Hey there, Boss Moms! Welcome back to a space where we firmly believe you can nurture both your business and your family—and feel good while doing it. No guilt, no overwhelm—just a community ready to support you every step of the way.
Today, I’m thrilled to dive into a powerful conversation with Jacqui Letran, an award-winning author, teen confidence expert, and former nurse practitioner. With over 20 years of experience, Jacqui has made it her mission to empower teens, especially girls, to build confidence, overcome anxiety, and step into their worth. Her work feels more critical now than ever, as self-esteem struggles, anxiety, and depression are on the rise.
Let’s explore how Jacqui’s journey, expertise, and incredible books are helping teens rewrite their stories—and what we as moms can learn along the way.
From Teen Mom to Confidence Advocate: Jacqui’s Transformational Journey
Jacqui’s story begins with a powerful life event that shaped her future. At just 16, she found herself unexpectedly pregnant—a revelation that came with its share of fear, shame, and life-altering decisions. Facing societal judgment and grappling with her own emotions, Jacqui’s world shifted dramatically when she became a mom.
But as she held her son for the first time, she experienced a moment of clarity: this tiny human depended on her entirely. That love and responsibility propelled her forward, pushing her to earn her GED, pursue her education, and become a nurse practitioner.
Jacqui’s early experiences didn’t just guide her professionally—they lit a fire to help other young people who might feel as lost or unsupported as she once did.
Why Teens Need Confidence (And How Jacqui Letran Delivers)
It’s no secret that today’s teens face immense pressure—from academic stress and social media comparisons to navigating a world that often feels uncertain. Jacqui recognized that these challenges couldn’t always be solved with a prescription pad.
While practicing medicine, Jacqui felt torn. Instead of empowering teens, she saw how traditional approaches often reinforced dependency on medication and external solutions. That realization sparked her shift to holistic methods like hypnosis, emotional freedom techniques (EFT), and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).
Her award-winning book series, Words of Wisdom for Teens, has since become a beacon for young people struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. The series, which has earned 18 awards, is a must-read for any teen—or parent—looking to nurture emotional resilience.
How Parents Can Support Confident Teens
Jacqui’s insights don’t just apply to teens—they’re invaluable for us as moms, too. Here are three takeaways that stood out from our conversation:
- Teach Self-Love First: One of Jacqui’s core messages is that self-love isn’t selfish—it’s foundational. The better we know and care for ourselves, the more we can pour into our kids. This reminder isn’t just for teens; it’s for us, too.
- Look Beyond the Symptoms: Instead of just addressing outward behaviors like anxiety or low confidence, dig deeper. What’s causing the struggle? How can we provide emotional tools instead of quick fixes?
- Model Resilience: Whether you’re building a business or navigating tough parenting moments, your kids are watching. Showing them how you handle setbacks, pursue your passions, and prioritize your well-being sends a powerful message about what’s possible.
Why Jacqui’s Work Matters (Especially for Boss Moms)
As Boss Moms, many of us juggle careers, businesses, and parenting. We know that the way we engage with our children shapes their worldview. Jacqui’s work reminds us that helping teens feel loved, valued, and capable starts with the support they receive at home—and extends to the resources they access.
Whether you’re raising a teenager now or preparing for that stage in the future, Jacqui’s books and methods are invaluable tools. She’s not just pulling teens out of emotional struggles; she’s addressing the root causes to help them thrive long-term.
Why Emotional Strength Matters for Teens (and Parents!)
Raising teens is no easy feat. They’re at a pivotal stage of developing their identity and grappling with emotions and beliefs about themselves and the world around them. Jackie’s books are geared toward empowering teens to understand their minds, build confidence, and navigate their feelings.
She explains that everything starts with our thoughts. If teens—and parents—don’t learn how to manage their inner dialogue, they risk becoming reactive rather than proactive. By teaching teens how to understand and reframe their self-talk, Jackie gives them tools for lifelong emotional resilience.
“I wrote the books I needed as a teenager,” Jackie shares. “We all need a manual for the mind. Without it, we’re left to guess, and that’s where we get stuck.”
What Teens Need Most: Tools for Confidence and Connection
Jackie’s books focus on helping teens shift their mindset, manage their emotions, and reframe negative beliefs. Here’s a breakdown of her top three books for teen girls:
1. Five Simple Steps to Manage Your Mood
This book dives into practical tools for handling big emotions like anger, frustration, or self-doubt. Jackie guides teens through five simple questions they can ask themselves to move out of negative thought spirals and into a more balanced emotional state.
2. I Would, But My Damn Mind Won’t Let Me
A bestseller for good reason, this book is a beginner’s guide to understanding how the brain works. Jackie breaks down the basics of mindset in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. Teens learn how to identify limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering thoughts.
3. Jumpstart Your Confidence
Centered around seven inner superpowers, this book teaches teens how to unlock their hidden strengths to conquer fear and self-doubt. Jackie emphasizes that we’re all born with these abilities, but we often don’t recognize or use them effectively.
The Power of Incremental Change: Why Affirmations (Done Right) Work
Jackie has a nuanced take on affirmations, pointing out why they don’t always work and how to make them effective. She explains:
“Affirmations can backfire if they feel too far from what you believe. Saying, ‘I’m amazing,’ when you don’t feel that way creates internal resistance. Instead, soften your affirmations. Start with, ‘I’m willing to believe I could be amazing,’ and build from there.”
This approach aligns with the idea of small, incremental changes that add up over time. Parents can use this same principle to model growth for their kids, showing them that transformation is a process, not an overnight achievement.
Supporting Moms: Creating the Right Environment for Growth
Jackie recognizes that a teen’s emotional well-being is heavily influenced by their environment—primarily their parents. That’s why she’s working on new resources for moms to empower themselves and support their kids.
These tools will help moms:
- Build their own emotional resilience.
- Learn how to model healthy communication and mindset practices.
- Foster deeper trust and connection with their teens.
“If we want to change the way our teens see themselves and the world, we have to start with the environment we create at home. Parents need to feel empowered too,” Jackie says.
Permission to Live Your Truth: Jacqui’s Life on Her Own Terms
One of the most inspiring aspects of Jackie’s journey is how she’s created a life aligned with her values. She lives in a motorhome with her husband, five cats, and a dog—choosing freedom and happiness over societal expectations.
Her message? You don’t have to live the way the world tells you to. Happiness is a choice, and it starts with defining what matters most to you.
“Live however you want. Do whatever makes you happy. When you’re happy, the world is a better place for it.”
Where to Find Jacqui Letran and Her Books
If you’re ready to empower the teens in your life—or yourself—you can find Jackie’s books on Amazon or visit her website: jacquiletran.com.
Books Mentioned:
- Five Simple Steps to Manage Your Mood
- I Would, But My Damn Mind Won’t Let Me
- Jumpstart Your Confidence
Final Thoughts: Building a Happier Next Generation
Jackie’s work reminds us that empowering the next generation starts with understanding and connection. Whether it’s through teaching teens to manage their emotions or helping parents model confidence and resilience, the impact of these tools can ripple outward, creating a happier, healthier world.
Takeaway: Small, intentional steps—whether it’s softening an affirmation or learning to manage your mood—can transform not only your life but also the lives of those around you.
Ready to create a better tomorrow? Start by picking up one of Jackie’s books and taking the first step today.
Guest Bio
Jacqui Letran is an Award-Winning Author, Nurse Practitioner, and Teen Confidence Expert with over 20 years of experience guiding youth to optimal physical and mental health. Her multi-award-winning book series, Words of Wisdom for Teens has earned eighteen awards and is regarded as a “must-read” collection of books for teens and young adults struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression.
To connect with Jacqui, visit her: Website | Instagram.com | Facebook | Linkedin
And to find out more about her Words of Wisdom for Teens book series, go here.
April 2, 2021
