Hi! I am Jade. I am a first-generation city-dweller who came by way of a traditional Appalachia tobacco farm. I would now say I am a happy mix of backwoods rural and urban chic. But I haven’t always thought of myself that way. As soon as I was able, I ditched the mountain life and I joined the military—where I got the luxury of sleeping in until 0500. To a country girl, the structure of the military fit into my foundational upbringing with the added benefit of blowing shit up.

Determined to create an even better life, after being discharged from the Air Force, I worked my way through college and became the first person in my family to hold a college degree. I continued to put distance between myself and the Appalachian mountains by moving to Denver, CO, and becoming an urbanite. I loved the Rockies. I felt commuting downtown daily and working in a high-rise building raised my status. I was all highfalutin. I had finally made “it”!

Although I loved the lifestyle I had created…my 15-year stint as an IT Project Manager was less than enjoyable. 

While I was working, I started learning different online marketing skills on the side. Then one day, like many of my co-workers, I hopped on a recorded conference call that told me my job had been outsourced…and just like that, I was free.

I may not have exactly thought being free at the time was a good thing as it was stressful not knowing how to pay my mortgage or cover my basic expenses. But in my mind, I always had my Granny Reese whispering her practical daily life preparedness to me. It saved me.

Years after leaving North Carolina, I found myself drawn back to this state. My perspective has changed, though. I am now able to appreciate where I came from because it has made me the strong and resilient person I am today. I am more than a survivor. I am a thriver—all due to preparedness.

Although I tried to reject everything my childhood had been, I had to concede, I am a prepper through ’n’ through. And it isn’t a bad thing but a needed skill that not everyone has. And frankly, the average city dweller needs to be more prepared. It’s not just a physical thing. It’s a lifestyle. It’s peace of mind knowing no matter what, YOU’VE GOT THIS!