Starting Over with Confidence: A Conversation with Mind & Body Coach Jennifer Vinges
In a recent episode of Grit Won’t Quit, host Tom Mirabella sat down with Jennifer Vinges, a Mind & Body Coach who’s redefining what it means to start over, especially for women over 40. Their conversation was equal parts inspiring and practical, touching on personal growth, entrepreneurship, aging with confidence, and how small consistent habits can lead to life-changing results.
Whether you’re pivoting careers, launching a new business, or trying to reconnect with yourself in a new season of life, Jennifer’s story offers a powerful reminder that transformation doesn’t come all at once—but it does come when you stay committed.
The Power of Starting Small
Jennifer’s journey from corporate insurance and personal training to building her own wellness brand didn’t happen overnight. In fact, one of the most memorable insights from the episode was her belief in the power of five minutes a day.
She shared that her upcoming book, H3O: Hacks for Health and Happiness One Habit at a Time, was written in just five-minute daily increments. That same approach is something she applies to her coaching: small, repeatable actions that, over time, lead to big results.
“Everything I ask of my clients is less than five minutes,” Jennifer explained. “You do five minutes a day, and your life is going to change.”
Coaching the Mind and Body—At Any Age
Jennifer works primarily with women over 40, helping them reconnect with their bodies and rewrite the internal stories that often hold them back. As she shared on the podcast, we have 60,000 to 70,000 thoughts a day—and 90% of them are the same as the day before. Her mission is to help clients interrupt those patterns and create space for something new.
“I help women over 50 rewrite their story,” she said. “Because when people are sad, they’re often telling the same story over and over again in their head.”
Her coaching addresses all areas of life: physical fitness, mindset, hydration, sleep, nutrition, emotional wellness, and community. Her goal? To help clients age with strength, energy, and unwavering confidence.
Entrepreneurship, Grit, and the Journey Forward
Jennifer and Tom bonded over the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship—how it demands adaptability, a deep sense of purpose, and the willingness to evolve.
“You have to know your why,” Jennifer emphasized. “And that why can change. Mine has.”
She opened up about the challenges of investing in her business, launching a book, and shifting from personal trainer to full-scale wellness coach. There were tough decisions, sacrifices, and moments of doubt—but she never quit. Even when friends and family questioned her vision, she trusted herself and her journey.
“You have to take bold action,” she said. “If it’s scary, you probably need to do it.”
Community, Connection, and a New Kind of Leadership
Jennifer also touched on her passion for empowering women—and how confidence becomes a catalyst for so much more. She works with clients in their 70s and 80s who are now thriving, living independently, and embracing the aging process with joy.
“When you’re feeling confident, you’re feeling your best,” she said. “And when you’re at your best, you do better for everyone around you.”
Tom echoed this sentiment, highlighting the many strong women leading departments at his company, Wingman Planning. “There’s nothing women can’t do,” he added.
Writing the Next Chapter—Literally and Figuratively
Jennifer’s first book, H3O, will be available in Fall 2025. It serves as an owner’s manual for living your best life with practical tools on mindset, sleep, nutrition, and more.
She’s also working on her next book—Cringle’s Adventures—a children’s story told through the lens of her rescue dog, Cringle, designed to teach kids about life, discipline, and wellness.
Final Thoughts: Rewriting Your Story Starts Today
This episode of Grit Won’t Quit is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, seeking deeper purpose, or simply wanting to feel better in their own skin. Jennifer reminds us that it’s never too late to begin again—and that the most meaningful transformations often begin with something as small as five minutes of consistent action.
“You are meant to do what you are doing,” she said. “Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.”
Connect with Jennifer at jennifervinges.com.
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
