This interview is with Jen Carmichael, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at My Front Porch.
Jen Carmichael, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, My Front Porch
Can you tell us about your journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and what inspired you to make that transition?
I spent over 20 years in Corporate America, pushing through long hours, tight deadlines, and daunting business travel to climb the corporate ladder and become an executive with a Fortune 100 company. While the success was financially rewarding, the work never fulfilled me on a deeper level. It wasn’t until my dying father asked me to step away from my corporate job to be home more and care for my health that I finally gave myself permission to prioritize myself and forgo the big salary to pursue a more intentional and purpose-driven life. I made the decision to leave my corporate role in the fall of 2024 to co-found My Front Porch, a small seasonal business that keeps me stimulated and taps my skills, yet affords me the opportunity to pursue a flexible and
As a woman entrepreneur, what unique perspectives or strengths do you bring to the startup world, particularly in the design and decor industry?
My extensive corporate experience leading complex projects, juggling multiple priorities, and solving complex problems with precision and accuracy built confidence as a woman leader and entrepreneur. These competencies have equipped me in my new role as a co-founder of a design and decor start-up that I am deeply passionate about.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle with leaving the security of a corporate job. What advice would you give to someone contemplating this leap, based on your own experience?
Leaving the security of a high-income corporate job was difficult. I struggled with the guilt, especially as a woman, of walking away from a hard-earned job title, big salary, and top-tier company to step into the unknown. For me, I had to come to the realization that I only have one life to live, and regret wasn’t something I wanted to grapple with later in life. So, I built an exit plan, built up the courage to have the conversation with my leader, and took the leap of faith into the unknown. Arriving at the decision and building the plan was the toughest part for me, but it was also exhilarating. I wasn’t running away from something—I was running towards something new, different, and more aligned with who I wanted to become. For me, this is one of the best decisions I made in my career—to leave.
In the competitive world of startups, how have you managed to differentiate your design and decor business? Can you share a specific strategy that has been particularly effective?
Corporate America taught me that with a deep curiosity and creative mindset, every problem has a solution. That belief holds true in the startup world too. Before I started my company, I thoroughly analyzed the market and competition, studying every aspect of their business and what gaps existed. I then built a detailed customer profile and applied those insights to create a unique, stand-out business and design approach that not only competes but exceeds customer expectations.
Transitioning from a corporate environment to running your own business often requires developing new skills. What was the most challenging skill you had to acquire, and how did you go about mastering it?
Running your own business means wearing several hats and navigating the unknown on a daily basis. I don’t have all the answers as I tackle each day, but I do apply a growth mindset and deep curiosity to every project, task, or problem I encounter. Take SEO and social media marketing, for example. Building a strategy with zero followers felt daunting at first. But I reminded myself that every company has to start from somewhere. I dove in, did the research, sought advice from experts and mentors, and created a strategy tailored to our business. What kept me confident and grounded throughout the process was having the courage to test and learn while accepting that we will make mistakes from time to time. The key is being adaptable, willing to learn from our mistakes, and pivoting quickly if something doesn’t work the way it was intended to.
Work-life balance can be especially challenging for entrepreneurs. How do you manage this in your own life, and what’s one practical tip you can offer other business owners?
As a start-up co-founder, I have been able to successfully maintain a healthy work-life balance by having full control of my schedule and the freedom to make the decisions that truly align with what is best for me and my family. For me, it starts with asking myself, “What are my priorities today?” Health is always number one for me. Because if I am not strong and healthy, I can’t successfully lead and run a company. That is why I prioritize exercise first thing in the morning. I treat it like a mandatory meeting and never skip it. This approach keeps me grounded, healthy, and balanced.
Building a strong network is crucial in the startup world. Can you share a personal story about a networking experience that significantly impacted your business, and what lessons you learned from it?
Networking and connection are critical to any start-up. When I launched my company, I knew I didn’t have all the answers, so I made it a priority to build a network of people I could turn to for advice, expertise, and support. At the same time, I recognized the value of my own knowledge and experience and was eager to share with fellow entrepreneurs who could benefit from my expertise. I reached out to other small business owners and quickly became a part of a collaborative community where we support one another. For example, when I needed to figure out how to ship thousands of pounds of product using freight trucks, forklifts, and storage facilities—something I had never managed before—I connected with a former supply chain expert from PepsiCo. I walked him through my plan, and he gave me actionable feedback that saved me both time and money. That conversation and connection provided that the power of networking can directly benefit your business, your revenue, and its success rate.
Looking back on your journey from corporate life to successful entrepreneur, what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were just starting out?
Don’t wait until you have all the answers to the unknown to start. Jump in and have confidence that if others can do it, so can you.
