Welcome to "Morgan Entrepreneur Spotlight," our monthly-ish showcase where we shine a light on Northeast Ohio's entrepreneurial superstars. Each feature delves into the journeys of individuals who have participated in our programs and are harnessing their learnings to fuel impressive growth and innovation.
Jennifer Malcom is the Founder and CEO of Jennasis & Associates. Jennifer has participated in a number of programs to help grow her company, including 10,000 Small Businesses, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Accelerator and EO Cleveland. Jennifer also participated in a Big Rock Valley Leadership Retreat, provided through a partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation and Morgan Foundation.
Tell us about your business.
“Jennasis & Associates is a fully remote digital marketing agency with over 14 years of experience helping businesses grow and thrive. Our approach is rooted in the balance of yin and yang- blending bold vision (yin) with strong operational execution (yang). This integrated philosophy allows us to support our clients in achieving both clarity and results.
We specialize in Vision Days - immersive planning and strategy sessions designed to help teams align on their goals and establish actionable processes to achieve them. Our services also include comprehensive marketing strategy, website design and development, fractional CMO and COO leadership, social media management, and content creation.
At the heart of Jennasis are our CORE Values, captured by the acronym F.U.N.:
Focused - We are driven to deliver exceptional work, on time and on budget, with a commitment to excellence for our clients and teammates.
United - We pause, collaborate, and truly listen to ensure we understand and meet the needs of both clients and colleagues.
Noble- We lead with integrity, always following through on our promises and doing what we say we will do.”
Can you share your thoughts and key takeaways about the foundation-sponsored entrepreneurship programming you have participated in?
"When I arrived at the Edward Lowe Foundation complex, I was immediately stunned by the beauty and vastness of the place. I felt immediately lavished up, I felt special, I felt safe, and I felt curious. The group content during the days was purposeful and intriguing in learning new ways and pathways for entrepreneurs. I felt seen, I felt heard, I felt valued.
I was uncertain if I was going to be able to attend this retreat as my husband was diagnosed this past spring with stage 3 esophageal cancer. We have spent the past almost five months in and out of doctor's appointments, CAT scans, PET scans, bloodwork, four rounds of chemotherapy as well as a myriad of other appointments, procedures, and tests.
Life has been overwhelming to say the least. It's been overwhelming emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially. Yet, I lean in and trust and surrender to the day before me. Saying the next 'yes' in my heart and trusting my intuition along the way. As I finally decided on attending this retreat, I was so grateful that I said, 'YES!'
Beyond the programming, the fireside chats were led with vulnerability, tears, and connection that immediately set the tone for the remainder of the retreat. I also got to participate in A LOT of MISCHIEVOUS FUN which helped remind me not to take life too seriously and to have fun and joy along the way.
I was humbled by the foundation's generosity and its unwavering commitment to supporting second stage entrepreneurs, an often ignored subset of small businesses."
Please tell us about any benefits, growth, or key wins you've experienced since participating in these programs.
“I have been able to re-frame life through a new perspective of gratitude, vulnerability, and mischievous fun, as well as a sense of community reminding me that I am not alone.”
What are your goals for the next twelve months?
“My goals for the next year are to:
Have a marriage that is cancer-free and fully healed and recovered
Establish Jennasis as a well-oiled machine for our employees to run while I develop content for our non-profit and healing center
Finish my children's book series”
What is your favorite quote?
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
~ Marianne Williamson
What is the last book you read?
“The last book I read was The Tell by Amy Griffin.”
What advice do you have for budding entrepreneurs?
“The advice I would give is to not lose yourself through the growth, highs/lows, joys/sorrows, triumphs/defeats within your organization. A business is like a human in many ways, and our businesses often reflect our strengths as well as (unfortunately) our weaknesses. Your business will be a mirror. Allow it to humbly teach you. Stay true to your true north and enjoy the ride!”
To learn more about Morgan Foundation sponsored programs and opportunities for second stage entrepreneurs, contact Michal Marcus.
If you have participated in Morgan Foundation sponsored programs and are interested in being featured in the Spotlight, contact Gina Dotson.