Introduction to Taryn
Taryn’s journey from a single mum start-up to owning and running three successful businesses is a testament to her resilience and determination. She takes pride in her reputation for integrity and reliability, and finds immense joy in seeing her authors achieve success. Starting Creative Thinking at forty, Taryn’s story proves that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
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Taryn’s Journey - From Bedworth to Business Success
Early Life and Education
Taryn Lee Johnston was born in Coventry and grew up in the nearby town of Bedworth. At sixteen, after her mother remarried, the family moved to Skegness. Determined to shape her own future, Taryn quickly enrolled in a YTS scheme and attended college to earn a BTEC National in Business Management and Finance. Upon completing her studies, she moved back to Coventry and spent two years temping, a period that taught her confidence and discovered her aptitude for computers.
Professional Beginnings
Taryn’s professional journey took her to London, where she worked in various roles, including as a crane driver. Eventually, she secured a position at a global telecoms company, excelling in programme management and marketing. After the birth of her children, Taryn relocated to Lincolnshire to be closer to her family.
Creative Thinking and FCM Media
In 2010, following a divorce, Taryn founded Creative Thinking, a marketing company. This allowed her to balance her professional aspirations with her responsibilities as a single mother. She created websites, wrote web copy, and offered both digital and traditional marketing services. The company evolved into FCM Media in 2012, reflecting the growth and expansion of her services.
Publishing Success
In 2014, Taryn’s career took a new turn when she was asked to edit a novel. Embracing the opportunity, she founded FCM Publishing, focusing on non-fiction business books. Later, she established Chronos Publishing, specialising in autobiographies and fiction. Taryn’s dedication and expertise earned her the Independent Publisher of the Year award in 2023. Her authors have been shortlisted for the Business Books of the Year for six consecutive years, awarded Independent Bookstore Book of the Year, and shortlisted for the Page Turner Awards.
Academic and Industry Influence
In 2017, Taryn began guest lecturing at Lincoln University and became a permanent member of staff in 2021, specialising in digital marketing and advertising. Her academic role complements her practical experience, allowing her to impart valuable knowledge to the next generation of marketers.
Notable Projects
Taryn has worked with a diverse range of clients, including Appletree Finance, The Mortgage Network, TV chef Parveen Ashraf, Bob Champion CBE, and Tony Robinson OBE. Her projects have included ghostwriting autobiographies, developing business books, and supporting mental health advocacy through literature.
Charity and Community Involvement
A former junior football coach and Prince’s Trust mentor, Taryn is currently focusing on growing her businesses but remains committed to giving back to the community.
Resilience During Covid-19
Throughout the pandemic, Taryn supported micro-businesses, ghostwrote two books, and provided for her family. She participated in webinars and online teaching sessions, offering help and support to those in need.
Speaking Engagements and Media Presence
Taryn is an accomplished speaker, having taken the stage at TEDx with her talk "Once Upon A Love Story." She also runs a YouTube channel where she interviews authors about their writing experiences and the impact of their books.
Future Ventures
Taryn is now a partner in NovoBooks, a multi-reality publishing platform set to launch its MVP this year. The venture seeks investors to support its innovative approach to publishing.
