Today I’m interviewing Jen Rodriguez, aka “JenRod,” a local esthetician and the owner of Skinned and Lashed by Jen, a local business located in the heart of Fair Oaks Village. Her services include facials, waxing, lash extensions, makeup, and spray tanning.
Jen is excited and nervous about her role as one of the 2022 Honorary Mayor Race candidates. She’s definitely stepping out of her comfort zone. “Will people even come to my events?” she says. “I have this irrational fear, like when you have a birthday party, and nobody shows up.” She laughs. “Like, that’s never happened to me, but that’s how I feel!”
The Fair Oaks Honorary Mayor Race is an annual fundraiser organized by the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce. Candidates compete to raise the most money for the chamber and a chosen organization. The candidate who raises the most money is awarded the title of Honorary Mayor of Fair Oaks for the year. The money is split evenly between the chamber (to help fund scholarships and events) and the chosen organization.
Some of Jen’s ideas to raise money for Fair Oaks Youth Advisory Board (FOYAB) and Family Free Ride are planning a trivia night fundraiser and a bowling event fundraiser. She wants to get creative with her fundraising events and do something that has yet to be done. “Planning and organizing fundraising events can be challenging and stressful, but it can also be rewarding to see the support of your community and friends,” says Jen.
Jen does have a strategy to get her friends to come by incorporating the events into her birthday celebration. Planning fun and exciting events that people would want to attend, rather than traditional, more formal events that they might be hesitant to participate in. These events will also help her build a community around her campaign and make it a more personal and inclusive experience.