Every year, Edify magazine shares its Top 40 Under 40 – a group of Edmontonians who are making an impact on our city. This year, seven MacEwan alumni made the cut, including Jenna Pryor, who completed the University Transfer, Bachelor of Arts program in 2004. She is now the co-owner and senior designer at Plum Design, where she works with homeowners on thoughtful interior designs primarily in heritage homes. She also co-owns Plum Home, which provides high-quality, curated home goods.
We caught up with her to discuss the importance of personal professional growth, and what’s next for her business.
What has been your proudest moment or greatest achievement so far?
On our tenth anniversary, my company announced our next retail venture. We started our first store a decade ago with no support, just personal investment. It was 485 square feet and I was the only employee. Ten years later we have 4,000 square feet of offices and space, we are developing a new store and we have a growing team.
How did your MacEwan experience help get you to where you are now?
I started my education so young! I was just 17 and I lacked direction. MacEwan offered me the opportunity to dip my toe in the water and try out a number of areas as I prepared for my degree.
What lesson did you learn at MacEwan that you still carry with you today?
Just start. You don't need to know where you will end up – you just need to start. MacEwan offered that opportunity.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
My career is an equal mix of challenging and joyful. There isn't a week that goes by that I don't feel stretched to grow or that some aspect of what I do brings me joy.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
Continuing to grow a business in Edmonton. I was born and raised here. Growing a company here for my community and my family is what gets me up every morning.
What advice would you give to current MacEwan students?
Make mistakes and learn from them. Failures are really just opportunities for improvement. If you can get up, dust yourself off and start again, you will be better for it – I promise. I speak from experience!