Conversations with Jenna Cosentino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Cosentino.

Hi Jenna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in a small town in Upstate New York and graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2019 with a degree in Strategic Communications and Digital Media. Shortly after, I relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina and I’ve called it home ever since!

Growing up, I struggled with self-image and often found myself comparing my life to others, wondering why things didn’t feel the same for me. Deep down, I always knew I was meant for more than the limiting beliefs I held about myself I just didn’t know what that “more” looked like. It wasn’t until my senior year of college that I truly started working on myself and prioritizing my growth. That’s when I began my journey into health, fitness, and wellness and everything began to shift.
Falling in love with fitness and nutrition completely changed my life. Over the past five years, my journey has been anything but linear. There have been twists, turns, setbacks, and moments of redirection but every step has brought me closer to where I am today.

In late 2024, I launched my podcast, Better Than Yesterday a space for real talk, mindset shifts, and becoming the strongest version of yourself, one day at a time. Each episode is designed to help listeners grow mentally, emotionally, and physically by building better habits and showing up for themselves with consistency. In addition to my podcast, I also create content on TikTok and Instagram, where I share day-in-the-life vlogs, health and fitness tips, and fashion inspiration.

My mission is to inspire and empower women to build confidence, discipline, and a strong mindset through fitness, wellness, and personal growth. By sharing my own journey, I hope to show others that transformation is possible when you commit to becoming just 1% better every day.

Right now, I’m gearing up to launch Season 2 of the podcast in summer 2025, while also pursuing my Nutrition Certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. My long-term goal is to launch a coaching program where I can help both women and men become the healthiest and most confident versions of themselves.
Outside of my creative pursuits, I work full-time in Construction Marketing a role that has become one of the biggest blessings in my life. I’ve developed a true passion for the industry and love being behind the scenes, learning about upcoming projects and witnessing the growth and transformation of the beautiful city I live in.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road and I don’t think growth ever is. My journey has been filled with self-doubt, comparison, setbacks, and seasons of feeling completely lost. There were times when I questioned my purpose, my path, and whether I was even capable of becoming the person I envisioned.

One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the mental roadblocks I had built over the years limiting beliefs that made me feel like I wasn’t enough or that I didn’t have what it takes. Learning to quiet that inner critic, build confidence, and take action even when I was scared was a huge part of my transformation.

I’ve also had to learn how to balance a full-time job with chasing my passions outside of work. That means early mornings, late nights, and sacrificing comfort for the sake of growth. There have been moments of burnout and feeling like I was pouring into everything but myself but through it all, I’ve stayed committed to becoming better than I was yesterday.

Every struggle has taught me something and made me stronger. The bumps in the road are what shaped my resilience and gave me the mindset I have today and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When I first moved to Raleigh, finding a full-time job wasn’t easy. I started by waitressing at a small family-owned restaurant in Cary, working long afternoons and nights just to make ends meet. Eventually, I landed a full-time role in customer service for a chemical company in Mebane, NC, which meant commuting over an hour each way. While there, I started as a Customer Service representative and eventually worked my way up to a Customer Service Lead, managing a team of five.

Even while working in customer service, I never let go of my passion for creativity. I took on marketing responsibilities whenever I could, acting as a one-woman marketing team and building a portfolio that would eventually open doors for me. In late 2021, I made a pivot into Construction Marketing and truthfully, I almost didn’t even pursue the interview because I thought, “Why would I want to work in construction?” Now I laugh at that thought, because it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Today, I work for an incredible construction company here in Raleigh, where I specialize in marketing, branding, and proposal development. I get to combine storytelling with strategy highlighting our projects, our people, and the positive impact we’re making in our community. Whether I’m crafting proposals, developing social media content, or throwing on my hard hat to visit our job sites, I love every part of being involved in building the future of this city.

What I’m most proud of is the growth I’ve experienced from waitressing to now thriving in a career I genuinely love, while also building my personal brand and podcast outside of work. What sets me apart is my drive, my ability to wear multiple hats, and my passion for both creativity and connection. I don’t just show up I pour my heart into everything I do, and I think that shines through in both my professional and personal life.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Oh gosh, this is such a fun question! I grew up with two older brothers, which definitely made my childhood exciting and full of adventure. I always looked up to them and wanted to do everything they did. If they were skateboarding, I was (at least trying to) skateboard too. In the winter, we’d pack snow on our front steps and turn it into a mini sledding hill. They’ve made a huge impact on my life whether they realize it or not.

It’s hard to pinpoint just one favorite memory because my childhood was filled with so many moments I cherish. From family vacations and summer camp to nightly dinners and days at the lake, I look back with so much gratitude. I was lucky to grow up in a loving, close-knit family, and that bond has only grown stronger as we’ve gotten older. My childhood gave me so many core memories and a foundation of love and support that I carry with me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://betterthanyesterday.buzzsprout.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennar.cosentino/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennacosentino/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennar.cosentino