Jenny Garrett has been awarded an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Entrepreneurship and to Women in Business in the 2021 Queen’s Honours List.
“I thought it was a joke at first. When I realised it was actually real, I was delighted and excited,” said Garrett.
Garrett’s contributions have included supporting women in business through women’s leadership programmes, pro-bono social media events and talks to women’s groups.
“I’ve spent many weekends inspiring women and sharing my journey from humble beginnings to running my own business for 15 years,” said Garrett.
“I didn’t grow up with a role model of women in business and didn’t even think of it until I was in my thirties. But I come from a line of strong women.” These include her late grandmother who arrived in the UK in the 1960s from the Caribbean and demonstrated courage, hard work and determination: “So I feel I have a bit of responsibility to empower my daughter and others.”
The leadership coach is a member of the Company of Entrepreneurs’ outreach committee. She also co-founded a social enterprise, Rocking Ur Teens, to “support the next generation to develop entrepreneurial spirit, agility and flexibility, character, self-esteem and good mental health.” It adapted to an online offering last year, running webinars and a conference attended by more than 500 students and their teachers. She also launched a BAME coach directory.