Did you know that in 2024 there were more than 14 million women-owned businesses? Interestingly, women entrepreneurs have established companies across a wide range of industries including retail, health, beauty and fitness, and food and restaurants as well as in the education and nonprofit communities.
Given the breadth and scope of women in business and academics, when Jen Leighton’s career as an administrative assistant working with special needs students through the New Jersey public school system came to an end, it would have been understandable if she had leveraged her years of experience in education to identify a new opportunity in a similar situation. It would have been ‘sensible’ if she where she could continue to pursue her career in the school’s special needs programs, generating income for her family. That would’ve most likely been the most reliable option, the path that many of us would have taken.
But that is not the path that Jen chose!
Growing up in Ocean County, Jen had always nurtured a deep love of animals, so it was no surprise that when faced with the chance, she made a bold decision. She seized the change in direction to align herself more closely with her own passion. Instead of being shocked by the career ending change, Jen recognized that opportunity was knocking on her door. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, she took a positive approach and focused her efforts on her first love – dogs – as she launched dog walking service, even enlisting the help of her three children!
That could have been the perfect ending to a fairy tale story.
But instead of being a happy ending, this is actually where Jen’s future as a woman in business begins! While developing a reputation locally for her dog walking company, she started to gain the attention of her neighbors and friends. So it was only natural that when two horses and two goats suddenly became homeless, Jen was the one who got the call! After getting familiar with her newly expanded role moving from a ‘dog walker’ to include a ‘animal rescuer,’ more calls for help came her way. So when two piglets were found running around in the area, Jen immediately got the alert. Soon the menagerie of dogs, horses, goats, and piglets continued to grow. (Let’s not forget the cow either!)
It didn’t take long for Facebook and Instagram to light up with stories and postings from the community about all the good work being accomplished on behalf of runaway animals by her and her family. And so, Runaway Farm opened its facilities to help other animals in need. But Jen is both an animal lover and a business woman – so she began to explore all the opportunities for helping both humans and runaway animals! Determined to promote animal welfare while giving animals refuge and love along with a second chance at living a life free from abuse and neglect, Jenhas determinedly built a place where the animals come first.
From hosting Brownie Troops to inviting school classes to explore the grounds to planned tours, and other unique opportunities for special needs individuals to interact with special animals – Jen has a long menu of items that are being explored and becoming available at Runaway Farms. A newsletter filled with relevant animal advice and entertaining stories, opportunities for sponsoring/adopting an animal, personalized gift shop items, and hands-on animal connections are all a part of Jen’s evolving plan.
Limited only by resources and space, this savvy business owner has found a way to live her dream of helping animals while having a significant positive impact on humans at the same time.
Corralling squealing piglets may not be everyone’s favorite job, but for Jen and her family, this is the best way to spend a day! To find out how you can volunteer, or donate to help Runaway Farms achieve its mission, visit the website at charlottefarms.org.
