Another edition of Maria Pinto’s Spotlight Series, In Her Own Words, is here. Each month, we feature the dynamic, stylish, and powerful women who inspire us daily. This month’s spotlight features – Jeanine Bentley, Assistant Director in the technology space at Northwestern Mutual and owner of her own Irish Dance Academy, Bentley Academy of Irish Dance.
Jeanine is wearing the Artemisia Mini Tunic in Cortona.
What was your path to getting where you are today?
In short, lots of determination and drive. My grandma told my parents when I was about
2 years old that she had never met a more diligent child, and she raised 12 children!
I throw myself into everything I do and I never give up on myself even when I have fallen. I’m also a vision person and if I can see it and feel it inside, I know I can make it happen.
How do you create a work-life balance for yourself?
I am a worker, so I probably don’t have a good ‘balance’ according to some, but I feel so fulfilled in my work.
What do you love and appreciate about being a woman?
I love this question. I love being in a position to be a positive female leader at Northwestern Mutual and be a mentor to future women in leadership roles in finance and tech. Through dance, I get to be a strong female role model for all my dancers and all genders. They can see that women can achieve their dreams, be leaders, be influencers, be happy and be confident.
How would you describe your personal style?
Urban Chic with lots of athleisure built in since I’m always at dance class.
Jeanine is wearing the Katri Top and Millicent Pant in Viola.
What’s important to you when you’re buying clothing?
I have to feel like ‘Jeanine’ first and foremost, and sometimes that means pushing the envelope a little bit (wearing something that isn’t the trend, or something that is bright/bold). I like to be just a little different but still feel comfortable in my clothing.
What are you watching, reading, and/or listening to right now?
I am always watching British shows - huge britbox fan. From British comedy, to murder mysteries, I cannot get enough. I am listening to Cat Burns a lot lately. Her voice is so smooth and her melodies are up beat.
How do you take care of yourself?
It’s difficult to fit in time for ‘Jeanine’ with being a leader at NM of 30 people and running a dance school of 100 dancers in two locations…but I do race triathlons and that is very important for my mental, physical, and emotional health. I have a half ironman coming up this weekend. I also spend a lot of time with my family. They are my life source.
If you could live anywhere (and money is no object), where would you choose?
In the heart of London. I love this city so much, but I want to retire in the countryside in Ireland and bring my family with me.
Best gift you ever received?
My family had t-shirts made for Christmas one year. I was about to open Bentley Academy and just finalized my logo. They surprised me with an entire box full of t-shirts and they all put them on and came into the room wearing my logo! I burst into tears. I’ll never forget how much they believed in me.
Jeanine is wearing the Taka Dress in Black and the Soho Belt.
What are some of your favorite features of the Maria Pinto collection?
The materials set it apart for me. I love how it’s travel friendly, movement friendly, and SO flattering on all body types. She mixes comfort and function with fashion in such a unique way. She has these staple pieces that will last a lifetime AND I can pair them with so many things I already have in my closet.
What are your favorite Maria Pinto pieces? Why?
I have the mini tunic in the Iwaki print and I am obsessed with it. It’s like a high fashion sweatshirt! The print is so awesome - it’s just what I want in my closet - something I can wear with jeans or leggings but isn’t something you see every day.
Photo Credit: Special thanks to Ana Miyares for the stunning photography.