was want I wanted – and that what I want is allowed to change. As my daughter got older what I wanted shifted and I worked toward getting it.
I never regretted having jobs that allowed me more with my daughter but I also don’t feel guilty now if she cooks dinner so I can work a little later. I’ve decided that sometimes the balance we look for in life comes in phases and isn’t always apparent in our day to day life. So, if you’re just starting your career, enjoy it! Don’t think about what you “should” be doing – those things may come later if you decide you want them. Right now, do what you want and what feels right for you; it doesn’t mean it has to be forever.
Pricing:
- $8 for all-day pass of 1-hour rides
- $80 for an annual pass
- $10 First Mile Membership to those who qualify
Contact Info:
- Address: 201 S. Calhoun, 113A
Fort Worth, TX 76104 - Website: https://fortworthbikesharing.com/
- Phone: 817-348-0043
- Email: jennifer@fortworthbikesharing.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fwbikesharing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortWorthBikeSharing
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fwbikesharing
Image Credit:
Southline Media
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
