Meet Jen Morris | Side Biz Coach & Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Morris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my first business 14 years ago when I was living in NYC. I had moved there in pursuit of my acting career and wound up juggling multiple jobs so I could pay the bills and have some ‘flexibility’ to audition. I quickly burned out. But I wasn’t ready to give up acting, nor was I willing to continue to serve overpriced cocktails in high heels until 4am (true story). I needed something that I could do on my own time, was completely mobile, would allow me to create a residual income stream and utilized all of my acting talents…in a different setting.

So I started a network marketing business selling holistic nutrition and lifestyle products and later added a health coaching practice. I quickly realized that all of the skills I learned in my acting classes, in the audition room, in rehearsals and performances – ALL OF IT made me really good at running a business. I was resourceful, great at networking and relationship building, creative and genuinely enjoyed helping others improve their lives. By building my business, I’ve created career income and still work as an actor…without all of the financial and time stress that I used to have.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m leading the WELL Rounded Actor Revolution and showing actors how to create flexible income online without giving up their craft.  I have pounded the pavement and I know the ups and downs, highs and lows of the actor’s journey. I believe actors should have the freedom to pursue their craft without scarcity, financial hardship or burnout. Actors are uniquely equipped to be successful business owners and I love helping them reclaim their time by creating residual income so they can do more of what they love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d definitely do a brewery tour! So many great places to sit outside and drink amazing beer! I love the RiNo neighborhood, Berkeley, Santa Fe arts district and old town Lafayette. Amazing restaurants, local shops and friendly people. Stem Cidery is a great place to grab a drink with an amazing view and Community in Old Town Lafayette is delicious, fresh and creative food. The theater scene is so vibrant in Denver as well so I’d be sure to grab tickets to a show or two (I’m determined to support live theater as much as possible when theaters can safely re-open). Curious Theatre Company, DCPA, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, Equinox Theater, Miner’s Alley Playhouse, The Aurora Fox and the Arvada Center are some of my favorite places to see shows. And of course, we’d hit up some hiking and outdoor adventures near Morrison, Evergreen & Boulder. And if it’s winter, we’re hitting the slopes in Breckenridge!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I met my husband, Drew, when I was several years into business ownership and he’s always accepted my “off the beaten path” lifestyle. He’s incredibly supportive of my entrepreneurial lifestyle and my acting endeavors. He’s never dictated how I run my business and always helps build me up during challenging times. And now that we have two kiddos at home, he’s even more supportive. We’ve both been working from home since the pandemic started and it’s been challenging but Drew is my biggest cheerleader as a business owner, performer and mom. I’m incredibly lucky to have Drew in my corner and do life with him.