JANEEN BROWN
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS.
I started my first business as I was tired of working 16 hour days for a company that did not appreciate me as an employee and what I brought to the table. I was overseeing a large team and realized I was good at overseeing a large group of people and could do this same job working for myself.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Straight out of university, I worked for one of the top media companies in Canada and worked my way up to a management role within 3 years, learning all of the ins and outs of the industry. While still working a demanding full-time job, I launched Jeluxxe Lifestyle Solutions - an employee concierge startup and took the full-time entrepreneurial route in early 2018. From one start up to the next, I then started a balloon boutique franchise - which now has three locations within Canada and the US. I am also the founder of a non-profit for young women. I've recently registered the holding company J Brown Group of Companies as the subsidiary company for all of my current companies and future ventures.
WHAT WAS ONE HIGH POINT FOR YOU?
A high point for me was getting into the Harvard for their Leadership Development Program. After deferring my acceptance the first time due to the cost, I was beyond ecstatic to receive a grant to attend HBS.
WAS THERE EVER A SITUATION WHERE YOU WANTED TO GIVE UP? AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THAT (YOUR A-HA MOMENT)?:
Yes, there have been few but one of the most recent ones was having to deal with employees that were "forgetting" to add drop off dates to our calendar and not fulfilling jobs. Which I didn't find out until recently when a customer reached and explained their experience and difficulties with some of my staff. I'm recovering from this "failure" currently but I've used this as a learning curve especially when hiring.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A B.A.B.E.?
I love that I've made new friends and business contacts that I will carry with me for a lifetime
TELL ME 3 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU.
I'm vegan.
I'm obsessed with Minnie Mouse.
I'm extremely introverted.
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE US?
Do not give up, no matter how bad it seems or how long it's taking to reach your goal.