We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethel Jiricek Author and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Bethel Jiricek, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
A book that I have read that had a meaningful impact on my life was Betrothed, by Ann Goering. This Bible Study Workbook looks at our identity in Christ on a more personal level. It is a very warm, inspiring and positive book about faith and our identity as Christians.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I began writing when I owned a spa and skin care line – Green Eyed Grace. I wrote my first book Beyond Beauty – A guide for beautiful skin and creating your own homemade products. Several months after publishing that book, I heard a whisper from God to close my spa. I fought this whisper because I had worked so hard to build the spa. However, after a few days, I realized it was what I was supposed to do. It was bittersweet but I knew there was a reason to close. The month before this realization, many difficulties came up at the spa, such as employees quitting, plumbing issues and the heat going out. I even tried to buy my own building during that time, only to have the contract rejected. I was devastated, but I knew God was calling me to something new. About a week after I closed the spa, COVID-19 hit. If I had bought the building or even stayed where I was, it would have been disastrous. Buying that building could have devastated our finances because I was the primary income provider for the spa, which would have covered the building mortgage – COVID put Estheticians out of work for months. Instead, I was able to sell all my stuff and tell all my clients how much I would miss them. When I was home with my children and only focusing on the skin care line, it became apparent that COVID was not going away too quickly. I made the decision to homeschool and focus more on my family. Then, I heard the whisper again, to let the skin care line go too. This time I accepted the instructions without any hesitation. My amazing colleague, Amy, decided to take it over and create her own business – Simply Refined. Strangely, I realized, I always expected it to go to her. While in this transition, I felt moved to begin writing Christian Bible studies for kids, mostly to teach my own children. Just for fun I asked my book designer, Mindy Stephens, how much it would be to publish some of these studies. She was so encouraging and kind about the books that I was inspired to begin publishing. A study book about Pentecost was published in August 2020 and the Ten Commandments study book is in the final stages. The lesson I have learned through these business changes is to listen to the whisper of God and trust that He has your best interests at heart.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I were going to show a friend around, most likely we would drive to the mountains so they could see the beautiful Colorado mountains. Estes Park is always a fun place to visit as well, offering a scenic drive. If we stayed in town we would check out the cool shops like Mariposa Plants and Flowers or Lolly’s Hallmark. We love eating at Coyotes and Bonefish Grill so I’m sure we’d have to visit there as well.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been so blessed to be surrounded by friends and family that have encouraged me to write. My husband, Jeremy, and father, Jack Jennings, continually reassure me that it is okay to put myself out there. As a strong introvert, I shy away from being too public.
Website: www.greeneyedgrace.com
Instagram: @gracegreeneyed
Facebook: @greeneyedbethel
Image Credits
Studio K Photography – Kayla Kulseth Tiara Perez Photography Mindy Stephens Creative