Leitrim entrepreneur follows her dream with new home décor store

A local woman who made a bold career change last year continues to expand her horizons.

Carrick-on-Shannon woman Jennifer Flynn transitioned from a long career as a financial advisor to pursuing her passion for home décor and design in September of last year.

She launched an online store, joli.ie, which gained recognition after being featured in the Irish Independent’s ‘The Weekend Hitlist.’

After a busy Christmas season followed by a quieter January, Jennifer is now taking the next step in her journey - opening a physical shop in the heart of Carrick-on-Shannon’s Market Yard, a dream she has had for a long time.

“I decided to open a physical shop because I’ve had it in the back of my head for a long time,” Jennifer said.

“It’s been hard work opening it up, it’s a small unit and I’ve been doing it on my own.” Launching a business amid rising costs is no small feat, but Jennifer is ready to embrace the challenges and is excited to join a growing community of women in business.

From finance to home decor: Local woman’s bold career change

“I have always been in finance since I left college. It’s a massive change, you can’t compare one to the other,” she admits.

“I’ve always enjoyed my work and it’s been challenging and this is just a completely different challenge.

“This is all unknown and has its own challenges but it's very enjoyable and is something I’ve always leaned towards, so I’m just grateful that I’m able to do it,” she enthused.

Her shop features a carefully curated selection of sustainable home décor items, including candles, bed linen, lamps, rugs, tableware and more - all sourced from small manufacturers and family owned businesses across Europe and Ireland.

With her shop signage now delivered, she is set to open this weekend, with an official launch to follow.

Jennifer’s journey is proof it is never too late to follow your dreams.

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