Jenny Jing Zhu's Linkedin Analytics

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