Jill O'Meara Photography

 

Emma-Jane Leeson 

Creator of Johnny Magory Books

Interview and Photography by Jill O’Meara

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your business? 

Hi, I'm Emma-Jane Leeson and my business is Johnny Magory Books. I write and publish books about Irish wildlife and heritage and empowering readers to be, do, have and pursue everything and anything they want to. I also work with children and adults through residencies with libraries and other funding bodies to help them write and create their own stories. I've been working full time at the business since April 2019 having left my full time career in Kerry Group. I am also a yoga and meditation teacher and run retreats and a forest school from the forest around my home.

Can you share a defining moment or challenge that shaped your journey? 

There have been so many defining moments and significant challenges over the years it's hard to pick just one! I've been incredibly fortunate to win national entrepreneurial awards and receive backing and funding from many government sources which truly shaped my journey and my confidence. Challenges wise, there have been many but learning to deal with perceived 'failures' has ultimately made me more adaptable and has led me to where I am today so I'm grateful for them also.

What inspired you to start your business or career in this field? 

My dad told me 'stories about Johnny Magory' as a child and both him and mam always encouraged me to follow my passions for outdoors and art. They are both entrepreneurs, as are all of my siblings, and I was looking for a way to spend more time at home than my corporate job enabled at the time as my daughters were growing up far too quickly. I had published my first book 'Johnny Magory in the Magical Wild' a few years before I left my career in HR and it had organically grown in success to a point where a viable business was possible on the back of it. I got in touch with my Local Enterprise Office and completed the 'start your own business' course and the rest, as they say, is history!

When you're not working, what are your favorite activities or hobbies? 

Anything outdoors and writing (which luckily is my work but also my passion!) A small motely group of animals have chosen me to be their carer over the last few years so spending time with my ponies, donkey, goats, dogs and cats keep me busy... After the kids! I love horse-riding, walking, foraging in nature and anything to do with water.

You have experienced a photoshoot with Jill, what was it like for you and do you see yourself different now ? 

It was incredible! Thank you Jill! I really do not enjoy having my photograph taken (where on earth are we meant to put our hands!!) but Jill was so chilled and fun, she made me relax effortlessly... And obviously told me 'where' to put my hands! But the shots I got done by Jill completely stepped up my business and went on to be used in countless newspapers, articles and social media posts. 

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your professional life? 

My parents. They've always been there to guide me and inspired with their work ethic and business brains.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 

Making children smile and sparking a curiosity of our incredible wild and wonderful world. 

Do you have any favourite quotes or mantras that inspire you?

“It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection“

Who is the perfect client for you? 

A parent or grandparent who want to read and have fun with their special little person.

What motivates you to keep going during difficult times? 

My family and friends reassuring me that 'everything will be ok'... Even when it looks like it definitely won't be! But I've surrendered enough over the last few years to know I need to trust the universe and simply flow along with the good, the bad and the ugly in order to grow and evolve. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a businesswoman? Not everything goes to plan... Learning to adapt and go with the flow keeping your values close to your heart is the only way forward. 

What’s next for you and your business? 

More books hopefully and continuing to expand into working with people them help them write to improve their wellbeing.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind? 

I'm passionate about ReWildling our land and ourselves. I hope that through a combination of my stories, my forestry and my yoga, that I can help people develop a deeper connection with nature and themselves. 

 How can people get in touch with you? 

Website: www.JohnnyMagory.com 

Email: JohnnyMagory@outlook.ie. 

Instagram: @JohnnyMagoryWorld 

Phone: 083 021 7309