Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Peery.
Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Back in 2016, I purchased a big, blowup Pikachu costume after an app-based game, Pokemon Go, became hugely popular. This led to snow blowing our driveway in said costume in April of 2019, which ended up going viral on Facebook. Fast forward to when the pandemic hit and everything shut down. It was having a huge impact on our world. It was scary, something none of us had experienced in our lifetime. Social media was a pretty big outlet for most, and the feeling of uncertainty was strong in posts and comments. I wanted to do something to help cheer up the world, but I’m only one person and my social media presence was minimal.
I threw my blowup Pikachu costume into the back of my van and hit the road to the nearest large intersection in my town. Once I was there, I put it on, blew it up, and stood on the corner dancing and waving at people. It was so silly, yet the response was overwhelming. Not only were people waving back and honking their horns in delight, but I also started seeing my picture all over our local community Facebook group, Eagan Neighbors. It snowballed from there and I not only started posting where I would be and what times, I also was invited to be part of birthday car parades, which became a huge hit during the pandemic. Many residents even started calling me the City of Eagan’s “mascot.”
This slowly turned into a sort of grassroots campaign and I began raising money for community members in need. In 2020, I created ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ where the community nominated families/people in need who were struggling and in need of some holiday spirit. With the help of the very generous and amazing Eagan Community, we raised over $6,500 for 12 families/people in need. Because 2020 was so successful, we did it again in 2021, and raised even more than the year before with a total of over $7,800. I’m really excited to see what this year brings!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
About 5 years ago, I came to the realization (over a period of time) I was a very unhappy, depressed, negative person. It felt selfish admitting it because honestly, my life was pretty darn good. I had a wonderfully supportive husband, two healthy, happy children, and I was privileged enough to be a stay-at-home mom. Life was great, but emotionally and mentally, I was struggling. I felt guilty for doing anything related to self-care and I felt like I had lost my identity.
I disliked how I felt about myself and the world around me so I took action. I started doing some personal growth by talking to others who were experiencing similar feelings and by reading books focused on self improvement and positivity. I began realizing my self-worth, and that self-care was not only important for myself, but it was incredibly important for my relationship with my husband and kids. It was NECESSARY for ALL of my relationships, with others and, most importantly, with myself.
Once I started putting my needs before others (without the guilt!), I began finding emotional and mental stability. I found happiness I didn’t even know existed, and I quickly realized I was a better mom, wife, and really an overall better human because of it. I’m still, and always will be, a work in progress, and part of that journey includes helping others find their self-worth by helping them see that they matter and they are loved. I do this in my daily life, but also through social media. Between the PikaMom and my bus driving, I’ve inadvertently built a following on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok), and I use my platform to spread positivity, love, and kindness. It’s become an important part of who I am.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Aside from volunteering my time through my PikaMom platform, I am a school bus driver for the Rosemount/Apple Valley/Eagan School District 196. Prior to this, I was a stay-at-home mom for 5 years. When my youngest went to Kindergarten, I knew I didn’t want to go back to Corporate America. I wanted something different, something fulfilling, and something that would allow me to have a similar schedule as my kids. That was when I found the school bus driver job within our district. I only began this journey back in October of 2021, but it has been the best, most rewarding job I’ve ever had.
I’m known for my PikaMom platform, but I’ve also become a beloved bus driver within our town and district. I post (almost) daily on social media with a picture of myself in my bus, accompanied by a positive quote, thought, or kind message. It’s sort of become therapeutic in a way, and forces me to think about my own thoughts and actions on a daily basis! I’d say my positive attitude, my love for helping others, and my overall kindness is what sets me apart from others. Although I like to remain humble, I’m truly proud of the person I’ve become and the things I’m doing for our community.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I absolutely loved our trips to my grandparent’s cabin. The drive up to Crosslake in our old station wagon was always the best because I sat in the way back, which faced backwards. My mom always was sure to have a big bowl of homemade Chex mix for the trip. We played cards, swam in the lake, took the boat out, and just had a good time. I remember it very well and will always cherish those memories.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thepikamom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.peery.710 | https://www.facebook.com/thepikamom/
- TikTok: @thepikamom
