Meet Janeen Brown she runs a concierge and errand running service. 

It all started with a goal to chat to entrepreneurs over 60. Then out of curiosity we decided to chat to entrepreneurs under 30. We believe these two very vast generations can learn and grow from each other. 

This week we head to Toronto Canada to interview Janeen Brown who founded Jeluxxe Lifestyle Solutions which is a concierge and errand running service.

Can you tell us a little about your business and what you do?

I own a corporate concierge, and errand running company called Jeluxxe Lifestyle Solutions.

We provide concierge and errand running services to businesses, executives, and their employees throughout the nine to five work day allowing them to focus on work while we take care of the “personal” tasks.

Services include grocery shopping, waiting services, pick up and drop off laundry, car services, house-sitting and administration.

What motivated you to start your own business?

My father, he reminded me daily that I had too many opportunities in this society to maintain working for someone. He told me I had the world in my hands and I needed to be my own boss with the tools, I had provided to me.

What were some of the struggles you faced when you first started?

It was tough prospecting. I wasn’t sure how to approach prospects and what to even say.

Also, marketing my company to the right people was one of my biggest challenges, being able to put my company wholeheartedly out there and explaining why my company was a need for businesses.

When I first started Jeluxxe, I was still working at an advertising agency and it was tough to promote my business online as I didn’t want my boss to find out I was doing something other than my job.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learnt in life?

• If you don’t know how to do something, ask for professional help
• Don’t look for support from the closest people to you as many times, they’ll disappoint you.
• Make sure you build business relationships to bounce ideas off of one another
• Don’t expect your business to boom over night .

What do you like most about having your own business?

I’m able to focus solely on building my business to how I want it to be, having a say in what happens within all of the departments.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

As soon as you are finished with university, pursue what you have in your heart as the earlier you start, the more you will know about the industry and the easier it will be to succeed.

Who is an older person that you admire and why?

My mentor Dee. She has provided a lot of insight on owning and operating a business. Although, she was raised wealthy, she took the opportunity to start a few businesses from the bottom rather than taking over the family business. She is honest and helpful when it comes to what I can improve on to further my business.

If you could jump into a time machine what era would you visit and why?

The 1980’s. I grew up on 80’s music, fashion and culture and would love to have been an adult throughout that era. There is something about the 80’s that gives me peace.

Anything else you would like to add?

I’m a strong believer that if you have a dream, go for it. Don’t let the naysayers distract you from fulfilling your dream and living your best life.