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Our Story: How we met

We were both recovering heart broken poets on Instagram (cliché we know but it's true) in Feb. 2019, where we met and found a fairy tale of a relationship (funny how the universe likes to do these things right!?). Jenn lived in Canada and Leon was in England. As Jenn once wrote, love may not always move mountains but it can certainly cross seas!

We've shared us physically meeting for the first time in Australia for a Royal Caribbean cruise and our story from there with our followers, fans and friends on Instagram. It was a pretty natural and unintentional thing for us to do really, especially after both being quite active members of the poetry community on there prior (yes there is such a thing!).

A couple standing ahead of a mosque
A man and a woman smiling, standing together outside in front of a historical building and landscaped garden.
A couple in front of a tall circular tower

We got engaged at Aphrodite's Rock in Cyprus after four months and a previous one month long date (imagine a first date lasting one month and covering 5 countries, needless to say we got to know each other QUITE well!). We then celebrated our engagement in Paris, France. Yes, it's actually been THAT magical! We can't tell you how many border/customs agents have swooned over our story. Except that first time when Jenn flew to England from the cruise on a separate flight from Leon as it was unplanned; she was supposed to stay cruising and go to Bora Bora, Tahiti and Hawaii; in our haste Jenn forgot to get Leon's home address, and he was in air when she needed it and she was questioned as to why she didn't know her boyfriends home address and why she was there when he wasn't even in the country yet!!! SO MANY travel stories and tips to tell - that is for sure!

A couple in front of an iron tower
A couple holding hands on a table
A woman making a smiley face and a man with a beer

Who are we?

A woman sitting on a wooden desk surrounded by old book cases

Jenn is a former blogger in her 40's, has spent much of her life raising children (both her own and others) and is the founder of many projects. She is a former funeral director and a certified death, life, confidence and mindfulness coach. Jenn could be a perpetual student of the humanities and is a big fan of culture and astrology (she's a Scorpio). She abides by the rule of living life to the fullest and finding ones true calling and purpose in life, through manifestation and the power of belief. Oh and she is a big fan of cuisine (who isn't!) She is also the intense but laid back one).

A man sitting at a wooden desk

Leon is in his 30's (he's a cancer), has never married and has no children (prior to meeting Jenn and her famjam). He formerly worked in retail and antiques / reclamation in the UK before leaving it all behind to join Jenn in Canada. Leon is a published author, fan of Brandy, KFC and SUBWAY and loves history, architecture, football - Arsenal), pool, technology, and politics. He is also the polite but particular one!

Logo featuring a shopping cart with the text "Closer Lives Emporium" inside a purple circle.
Logo featuring the text "Closer Lives" with "Jenn & Leon travel & lifestyle" underneath, set against a black background with a white circular outline and a bright light flare.

About Closer Lives

Here at Closer Lives we want is to offer a unique blend of experiences to our visitors and members. Through our online store, upcoming digital nomad training course, our poetry, YouTube and travel blogs, we aim to bring you Closer to the world around you.

⪢ Closer Lives Emporium

Our online store offers a wide range of inspirational products, including suitcases, backpacks, phone cases, clothing, gifts, kitchen & home gifts, stationery & office items, accessories, and more. All of the products in Closer Lives Emporium are designed to inspire and spread positivity, all exclusively designed by us.

⪢ Jenn & Leon Travel Blog

We want to make our Closer Lives travel blog a great resource for inspiration and information about travel, your on-stop shop for everything you need to know. The blog features articles about different destinations around the world, as well as tips and advice for planning your next trip. The Closer Lives travel blog is also a great place to connect with other travelers and share your own travel stories.

⪢ YouTube & Instagram

In addition to the online store and travel blog, Closer Lives also has a YouTube channel and Instagram page. The Closer Lives YouTube channel features videos about travel, lifestyle, and inspiration. The Closer Lives Instagram page features inspiring visuals alongside thought-provoking poetry.

⪢ Our upcoming Closer Lives Community

We have plans to develop an online community of fellow travelers and digital nomads who are passionate about living life to the fullest. We want our forum to be a source of stories, advice, information and news so we can support our biggest passion; bringing people closer together!