Jenni Foster lives life outdoors; whether that’s off-grid on the water, waking up in a van beneath the hills, or bike-packing into the unknown with little more than what she can carry. A filmmaker, storyteller and one of the women featured in our "On Our Terms" film, Jenni has helped bring our campaign to life and, has become an ambassador for FINDRA in the process.
Hi, please tell everyone where you are based and what you do!
I live off-grid, either on the water or living a nomadic van life, typically UK-based with project-specific trips across Europe. I’ve chosen this way of life for the freedom and for the feeling of being in tune with nature; waking up to ducks landing on your deck, sensing from the air that it’s time to take shelter, or watching first light and birdsong stream into your pop-top. That’s my version of divine. In this lifestyle, all four seasons really mean something.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve shaped my life around combining my love for the outdoors with making a living, rather than waiting for the weekends. I’ve developed my skills in storytelling through videography; meeting amazing people, travelling for work, and finding a creative flow both behind the lens and in the editing suite. My passion for bringing like-minded people’s aspirations to life through film is growing stronger all the time.
What’s your favorite way to spend time outdoors?
I think I’ve got to say bike-packing. The scope of where you can go, the immersiveness of camping wild in new, unknown spots each night and the resourcefulness you need in that time due to travelling so light… this is my jam. Throw in like-minded gals and you won't get the smile off my face! But this also competes with van life evenings, a group of friends chilling to music as the sun sets and the campfires start to crackle - smores are compulsory.
Can you share your favourite, memorable outdoor adventure or experience?
My gosh it’s so hard to choose one… I think it’d have to be my first bikepacking trip with my now husband on a borrowed bike, a 1.5man tent and so much rain you couldn't write it! This was our first real “date”. Make or break right?!! We cycled from Durham up to Perth to revive my 1975 VW beetle and drive it back down!
Haggis on a bbq, wash downs fully clothed with a campsite hose, steamy laundrettes, waking up to golf balls whooshing past as we’d pitched our tent on a golf course unknowingly and so many more fun memories, but the main thing was just letting go, going with the flow, being resourceful, getting mud under my nails and just loving life!
But this is closely followed by a chapter that I hold accountable for a lot of good things in my life and that was when I worked at Berghaus. So many great experiences! But the best part for me was what we called “Boobs on Trail”! 6 of us girls would leave work 4pm, load up our bags full of sleeping gear, sausages, wine, firewood and marshmallows and run/trot into the hills and to a bothy for the night. Fire on, cook up a storm, drink until merry, fall asleep laughing and run back to the cars at the crack of dawn the following morning, rolling into work smelling of campfires. Honestly the best times!!
How do you manage to find a balance between being active and life’s other responsibilities i.e. work and family?
I try to combine work with my passions as I’ve found this the best way to find this balance. Remote work allows you to be a lot more flexible in location etc. Working by a lochside one day, to outside a climbing wall the next to in your favourite cafe is perfect for me; variety is the spice of life. I also revel in the 5am mornings. I just love the feeling of being outdoors before the majority of the world has kick started, it’s like stealing time.
Is there anyone in particular that inspired your love of the outdoors?
I was lucky enough to grow up in a small village in the countryside on the edge of the Highlands, with hills behind the house, lochs a short drive and adventures every weekend. I have my parents to thank for this.
What role does nature play in your mental well-being?
Being out in nature definitely keeps my cup full, there's no doubt about that, especially with other people, where energy flows between us all! But when I really think about it, I want to choose growth over comfort, and I find being close to nature and spending a lot of my time outdoors helps with this. Being outdoors means less sofa time. I never watch TV, don't take long lies or have late nights. This gives me the energy and drive to expand my horizons more and more rather than settle for the norm, and this I treasure.
What’s the one piece of gear or clothing you never leave home without on an outdoor trip?
I’m a layering queen, and love to be cosy. I have a super thin, insulated jacket; no hood, no pockets, just a magic layer with a zip that packs up tiny and goes on under anything. I pack it in my running vest, in my bar bag or my backpack! It’s even found its way into my handbag for a city trip! You can take the girl out of the outdoors but you can't take the outdoors out of the girl.
When did you discover FINDRA?
I was lucky enough to have a good friend who worked for FINDRA but I tell you what, once you step foot in the Innerleithan Cafe/shop… you’ll be addicted, the vibe, the people - the brand is simply lush!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Oh my gosh there are so many! But this I love:
“There are only two people in this world you need to make proud… your 8 year old self; full of wonder and who once dreamed without limits and your 80 year old self; who will either smile at the risks you took or regret the chances you let pass by you”.
And a recent one that’s sat with me…
“Once you decide that you want to have a good life, life will start getting good”.
On writing this blog, what do you feel is the key motivational or inspirational message you would like to highlight to our followers that would inspire them to get outdoors more.
From my experience, I’d say that it may seem such a stretch at the time or things are never aligned for it but I’d say you will NEVER regret filling your cup! So make the push to get out and do it. You’ll thank yourself later.
Sunday Inspiration
Llama Drama By Anna McNuff This book was a wonderful fun and easy read and reminded me that adventure doesn't have to be perfect or planned, you just have to say yes and start.
Favourite Affirmation
Favourite Song
Macy Gray - Beauty in the World
This is so random but it reminds me of a special memory of running 50miles along Hadrian's wall with my Dad and I think it has such a good message too: Happiness can come from choosing to notice and embrace beauty.
