Person to Person: 'I had no clue how to run a business, but threw myself into it'

Tell us about yourself:

I’m Jen Morley, I’m 23 and I’ve just finished my bachelor’s degree in Marketing. For most of my life, I thought I’d end up being a nurse, that was always the plan. Then covid hit, my Leaving Cert got cancelled, and like a lot of people, I suddenly had to rethink my options.

I was actually delighted it was cancelled, but I knew predicted grades wouldn’t really work in my favour. I’ve never been someone who was good at studying or memorising things, and I genuinely feel the school system is only suited to a certain type of person.

I took a year out and got a part-time job. I looked at my options, I could do a PLC to get into nursing, move to another county or even country, or explore something different altogether. After speaking to family and friends, I decided to take the leap and pursue a career in Marketing, which my dad had actually studied when he was my age. I ended up really enjoying it.

After I had just started college, I met my now-boyfriend, and one random day I made protein balls for his mum. He tried them, loved them, and said: “We could actually do something with these.” That’s when we literally took a leap and started pitching ourselves to cafés. My boyfriend already had a full-time job though, so I decided to take operations into my own hands.

I had absolutely no clue how to run a business, but completely threw myself into it, working as much as I could to grow it, creating new flavours, and creating things I would genuinely enjoy as a consumer (which I think is super-important). 

"It’s mad how much you learn that way. I genuinely can’t believe how far it’s come. I now have over 80 stockists and five flavours, and I finished college last month. I’m so excited to see where I can take the business next.

Where were you born and where do you live now?

I was born in Cork and I am currently living in Ballincollig.

Family?

I am the youngest. I have three older siblings: Laura, who is 33 and living in Manchester; Conor, who is 30 and living in Dublin; and Caroline, who is almost 27 and also living in Cork.

Best friend?

I have five extremely close friends, Hannah Falvey and Lillian Murphy, who I met in college and have seen almost every day for the last four years, and also Kate Barrett (who runs a business called Fitpak), Molly O’Mahony, and Megan Waters.

Earliest childhood memory?

When I was three, my mum bought me new Peppa Pig slippers that were slightly too big. I was running up the stairs to get nail varnish from my sister’s room so my mum could paint my nails, and I slipped and hit my head on the door frame. I ended up having to get my forehead glued, and I still have the scar!

Person you most ire?

I genuinely look up to my parents a crazy amount. I’m extremely similar to my dad in of our career path. He was like me when it came to school, went on to do his marketing degree, and now runs a really successful business (which I also work part-time for) called Corporate Care Relocation. He’s always ed me in whatever I’ve wanted to do, and I really appreciate that. I also call him most days thinking he has the answer to everything, from problems with my car to questions about my business. He’s basically my personal Google.

My mum is the kindest person I know and has encouraged me in so many ways. She’s the first person I ring if something doesn’t go right, and instantly makes me feel better.

Her empathy has definitely taught me to be the same way with others, it’s something I really value and try to carry with me in both my personal life and in business.

Who irritates you?

Honestly, no one person, but I hate when people act a certain way on social media and are not their authentic self.

Most memorable holiday?

When I was young, my family and I used to go to America every year. And even though I was probably constantly arguing with my siblings, we made the best memories.

Favourite TV show?

Gossip Girl is my all-time favourite. The fashion, the drama, and the Upper East Side setting just never get old.

Favourite radio show?

I don’t tend to listen to the radio much, but when I do it would be RedFM.

Signature dish if cooking?

Anything Mexican, probably fajitas and tacos.

Favourite restaurant?

The Glass Curtain on MacCurtain Street. I love their tasting menu and wine pairing.

Last book you read?

I don’t tend to read much, I’m definitely more of a listener and I love podcasts, but the last book I read was probably Eat That Frog.

Best book you read?

Think And Grow Rich, probably because it’s such a classic when it comes to mindset, success, and staying focused on your goals.

Last ed album?

Comfort In Chaos – John Summit.

Favourite song?

Either Charlie Brown by Coldplay or Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap. My current favourite is Come With Me, by Major Lazor, Jorja Smith

One person you’d like to see in concert?

Definitely John Summit.

Do you have a pet?

Ye, a British Shorthair cat called Ralph and he’s honestly my absolute favourite ever.

Morning or night person?

To be honest, not really either… but I would say more of a morning person.

Proudest moment?

Winning Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 at the Cork Business Awards.

Spender or saver?

I absolutely love shopping, but am currently saving to buy a house, so I’d have to go with saver (for now).

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Definitely a wine and tapas bar in Ballincollig!

What makes you happy?

Genuinely, friends and family. I especially love when mine and my boyfriend’s families all spend time together, like going out for dinner on special occasions. Also, watching my business grow and seeing all the I have around me. And of course… the sun, and going to Palma, Mallorca.

How do you want to be ed?

As someone who brings out the best in people and always s the people close to them. And maybe also as someone who gave things a go, worked hard, and stayed grounded along the way.

What’s next for you?

I’ve just finished my degree and am working full-time for my own company, as well as part-time as marketing manager for my dad’s business. With Two More Power Balls, we will be exhibiting at Taste of Dublin in Merrion Square from June 12-15, which is a really exciting opportunity. I’m saving to buy a house with my boyfriend in the new year, and in between all that, trying to squeeze in a holiday. I’m also starting the process of becoming a volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I really ire their work and would love to be a part of it.