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She's A Sabbatical Beauty: Joanne Jenks
Joanne is one of our favorite people in the world, and we are thrilled to feature her today!
Tell us about yourself.
I believe I am the “elder” of this group. I am 67yo so even though there is a lot to tell, I will try to be brief.
I was born with a skin condition called ichthyosis (fish scales) and eczema. My dad (who spent 33 years in the Coast Guard) was able to get stationed in milder climates throughout my life to help my skin stay under control. I have struggled with my severely dry, sensitive skin my whole life. I could never use anything but UV treatments, unscented Lubriderm, Eucerin (I swear it is Crisco in disguise) and topical steroids.
I have been a registered nurse since 1983. (I had a BA in Speech Pathology before that.) The first area I worked in was Oncology. It was an amazing experience in and I learned so much from my patients. But I always knew that I had a draw to the Operating Room and got a chance in 1985 to be trained to be an OR nurse. From the first day I knew I had found my passion. I worked in all areas and was the OR Educator. But my “heart” was Cardiac and Vascular surgery. It was the last area that I worked in before I chose at age 65 to leave the OR setting. I had not injured myself in 30+ years and I felt I was pushing my luck. So now I work at a desk and a computer as the Trauma Registrar at the hospital I have worked out for 27 years.
If you were an SB product, which product would you be, and why?
This is a tough question, I think. Sabbatical Beauty products have had such an impact on my life, I feel like I am “cheating” on one if I choose another! They all have a purpose that they achieve so well. They work in harmony with each other. If I HAD to choose one, it would be Lavender Bath Butter. It is bubbly and fun I have been told I am. It is soothing and calming which I hope I can be. And a little goes a long way. Being an OR nurse, looking back, it amazes me how long I could last without food or rest or water...or even a bathroom break! OR nurses have amazing bladders!!
What makes you angry?
Intolerance, injustice and discrimination...all of which I have seen too much of in my lifetime. I hold out hope that I will see a better world before I leave this earth.
What makes you happy?
First and foremost, my amazing daughter. She is a role model for me. Whenever I am feeling down, I just think of her and cannot help but smile. I am so very blessed to have her as my daughter and my friend.
Having lived a life where I could never use any of the lotions and creams that everyone else did, to find products that not only nourish my skin but also nourish my soul is life changing. That makes me very happy.
What’s your desert island SB product, and why?
Sorry but I cannot choose just one. I have to have TWO products. The first one is After Sun. It is an island, right? I am assuming there will be sun and warm weather. After Sun will help keep my skin soft, smooth and well-hydrated. An added benefit is that I will look great when I am found!
I also must have Ekaterina Cream. I can eat the cream with the caviar to subsist on and the gold flakes to barter with in the event that pirates find me!
What is your favorite thing about your skin?
If you had asked me this 6 months ago, I would have honestly answered “Nothing!” But since my daughter introduced me to SB, I am actually enjoying the positive changes that my skin was and is undergoing. I have never had a skin care routine and I was sceptical about these products. I have always reacted to lotions and creams. But now I find that skin care can be a positive experience. Instead of a chore, I take pleasure in having a skin routine with products that continue to make my skin look and feel better as well as healthier. I do not have expectations that I will be wrinkle free. I don’t want that. I earned my laugh lines and worry creases and they all have a story. They are a part of my life and who I am. But to be able to truly care for my skin and see the positive results is more than I ever expected. Thank you, Sabbatical Beauty, for bringing life and luster to a face that has never had that luxury before.