For this week’s “Meet a Mom,” I am thrilled to feature the incredibly talented Jenny Cohane Founder and Owner of Citrus Daisy.
Originally from Wilmington, DE, Jenny moved to Massachusetts in 2004 and has called Norwell home since 2006. She met her husband, Kevin, twenty years ago while competing in an Ironman in Canada. They have two children: eighteen-year-old Petey who is off to Richmond and sixteen-year-old Annie, who attends The Perkins School for the Blind.
Jenny launched Citrus Daisy from her own backyard after being laid off while pregnant with her second child. What started with a single “girl” sign in 2009 has grown into a beloved creative design studio that has been bringing joy to the South Shore for over a decade. Living in the center of Norwell, Jenny began hanging signs with fun messages on her barn door for the community to see daily. After donating signs for the newly established Norwell Farms, CSA, where Cross Street Flower Farm is now, she took a leap of faith and her business truly took off.
A graduate of Villanova University, Jenny explored several professional roles and even began a Graduate Program in Special Education before deciding to pursue her passion for meaningful, creative work full-time. Citrus Daisy has since expanded from hand-lettered wooden signs to include canvas work and paper goods, all rooted in vibrant color and everyday expression. The name itself represents the two things that bring Jenny the most joy: citrus colors and daisies.
Beyond her creative success, Jenny prioritizes a charitable element within her business and frequently collaborates with community members who contribute their own talents to the studio.
It is truly an honor to feature Jenny and the special business she has built. Keep reading to learn more about her journey and her inspiring ultimate dream for the future.
Image taken by another South Shore Mom Paula Marques Bass https://www.instagram.com/pmarques81/
Where are you from originally?
My childhood was in Wilmington, DE., early adulthood was in San Francisco, CA, and I moved to Massachusetts in the fall of 2004, and finally moved to Norwell in the Winter of 2006.
Norwell in the winter of 2006
Tell us about your family! How many kids, names/ages?
I married Kevin Cohane 20 years ago. We met doing Ironman Canada with Team in Training in SF. We have two children. Petey, is 18, and will be off to college in the Fall. Annie is 16, and goes to The Perkins School for the Blind.
How did you start your business?
I was laid off from Reebok when I was pregnant with my second. After meeting a few people in town, when she was born, I had Kevin paint a ‘girl’ sign to hang on our barn door. For the next year, I repainted the sign regularly and added fun messages that people looked forward to since we live in the center of Norwell. That spring, Nikki Bartley (co-founder of Cross Street Flower Farm) asked me to
donate sign for the new Norwell CSA, and mentioned that I should start a business doing this for others. I had a moment of confidence, and in 2010 Citrus Daisy was started.
Where do you now call home and how long have you lived there?
My home for the last 20 years has been in Norwell, MA, and I run Citrus Daisy from my barn on my property.
What is your favorite part about living in the South Shore?
I love living near the water, especially since when I was growing up to go to the beach or go ‘down the shore’ was a two hour drive.
What family activity do you enjoy most?
Any time the 4 of us are together is my favorite, as well as, traveling.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
Getting to talk to new people, problem solving, and I am always learning new things.
Are you involved with any non-profits or do any volunteering?
I am on the Board of National Braille Press, who support and produce braille material for the blind.
What do you find to be the toughest part about being a working mom?
Balance, especially if you run your business out of the home.
What is the best advice you have received as a mom?
Be in the now, be as present as you can be. I struggled with this for years and feel like I am living this life as a mom now but I’ve worked to get there.
What is your best advice for a new mom?
Breathe.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I love cheesey dance tunes, and I am proud my daughter is falling in my footsteps. I love to wash windows, but I am not very good at it. My ultimate dream would be to be a rock star playing an instrument up on stage.
Is there a Quote or mantra you live by?
What if it all works out?
Your go-to Pandora/Spotify/Apple Music station?
Either Eric Hutchinson Radio or Louis the Child Radio
Your favorite local spot for: date night, coffee break, workout, new outfit, self-care, “me time”
Balancing family & work I’ve slowly been working my way out to support more South Shore businesses – I love the Poke bowl at Sparrel Roadside in Norwell and Cardio tennis with my neighbors at the YMCA in Hanover!
Be sure to follow Citrus Daisy to preview her work, and visit her website to shop her latest collection. Her signs are sure to bring a lot of joy your way!