Inspirational Woman: Jennifer Yong | Founder of Jenius Social

Jennifer-Yong-high-res-photographer-Sam-AwadTell us a bit about yourself, background and what you do currently

My name is Jennifer and I’m the founder of Jenius Social, a social food hub aimed at connecting people through food. Jenius Social is social hub that runs food related activities from cookery classes to food and drink masterclasses to supper clubs.

I worked in the city for 13 years before I had a light bulb moment and left to pursue the dream of starting my own business.

I would have opened a fish shop. I always wanted to be a fishmonger… seriously!

Why did you start your business?

I wanted to do something I was passionate about – I love food and I love socialising and meeting new people. I couldn’t find a place that did a vast range of food related events under one roof that would also allow me to socialise and meet new people so I thought I’d start one.

What appealed to you about setting up your own business?

The autonomy to do whatever I want and the creative freedom I get from owning my business.

My mother. She is the strongest woman I know and she has shown me that anything can be achieved with determination, time and hard work (and a dash of good luck).

What has been your biggest challenge?

It definitely has to be the transition from working in the financial services industry to the food industry. I have worked in financial services ever since I left university and it was challenging going into a completely new industry without any experience and with virtually zero contacts. However, people are happy to help if you ask and the long hours invested in networking has paid off.

What’s been your greatest achievement personally?

I would say in the last two years, it definitely has to be taking Jenius Social from a tiny concept in my mind to welcoming my first customers 18 months later. There were days when it felt virtually impossible to achieve this dream by myself but if you want something bad enough, you will do everything to get it.

If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing?

I would have opened a fish shop. I always wanted to be a fishmonger… seriously!

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

My mother. She is the strongest woman I know and she has shown me that anything can be achieved with determination, time and hard work (and a dash of good luck).

What does the future hold for you?

I would like to get the Jenius Social concept to work in London and implant this concept in other cities around the world, starting with my home country Australia.

Further information:

Jenius Social

Studio 8, The Islington Studios, 6 Hornsey Street, Islington, London, N7 8GR

Tel. +44 (0)20 3286 4998

Sign up to the Jenius Social newsletter to hear about our latest events and news and for a chance to win £500 to spend with us: www.jeniussocial.co.uk

Visa - WeAreTheCity - Pioneer 20 - nominations open
WeAreTech Festival 2024 advert

Upcoming Events

march, 2024

Job Board Banner

Related Posts