The Fairfield County chapter of Over 40 Females presented an evening with lifestyle, home, and garden expert, and author Mar Jennings at the Artisan at the Delamar Hotel in Southport on May 21. The theme of the event was "Doing What You Love and Loving What You Do." Jennings, a former successful figure skater-turned-banker, gave his unique yet very qualified take on the subject.
Guests had a chance before Jennings spoke to chat and mingle over drinks and hors d'oeuvres with each other and with Jennings himself, as well as purchase his last book, “Life on Mar's: A Four Season Garden.” The book details the beauty of the gardens through all four seasons at his Westport home. It even has seasonal recipes sprinkled throughout as accents to the elegance he presents. Over 40 Females Fairfield County Chapter Director Christine Oleynick introduced Jennings to his enthusiastic audience.
"I started skating at age three and was soon on my way to winning many competitions," he began telling the crowd in his signature spirited manner. "But, by 1994, I decided I'd had enough of the ice." Through a chance meeting on the train with a person connected to the banking industry, Jennings, after by his own admission "six interviews in five months with some sales but no banking experience," was hired as a first officer for a bank.
"I ran Chase Bank's Westport office and actually did really well," he continued. "I didn't give design much thought, until my home was featured on a house tour and got many compliments." A friend suggested that he exercise his creativity the way he did when he performed on the ice. Then, a life changing event altered his career course for good. Somebody very dear to Jennings passed away, but right before this happened, he gave Jennings a transformative message.
Life's too short. Do what you love, love what you do.
This message resonated very deeply with Jennings. Smith and Jennings Multimedia was soon born and success sprung. Jennings began to focus on lifestyle and design projects while still working in banking during the day. His book, which he sold door to door to help get the word out, sold ten thousand copies in one year. He successfully pitched his own television show on the strength of his newly created Web site.
That passion has allowed Jennings to spread his design philosophy – casual luxury – through his appearances on Better TV and ABC's WTNH, among his many media appearances. His new book, coming out this fall, is entitled “Creating Casual Luxury.” It will focus on the cure for, as he puts it, "design dilemmas."
"Luxury is about the magic of the design mix, and it doesn't have to be about spending a lot of money," he told the crowd.
Guests got an extra treat when, at the end of his talk, Jennings brought in Violet Von Schnorkenheimer, his adorable Schnauzer, who will also be featured in the new book.
For more information on Mar Jennings, visit www.marjennings.com. For information on Over 40 Females, visit www.over40females.com.
Photo credits: Christine Chagaris. Photo 1 (L-R): Over 40 Females Deering Rose, Mar Jennings, Chapter Director Chris Oleynick
