Jenn Kennedy, founder of Emerald Pine Collective, talks about what inspired her to start her own business, her favorite places in North Carolina, and her favorite spots to catch a sunrise. She also shares words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Lauren — Travel and Write Today: Who or what inspired you to start your own business? I’d love to know the inspiration behind Emerald Pine Collective.
Jenn Kennedy: I experienced an unthinkable life-threatening medical event in 2021, and it reset my thinking about how I wanted to live my life, so I left HR full time, and I set out on a course to pursue my creative passions. Since that decision, I’ve established my own small business (Jenn Kennedy, LLC // Emerald Pine Collective), and self-published two children’s books (one of which I illustrated!) Through my business, I am able to carry out my creative passions through florals, watercolor art, and photography.
Also, I’ve recently started The Collectively Inspired Blog, a lifestyle blog, which can be found on my website.
TWT: I am so grateful that you are okay, and that you decided to pursue your passion.
TWT: I know you live in NC. What are some of your favorite spots in the area?
JK: I have deep roots in North Carolina, and there are so many great locations spanning the mountains, Piedmont, and the Coast! If I only had to narrow down a few select locations, I’d have to call out my hometown, Wilmington, which has great local beaches and a stunning historical downtown – right on the river! We call the Raleigh area our home, so we love to enjoy lunch or dinner at a favorite local spot, like MoJoe’s Burger Joint, and also watch our favorite sports teams, the Wolfpack and the Hurricanes. In the mountains, Black Mountain and Boone are my favorite areas for stunning views and quaint shopping and dining.
TWT: I’ve been to so many areas in the Carolinas, but still need to get to Wilmington! It is right up my alley.
TWT: What is your favorite book?
JK: As a flower lover, it should come as no surprise that my favorite book is Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden, by Erin Benzakein. It’s perhaps the only book I’ve devoured in the short span of 48 hours, and the stunning photographs within make it that much harder to put down. It was informational, but also encouraging, and part of the reason I decided to embark upon my journey to grow my own cut flowers.
TWT: What is your go-to coffee order, and from where?
JK: I love a local coffee shop or even Starbucks for coffee out! During warmer months, I love an iced coffee with cream and vanilla syrup, and when it’s cold outside, I’m a sucker for a hot chai tea latte. At home, I love a hot mug of coffee with honey and milk!
TWT: Where is your favorite place to watch the sunrise/sunset?
JK: Having grown up on the Coast of NC, I’m inherently drawn to a beachy sunrise, but as an avid mountain lover, nothing compares to a sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s not lost on me that I have the pleasure of enjoying both just a few hours to the east and west of me!
TWT: What is one of your favorite things about being an entrepreneur?
JK: One of my favorite things about being an entrepreneur is realizing how much my work impacts others. I receive so many messages, and sentiments, from customers and followers, not just about the quality of my work, but truly how deeply meaningful my creations are to those they are sharing them with. I appreciate so much that I can celebrate others through my creative work.
TWT: It is so wonderful to know how impactful and meaningful our work is – also, by following your dreams, you are inspiring others!
TWT: Can you please share a memorable experience you’ve had since starting your own business?
JK: I was honored to share my love of flowers through a floral design class that I hosted for close friends, and I have since held many other classes. Of course, I’m imparting knowledge of floral care with attendees, but the best part of the class is seeing what people create. I always have attendees who say, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body,” but, they do! It’s such a joy to bring out the creative spirit within people, and I love being a part of that!
TWT: I’d love to take a floral design class with you!
TWT: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs/small business owners?
JK: Honestly, just go for it! I remember thinking for so long that I couldn’t be a business owner, because in my HR career, I knew all the ins/outs of how much was involved in day to day, month to month, business operations. But, just like those businesses, I realized that there were resources and people who could help me carryout the administrative “things.” There is someone who can do your business taxes, and you can hire someone to develop a website. You can do the things you love, and share it with others – you can find the right people to support you on the backend, and you can chase your dreams!
TWT: “You can chase your dreams…” – yes, yes, yes.
Follow Emerald Pine Collective via the links below:
Website: https://emeraldpinecollective.com/instagram/
Instagram: @emeraldpinecollective
Facebook: @emeraldpinecollective
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