Who is better equipped to handle life changes, such as divorce, death of a spouse, job loss or illness, a career mom or a stay-at-home mom?
That was the question posed in a Rachael Ray Show segment, which is part of a 24-show series of five-minute vignettes about women’s issues.
The productions are the brainchild of local entertainment producer Lea Haben-Woodford, of Scottsdale, owner of Smartfem Entertainment TV Productions.
Jill Batista, aesthetician and massage therapist, at Cosmos Salon and Day Spa, was chosen for the initial production interview. She had undergone a divorce and had to make big changes in her life and the lives of her two children. Her sister Laura Batista helped coordinate the video shoot.
In the documentary-style interview, Jill revealed that the family suffered a significant lifestyle change when going from two incomes to budgeting for two separate households. “It was a long five-year transition to get where I am now—working in a top salon like Cosmos,” Jill said. “My biggest blessing was that I had had a career before, and was able to keep my career throughout my marriage. I had been a massage therapist before I had my children. Then, after the divorce, I went back to school to further my education by becoming an aesthetician. So, I was able to keep my family afloat.”
Despite the challenges she faced, Jill said she wouldn’t do anything different. “It made me who I am,” she admitted.
Asked about her advice to other young women, Jill said, “Get your education, ladies, and make sure you are doing something you are passionate about.” And as she held back tears, she said, “Also, when you choose to bring a partner into your life, make sure it is a partner who supports you and what you do.”
According to Lea, a recent survey parallels Jill’s feelings by indicating that women who stayed in the workforce during marriage fared better if divorce or a spouse’s death disrupted the family.
“The series on the Rachael Ray Show, like the one we did about Jill, will be content-driven, documentary-style pieces intended to highlight issues of special interest to women,” Lea said.
To find out when the segment will air on the Rachael Ray Show, visit www.Smartfem.com and www.facebook.com/smartfemaz.
To make an appointment with Jill, call Cosmos Salon and Day Spa at (480) 844-0707. Cosmos is located at the northeast corner of Power and McDowell roads in The Village at Las Sendas.