Dream Weavers Foundation

Founder & President

Lush Decor Home

Founder & Co-Chair of the Board

Founder & CEO

Entrepreneur #LushDecor | Finding Strength and Purpose in Life’s Twists and Turns | Living an Inspired Life | YPO, WPO #DreamWeaverbook & shortfilm #LifeInspired #Author #DefyOdds #OvercomeChallenges #PersonalGrowth

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 of the Board 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 Paola Pretti, as I embraced the role of Chairwoman of the Board and Chief Purpose Officer.

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 a 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. 

Join me for shared experience and find me on Instagram too @jennyjingzhu

Jenny (Jing) Zhu

The Power Suit & The Power of Sisterhood.

Some clothes make you feel unstoppable. When I put on a piece from my dear friend Deirdre Quinn’s brand, Lafayette 148 New York, I feel like I can tackle any turnaround, any challenge.

This look isn't just fabric; it’s a tangible thread of confidence and resilience. I stand taller knowing it was created by a fellow woman entrepreneur who understands that strength and style go hand-in-hand.

To every woman building, leading, and juggling—remember that sisterhood is the strongest thread in our tapestry. When we support each other’s vision, we all rise higher.

Cheers to the women weaving success together! 

What's the best piece of business advice you've received from a female friend? Share it below! 👇

#Lafayette148 #DeirdreQuinn #FemaleFounders #WomenWhoRise #Sisterhood #DreamWeaver #PowerSuit #ConfidenceIsKey #StilettoStrapping Women Presidents Organization C200 Women Elevating Women™

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Some of the most meaningful moments after a speech or panel happen during the book signing. 

It is in that space where the conversation becomes human and personal. Every handshake, every story, and every reflection reminds me why I wrote Dream Weaver and why sharing our stories matters.

When I hear about your journeys, your obstacles, the chapters you are proud of, and even the ones that broke you open, I feel the thread that connects us all. These moments remind me that leadership, entrepreneurship, and reinvention are never solitary experiences. 

We learn from one another. 

We rise through one another. 

We grow because of one another.

Thank you to everyone who has shared a piece of your life with me and allowed my story to touch yours. I carry these exchanges with me. They inspire how I show up, write, and lead. 

#DreamWeaverBook #LeadershipJourney #WomenWhoInspire #DreamWeaverCommunity #AuthorLife

There is a special kind of energy that rises when people come together with a shared belief in amplifying women’s voices and stories.

That spirit filled the room at the Dream Weaver NYC Premiere. It was powerful to stand on that stage knowing that every person in the audience was there because they believe in the importance of storytelling, representation, and lifting voices that are too often overlooked.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the partners who helped make this event possible. Thank you to The Wires, Lush Decor, Q Qingqing Lan ‘s Mandarin, Crimson Strategy Group, Bill Kwon , and Indigo River Publishing. 

Your support reflects a meaningful commitment to creating space for women to be heard, seen, and celebrated. Your belief in this mission helped bring this premiere to life.

Looking out into that room reminded me why I started this journey. It showed me how much impact is possible when communities come together with intention and purpose. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create a night filled with connection, encouragement, and hope.

You lifted this dream with me.

#DreamWeaverNYC #DreamWeaverFilm #DreamWeavers #WomenWhoLead #PartnerInPurpose #AmplifyingVoices

The Hard Truth: My Lessons on Betrayal, Burnout, and Climbing Back Up
 
I had the privilege of joining a conversation that got raw and real—the way I prefer all my business talks. Thank you to PNC  for inviting me to an event that truly was more than a panel; it was group therapy for entrepreneurs.

When authentic leaders dare to talk about the business betrayal, the crippling burnout, and the financial rock bottoms that nearly break us, that’s when we truly give permission to others to begin healing and growing. We stop pretending the road is linear.

I was honored to share the stage and strengthen my own tapestry alongside:
-Kiya Tomlin  and Vanessa Deleon: Two incredible founders whose creativity and fierce determination should be required reading for every aspiring entrepreneur.

-Louis Cestello, Anusha Gibson , Hyejin Oh, and Aimee Sheenan: Leaders who consistently demonstrate that power is best wielded with heart and empowerment. Your support makes this work possible.

-Shana Peterson Sheptak: For asking the tough questions and navigating the messy twists and turns that define a founder's life.

4 Threads I Shared From My Journey:

1️⃣ The "Jinglish" Years: How I navigated the 2008 crisis and built Lush Decor as a young immigrant and new mother, relying on raw grit and broken English. I proved that passion overcomes the language barrier.

2️⃣ The Cost of Naiveté: The non-negotiable lessons learned after a business partner's betrayal forced me to fight for my company, ultimately teaching me how to survive as a leader, mother, and ex-wife—all at once.

3️⃣ Capital is Confidence: Why finding access to capital is a deep reflection of self-trust, and why chasing money without mission is a recipe for emptiness.

4️⃣ Embrace the Flaws: Your struggles aren't setbacks; they are the unique colors and textures in your tapestry. Don't hide them—they are your strength.

Events like this remind me why I keep going. When we choose vulnerability and growth over perfection, we strengthen the entire community. Thank you to everyone who showed up ready to be seen.

Let’s keep weaving! What is the hardest thread you’ve had to weave into your business? Share it below. 👇

#PNC #WomenInLeadership #DreamWeaver #AuthenticLeadership #ImmigrantFounder #BusinessBetrayal #StilettoStrapping #LeadershipWithPurpose

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