The Brand

Salt:  “that which gives liveliness, freshness, or piquancy to a person’s character, life, etc.” Oxford English Dictionary 

Welcome to my lifestyle blog! My name is Jen Oliak, and I’m a mother in my high 40’s who wants to help you “flavor your life.”

You’re an active woman who loves new ideas on living fully and looking good while doing it! You believe a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. You love to laugh but equally love a touching movie that makes you cry. You live with gratitude and a zest for life. Always a student, you believe in continually learning new ways to grow into the best version of yourself.

A little about me – I grew up an East Coaster (from Maryland) in a not-so-typical family.  My dad died when I was nine, and as a result, my family struggled.  Due to many factors, my mom wasn’t around much while I grew up. 

As a young girl, I watched the world around me and saw what was possible. I dreamt of how I would shape my life to make those possibilities my reality. Growing up on my own fueled my determination and ambition to create the life I wanted.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Maryland, College Park. But I was so focused on getting a job after undergrad; I had no life during college. I then spent my 20’s working hard in my professional career in New York City as a CPA and corporate restructuring consultant for large firms.

Continuing to further my career, I started Northwestern’s Kellogg MBA program.  Love changed things, and I left the program to follow my soon-to-be husband to California.  My 30’s were focused on figuring out how motherhood works along with helping my husband set up and run his medical practice.

When I turned 40, I felt like I could breathe a little easier. The fog of trying to be Superwoman and juggling so many things at once lifted. My perspective started to shift, and I found myself more centered. 

I wasn’t so hard on myself to be the perfect mom, the perfect wife, or the perfect woman. Once I let go of my expectations, I was able to live more authentically. With this, though, came a rude awakening in my marriage which I never thought would break. Continually evolving, I am now an almost 50 single woman who is excited for my new life chapter. 

My purpose for this blog is to share my ideas for living an inspired life, through the sunny days as well as the storms. Take a look around. If you find the information helpful, I’d love to send you new posts as they’re published. Thank you for being here!

Ps. During this blogging journey, I started a jewelry line Ounce of Salt Jewelry to reconnect to my family’s roots. It is my happy place, and where I feel most connected to myself. I hope you find info that resonates. 

Flavor your Life with an Ounce of Salt. A lifestyle blog by Jen Oliak.

Reach me at [email protected].