Jenny Craig
(born Genevieve Guidroz) was born in 1932 in Louisiana. With her husband, Sid, she founded the global weight-loss company that bears her name. Jenny Craig, Inc. helps women and men lose weight and maintain healthy lifestyles by staying active and exercising portion control. A resident of southern California, Jenny Craig is also known for breeding horses and her philanthropy in the San Diego area.
Business
Jenny met Sid Craig, the owner of a nationwide fitness club, in Louisiana, and the two married in 1979. Together, they founded Jenny Craig, Inc., in the early 1980s in Australia. The weight-loss program debuted in the United States in 1985. Jenny Craig, Inc., has since become one of the largest and most well-known weight-loss companies in the world.
Philanthropy
A resident of North San Diego County, California, Jenny Craig is known for her philanthropy both locally and nationally. In particular, she has worked with the United Way, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and several domestic-violence-prevention programs. Jenny and Sid have also donated tens of millions of dollars to local southern California universities, with particular focus on their business and fitness facilities.
Interests
Jenny Craig is well-known in the horse racing community. She owns and manages a thoroughbred horse farm in southern California. Some of her horses have raced at the highest levels, including Mr. Devious, who placed seventh at the 1992 Kentucky Derby and won the UK's Epsom Cup.
Jenny also owns a collection of antique cars and is an avid basketball fan.
Health
In 1996, Jenny Craig was diagnosed with a chronically dislocated jaw, making it difficult and painful for her to talk and eat. Previously, Jenny had appeared on numerous commercials and as a public spokesperson for her brand. This ceased abruptly after her diagnosis.
She underwent extensive surgery to repair the muscles in her face and had years of speech therapy to regain her ability to speak.
Family
Jenny and Sid had five children--all of whom grew up in southern California--and 13 grandchildren. Sid passed away in 2008, at the age of 76.
Legacy
Since the program's inception, Jenny Craig, Inc. has helped millions of people worldwide lose weight and take control of their diet and exercise choices. The Jenny Craig program is particularly well-known for being an affordable way to lose weight with attainable goals and help from a community. Jenny Craig, Inc., has won awards for its business model, including a 2009 Franchisee Satisfaction award.
