Life Lessons:
Jill Bong
*Are you happy at the moment?
I am very happy at the moment. We have recently sold more than 11,000 Chicken Armor hen saddles – a little protective chicken device which I co-invented.
I have just completed my first book “How to Keep Backyard Chickens – A Straightforward Beginner’s Guide.”
I am currently working on my second book “How to Source For and Maximize Profits on eBay: Stories, Tips and Secrets from a 16-year Full-Time Seller.”
I am very excited to be able to grow and develop more in the upcoming year!
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Be true to yourself. Live your life according to your terms, not someone else’s.
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
Persevere. Things do not always turn out the way you expected.
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
I hope my books will reach Amazon’s best sellers list in their respective categories. I would also like my Chicken Armor hen saddles to surpass 20,000 sold in the next 12 months.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
Not worrying too much about what others think, or worrying about what you cannot change.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Taking some alone time helps to keep me grounded and relaxed. I put my headphones on and read a book in a quiet room. Just one hour or so helps to keep my in-check.
*What’s your biggest regret?
My biggest regret is majoring in Engineering instead or sustainable agriculture or marketing.
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
My kids are only 3 and 4. The most important lesson I have taught them so far is to be grateful for what they have.
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I have a bad habit of not following up on things. I would like to change that.
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
I am proud of being able to re-invent myself many times to survive changing economies and life in general.
*When were you happiest?
I think I was happiest when I was traveling the world, buying things to sell on eBay. My sales either partially or fully subsidized my trips. It was a fun and exciting time!
*What ten words best describe you?
Quiet, easy-going, non-conformist, introspective, open-minded, adventurous, flexible, resilient, determined, happy!
Jill Bong is the co-inventor and co-founder of Chicken Armor hen saddles – a device which helps protect poultry from predators and mating injuries. She is the author of two upcoming books: “How to Keep Backyard Chickens – A Straightforward Beginner’s Guide ” and “How to Source For and Maximize Profits on eBay: Stories, Tips and Secrets from a 16-year Full-Time Seller.” She has written articles for niche magazines including Backyard Poultry Magazine, Backwoods Home Magazine and Zone 4 Magazine. Her Chicken Armor invention has been featured in The Denver Post, MotherEarthNews.com, MaryJanesFarm Magazine, Hobby Farm Home Magazine and the High Timber Times.
