We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Demers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
A mind that is stretched to a new idea never returns to its original dimension. -Oliver Wendell Holmes

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a union millwright and being a woman in this trade it was a very intimidating idea when I initially applied. See before I began in the trade I was a caregiver for my father for almost 13 years. After many years of his struggle with kidney failure and dialysis he was given a new kidney and we were able to rehabilitate him back to health on such manageable level he no longer needed me. It was then that I asked myself…what’s something youve always wanted to do? It was welding. So I began looking on line for place that offered teaching and on the job training. When I came across the local union for Millwrights. I realized there was so much more involved than just welding with this career but I was ready to try something new! So I applied, took some tests and passed! I really didn’t think I was gonna make it. But I did! It’s been almost 12 years that I’ve been in the trade and I’ve already started on so many new opportunities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I’m living in a small town called Richmond, Michigan about 40 minutes outside of the big city of Detroit. I do love hanging out downtown to see concerts and all the constant improvements the city has to offer. But I like my small town. Where I can go to a small dive bar with karaoke and maybe 5 minutes to go horse back riding the next.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mentors since has passed but his name is David Barr. He was my college art teacher and also an amazing artist himself. He gave me inspiration to believe that I could be an artist with patience and practice. He wasn’t just a teacher, he believed in my work and saw something that made me build confidence in myself. Also my fiancé Brian, has given me the support and the tools necessary to help me seek that vision to finally devoting my time as an artist.

Website: Jendemers.com

Instagram: JENBDEM

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