Craig, Jenny (1932–)

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Craig, Jenny (1932–)

American entrepreneur. Born Genevieve Marie Guidroz, Aug 7, 1932, in Berwick, Louisiana; grew up in New Orleans; dau. of Gertrude Acosta and James Yoric Guidroz; m. 2nd husband Sid Craig (franchiser), 1979; children.

After gaining weight during a difficult pregnancy with 2nd daughter Michelle, went to work in fitness clubs, managing, owning and selling them (1959); having signed a 2-year noncompete clause in US over previous franchise, started Jenny Craig, Inc., a weight-management firm, with 2nd husband in Australia (1983); opened centers in US (1985); eventually reached over 780 centers worldwide.

See also autobiography, The Jenny Craig Story: How One Woman Changes Millions of Lives (2004).