Founder Spotlight: Bradley & Myles Jensen
Co-founded in 2018 by brothers Myles and Bradley, Jensen & Jensen is a leading creative and strategic insight design studio across several industries ranging from Professional Services to Luxury Retail to Real Estate with brands including Manchester City Football Club, David Morris, Tyron Ash Real Estate, The Crown Estate and many more. This year, they successfully delivered their largest production, valued at over £100k and continually invest in Black-owned businesses, including partnerships with Inclusion Diversity Nuclear, Chapmans of London, Foundervine, Shakara and MSDUK. We caught up with the twin brothers to understand the motivations behind starting the successful brand, and the challenges they have faced during this time.
Myles, tell us about Jensen + Jensen and what motivated you to start up.
Jensen & Jensen is a creative agency that’s all about crafting impactful stories through design and branding. My twin brother Bradley and I (Myles) founded this agency with the belief that great design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about conveying compelling narratives and building strong brand identities. Our motivation stemmed from a desire to help businesses, regardless of size, stand out in the competitive marketplace. We’re fuelled by creativity and innovation, and as a black-owned agency, we wanted to bring a fresh perspective to the creative industry while promoting diversity and inclusion.
Tell us about your journey on the Foundervine Programme
Being part of the Foundervine Programme was a transformative experience. It provided us with invaluable guidance, mentorship, and connections that accelerated our growth. Through Foundervine, we had the opportunity to learn from seasoned entrepreneurs, refine our business strategies, and expand our network within the industry. The programme not only helped us refine our business model but also emphasised the importance of diversity and inclusion, aligning perfectly with our values at Jensen & Jensen.
What’ve been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome in your entrepreneurial
journey?
Our journey has been a series of challenges, each teaching us something valuable. Initially, establishing credibility as a black-owned agency in a competitive market presented its own set of hurdles. Overcoming stereotypes and demonstrating our expertise required persistent effort. Additionally, managing growth while maintaining our commitment to quality was a challenge. We learned the importance of setting clear priorities, investing in our team’s skill development, and leveraging technology to streamline operations.
Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting up?
Looking back, understanding the significance of adaptability would have been valuable. The business landscape evolves rapidly, and flexibility is crucial for survival. Embracing change and being open to pivot when necessary is essential. Also, building a strong support network from the outset, whether through mentorship or industry communities, can significantly enhance your entrepreneurial journey.
What are some of the important milestones and recognitions in your journey so far?
We’re immensely proud of the relationships we’ve forged with notable clients like Manchester City FC and the Co-op Group. Winning the ‘Ones to Watch at LDF2020’ award was a significant milestone, recognising our contribution to ethnic businesses in the North. Our invitations to speak at prestigious events like Innovate UK and Leeds United FC allowed us to share our insights and expertise on a larger stage.
In the past three months, we’ve been nominated for three awards, one of which is the Black British Business Awards in the entrepreneur category. Gaining substantial community recognition and prestige through the BBBA’s has served as a significant validation of our dedicated effort and creative endeavours.
Any top tips for entrepreneurs struggling with structure?
Absolutely. Establish a clear vision and mission for your business. Develop a solid business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and target audience. Prioritise tasks, set achievable milestones, and utilise tools that help you stay organised. Regularly assess your progress and be willing to adapt. Most importantly, surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and brings diverse skills to the table.
Entrepreneurial communities can be such powerful support networks — do you have any asks
or gives to the vine community?
Certainly. To the Foundervine community, we’re excited to give back by offering mentorship and guidance to fellow entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. We’re here to share our experiences, insights, and lessons learned to help others navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Additionally, we’re open to collaboration opportunities that promote diversity and inclusion within the creative industry.
