An Inspiring Journey of Resilience, Purpose, and Renewal

At just 31 years old, Jennifer Rose Goldman’s world came crashing down. A massive stroke left her in a coma—just days before her birthday. What could have been the end became a powerful new beginning.

A 2013 graduate of Skidmore College with a joint degree in religion and philosophy, Jennifer had already made a name for herself as the founder and CEO of Essential Rose, an aromatherapy beauty brand born in her dorm room. Her mission? To promote inner beauty through mindful self-care. She also created and taught her signature six-week course Lead Your Life, encouraging others to live with intention, clarity, and courage.

Jennifer is deeply passionate about spirituality and continues to explore healing practices that nourish the soul. In this exclusive Pump It Up Magazine interview, she opens up about her extraordinary journey—from total collapse to emotional rebirth—and how love, family, and fierce inner strength helped her rise again.

Her voice is raw. Her spirit is unshakable. Her story is one you won’t forget.

Interview with Jennifer Rose Goldman

Pump It Up Magazine: Waking up from a coma after such a life-altering event must’ve been overwhelming. What was going through your heart and mind at that time?

Jennifer Rose Goldman: I was not conscious for the first 10 days, and was in and out of consciousness for the first 3 months. When I became more aware of what happened, I was honestly grateful to be alive. My sister thought I was crazy for feeling grateful. She couldn’t understand how after something so unfair happened I could be so positive. But I truly felt that way. As I became more aware of my reality and realized all of my deficits – my speech and cognition, inability to walk, total lack of peripheral vision, I became despairing. But no matter how down I get, I never stay down for too long. I refuse to wallow.

Pump It Up Magazine: May is Stroke Awareness Month, and your story brings powerful attention to the reality that strokes can happen at any age. What does this month mean to you personally, and what message do you hope people take away from your journey?

Jennifer Rose Goldman: Strokes can happen at any age and stage of life. Although in my case there is nothing I could have done to prevent it, there are certain things people can look for. An acronym often used in the stroke community is BE FAST. Balance loss, Eyesight changes (blurriness, double vision, loss of vision), Face drooping or numbness, Arm weakness or numbness, Speech problems (slurred speech, difficulty understanding or speaking), Time to call 911. I hope when people hear about my journey they recognize that no matter how dark life can get, you always have a choice. You can either be a victim to your circumstances and say “poor me” or you can choose to respond to life from a place of awareness and empowerment. 

Pump It Up Magazine: Recovery is often filled with both struggle and small victories. What were some turning points that helped you push forward?

Jennifer Rose Goldman: The biggest victory in my recovery journey has been transitioning from a wheelchair to a walker. When I first was able to do that consistently, it was a game changer. All of a sudden I became independent. Mind you, I have no peripheral vision still so I need someone close enough by where if I have an issue they can assist me, but it was a major step in the right direction. I am very grateful that I was able to make that switch.

Pump It Up Magazine: You co-wrote your memoir with your mother, which is incredibly powerful. What was it like to share this journey together through writing?

Jennifer Rose Goldman: Writing our book was an incredibly intimate and cathartic experience for us both. We started writing pretty soon after I regained consciousness. At that time I couldn’t understand why everyone was so traumatized. I was fortunate enough to have missed the entire thing. She would fill me in on things that happened in the hospital that I was not conscious of. I was so sad to hear about how traumatized my whole family had been by the experience. We got to process the events together. We cried together. We laughed together. It brought us closer together in a way that the rest of my family didn’t get to experience.

Pump It Up Magazine: As a wellness advocate, how has your definition of self-care evolved since your stroke?

Jennifer Rose Goldman: My definition of self-care has more or less stayed the same. The time you take for yourself to do anything, whether it’s in meditation, working out, or even playing a musical instrument, can be self care if your intention is to carve out sacred time for self connection. 

Pump It Up Magazine:You’ve shared how your journey led you to find love again. How has that relationship supported your healing and sense of purpose?

Jennifer Rose Goldman: I am very happy about my relationship and so thankful to have found love at such a vulnerable time in my life. My ex and I broke up about 3 years after my stroke. I don’t blame him. He was also incredibly traumatized by the events that took place. Then I found Ted. He has been so compassionate, caring, and non judgmental. It’s really been such a blessing to have him in my life. He brings joy to my day and puts a smile on my face.

Pump It Up Magazine:If you could send a message to someone currently facing trauma or adversity, what would you tell them from the heart?

Jennifer Rose Goldman: Keep going. Your story is never fully written. The pen remains in your hands until you take your last breath. You are the author of your story. Even the circumstances you didn’t necessarily choose for yourself, it’s your choice how to perceive them.

Jennifer’s journey is more than a survival story—it’s a masterclass in resilience. Whether you’re battling through your own storm or know someone who is, her words offer hope and healing.

📘 Website: www.inthefaceofcatastrophe.com
📷 Instagram: @jenniferrosegoldman
📺 TV Interview: Watch here

When a stroke leaves Jenn comatose and clinging to life just days before her thirty-first birthday, she and her family face an overwhelming and painful journey. As they struggle to grasp what happened, to move forward and heal, they discover an unexpected gift: how to be present in times of uncertainty while holding onto hope and the power of family and community to sustain them through these challenging times.

Structured as diary entries, this poignant memoir shares memories from each family member as they walk together through this profoundly life-changing event, grapple with grief, and learn to look for silver linings: gratitude, intentional time together, and the closeness of family and friends to help them heal. Even before her stroke these values were ingrained in Jenn. She was a motivational speaker on wellness and self-care, created her own content, and taught a six-week course called “Lead Your Life.”

Currently, she and her family share a very personal and intimate time of their lives in the hope that those who are struggling with similar experiences of loss and change will find connection, solace, and the courage to overcome even the greatest challenges.

👉 Grab her inspiring memoir: In the Face of Catastrophe

👉 Read more motivational stories at: Pump It Up Magazine

Don’t forget to share this with someone who needs a reminder that miracles are real—and that rock bottom can be the start of something beautiful.