December 09, 2024 – Chinese Village to E&Y Winner Jenny Jing Zhu and Dealing w Grief Richard John Allen

School for Startups Radio

Jenny Jing Zhu – Founder of Lush Decor and Author of Dream Weaver: Finding Strength & Purpose in Life’s Twists and Turns

Jenny Jing Zhu – Would you believe that a girl from a remote village in Shandong, China, without electricity or basic amenities, could one day stand as a Chairwoman on the global stage? This is my story—my journey from humble beginnings to the forefront of entrepreneurship and empowerment. My early years were filled with determination to change my family’s fate. From working as a hotel maid, an esthetician, to running a dry cleaning business and even starting a matchmaking service for successful women, each step was a leap towards a bigger dream. The adventure took a daring turn when I moved to the United States in my mid-20s, with little English, starting as a nanny before diving into design studies. The real test came in 2008, during the financial crisis. With a one- year-old baby by my side and on the brink of single motherhood, I founded Lush Décor Home. My path was not easy, strewn with business betrayals, two amicable divorces, and a leap into the unknown world of private equity for my first business exit. Despite initially not knowing what “PE” stood for, I navigated my way to financial freedom and handed over the torch to a talented leadership team, led by a woman CEO, as I embraced the role of Chairwoman of the Board. This journey has been about more than just overcoming challenges; it’s been a process of continuous learning and standing up after countless failures. Today, I am a dedicated champion for girls and women everywhere. Through sharing my story, I aim to instill hope and strength in those who find themselves in the shoes of my younger self or facing similar battles. So, if you asked me years ago if I believed that girl from the village could achieve all this, my answer would have been fueled by hope, but shrouded in doubt. Yet, here I am. This narrative is living proof that with unwavering determination, the support of professional communities, and the courage to take risks, breaking barriers and achieving dreams isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable. To everyone facing their own set of challenges, remember: Your beginning does not define your destiny. With each step forward, you too can transform your dreams from mere fantasies into your reality. Let’s embark on this journey of empowerment together, breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. As a champion for female entrepreneurs, I serve as the Founder of USPAACC’s Women Initiative Strategic Empowerment (WISE) and the Founder of the Jenny Jing Zhu Collective in partnership with Gold House. Additionally, I hold the position of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) DEI Officer and Garden State Board Member. I earned EY’s New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year Award and a national nomination in the consumer category in 2019. I had the distinction of being inducted into the Enterprising Women Hall of Fame in 2024 after being named a recipient of the 2021 Enterprising Women of the Year Award. In 2021 and 2022, Lush Décor was named a 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned/Led Companies by WPO. Inc. Magazine named Triangle Home Fashions | Lush Décor a 2022 Top 500 Fastest Growing Company.
Richard John Allen – Author of Heavenly Realms: A Journey Into The Unknown: Discovering the Mysteries of Heaven and the Afterlife

Richard John Allen, known professionally as John Allen, is a British-born, North Carolina-based author who found his calling as a writer following a profound personal loss. On November 23, 2020, he lost his father to cancer, a devastating event that altered the trajectory of his life and inspired him to leave his corporate career to become a bestselling author on Amazon, focusing on the subject of grief. His choice of pen name, John Allen, honors his late father. In his debut book, Keep Calm and Cope with Grief, Allen shares his personal journey of loss, detailing how his family navigated the challenges of a funeral, writing obituaries and eulogies, managing wills and finances, and recognizing signs from his father. One Amazon reviewer described the book as “well-written” and praised its ability to help readers bridge the gap from overwhelming grief to easier coping. Allen’s second book, Life After This, explores how past civilizations coped with loss, as well as various religious perspectives on life after death. The book provides practical advice for readers seeking ways to connect with loved ones who have passed away. His third book, Nature’s Reach, delves into how nature’s inherent beauty and gifts can aid individuals in coping with the multifaceted layers of grief. Allen believes that God has provided the tools for healing through the world around us. Across his works, Allen combines his personal experiences, thorough research, and interviews with others, including those who have had near-death experiences, to offer readers a fresh perspective on managing grief. Recently, Allen completed his fourth book, a children’s guide to coping with grief, slated for release in early summer 2023. Born and raised in Liverpool, England, Allen grew up in a working-class city known for its humor, kindness, and camaraderie, traits that profoundly influenced his outlook on life. Despite the financial challenges of his youth, the community’s wit and generosity shaped his perspective on resilience and connection. He fondly recalls Liverpool’s spirited humor, particularly its lighthearted sarcasm and deep passion for football (soccer). Throughout his career, Allen worked for some of the world’s largest corporations, accumulating valuable experiences and memories. However, the losses of his father and father-in-law compelled him to leave the corporate world and pursue writing full-time. Allen comes from a religious family and holds strong faith-based values while maintaining an open mind grounded in logic and common sense. At 16, he briefly considered becoming a priest, a decision that surprised his parents but ultimately gave way to other paths. Through his writing, Allen seeks to help others understand the universal yet deeply personal nature of grief. He believes that everyone receives unique signs, skills, and gifts to navigate life’s joys and sorrows. His mission is to share these insights through his books, research, and interviews, offering hope and comfort to those who have experienced loss.