Meet Kara Jensen | Outdoor Enthusiast, Conservationist. Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kara Jensen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kara, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Perseverance! I have been told ‘it can’t be done’, my efforts sabotaged, experienced major setbacks, and my growth plateaued when I followed bad advice, I’ve had unforeseen expenses, and unfulfilled commitments from supposed supporters and just oddball behavior from connections!

The trick is being clear on the actual event that happened and not the story I could tell about myself on why that event happened. It can be so much easier to give up and just say “it wasn’t meant for me” or “I’m just not cut out for that” and move on to something else. I’ve been tempted and I may have backed off some at times but there is a passion and belief in what I am doing that I know is valuable, important and needed!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2005 my life started off in a completely different direction. I was introduced to the world of conservation, wildlife and outdoor spaces in a way I had never experienced before. Starting out as just a new interest and a hobby has morphed into a full career and lifestyle change!

When I was younger I never would have guessed I would be running a non-profit. Especially one that is geared toward benefiting kids and young people by helping families improve relationships and reconnecting them to nature. So many kids today don’t know that vegetables grow in the ground, some don’t even know what a trout is. They have never seen wildlife outside of a Disney movie, and think the depictions on the screen represent normal behavior of wild animals! Just look at some of the crazy things people do in Yellowstone!

I have run into many challenges throughout my life. Some just annoying or disappointing and some devastating. It has never been easy. Again, it’s knowing how to separate the reality of the situation and what meaning I could create about myself in response to what happened. It is easier said than done, but it can be done!

One of the activities that can help with any resetting of my head is is my artwork! I create art and useful items out of dried cactus and other natural elements such as stones, antlers, fur and dried flowers. I even upcycle furniture with cholla or saguaro! Saguaro boots are my favorite thing to work with, I’ve created planters, bowls and other items from them. I have an online store I am creating and sell at the Maricopa County Home Shows and some art/farmers markets.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not much for clubs or crowded venues. I would more than likely take someone to World Wildlife Zoo, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center or Tyrannostorus in Mesa while in town. If it were a weeklong visit we would be road tripping across the state to a lot of remote places to view incredible vistas, petroglyphs, wildlife and the surprising rivers that run through the desert!

There is a cool coffee shop/plant store on Grand Ave in Phoenix called Pueblo Life that is a little oasis with great coffee that is a great retreat!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A couple of people that have been influential have unfortunately passed away. One would be Rich Glinski, a renowned field ornithologist here in Arizona. Another would be a later-in-life mentor of mine Dusty Mosier. Both saw more in me than I sometimes could see. When I slip into any sort of frustration I think of them and find the strength to keep on going!

I also have a coach, Kym Shanna from Canada who is all about overcoming destructive patterns and beliefs.

Website: https://beoutdoorsarizona.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamedcactus