General Questions
Send me an email at heartsouljoy@gmail.com or fill out the contact form on the Contact page.
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I started designing websites and blogs when my kids were little and I was a stay-at-home mom, looking for a way to earn extra money while staying close to them. What began as a creative side project soon grew into a steady stream of freelance work, teaching me valuable skills in design and storytelling. Years later, during the pandemic, I posted a casual TikTok video that unexpectedly went viral, and suddenly, I had an audience eager to hear more from me. Leaning into my two biggest passions—teaching and cooking—I began sharing lesson ideas, classroom stories, and family recipes, blending humor, warmth, and practical advice in each post. What started as a small side hustle during naptimes has grown into a vibrant online community where I get to do what I love while connecting with others who share my passions.
Photography
I have a Nikon D7500 and a variety of about 5 different lenses of varying sizes.
I’m completely self-taught when it comes to food styling and photography. I use my iPhone, and honestly, sometimes the photos don’t turn out perfect. But I love documenting the meals I cook—it’s my way of preserving recipes and memories so that one day, my children will have them to look back on.
The only teaching of photography that I do is to my high school journalism class. I’m an English teacher, but I also teach the yearbook class – and knowing how to take good pictures, even with a basic camera is something that I teach my students. Maybe one day, I can come up with something more official, but for right now…. there’s just not time.
I will do some photography locally here in Indianapolis. I’ve photographed a colleague’s baby shower and have done some senior portraits.
Heart Soul Joy is a blog dedicated to inspiring educators, advocating for positive change, and finding comfort in the simple joys of life—whether in the classroom or the kitchen. Created by Jennifer Gillis, an experienced teacher, passionate advocate, and devoted home cook, this space blends personal stories, practical teaching insights, heartfelt reflections on education, and delicious southern soul food recipes.
From navigating burnout and political tensions to speaking out for marginalized students, sharing viral classroom moments, and finding peace in the kitchen, Heart Soul Joy offers an authentic voice for teachers seeking connection, encouragement, and purpose. Whether through thoughtful blog posts, podcast episodes, or mouthwatering soul food recipes, Jennifer shares her journey with honesty and resilience, reminding educators that their work matters, their voices deserve to be heard, and joy can often be found in a warm meal shared with others. Join a growing community that believes in the power of storytelling, advocacy, and rediscovering joy—one post at a time.
