Emma Jolly Email and Phone Number

The great poet, historian and activist, Maya Angelou (1928-2014) wrote, “Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.” Recently, one of my clients said that my work was, “seriously impressive . . . a real labour of love for you.” A key reason why I love my work is every day is different. Each week varies between family history research, writing, editing, Skype consultations, blogging, speaking, and teaching (usually online). My clients include amateur family historians, busy professionals, authors, academics, students, retirees – and people who just want to find out about their own family history. When I’m not working, I spend time with my teenage sons, in yoga classes, out for coffee (and laughs) with friends, attend gigs and book talks, or go out exploring the vibrant and historic city of London - where I’m lucky to live. At home, I read, play the piano, listen to music, and watch the widest range of films and television. I love learning new things. Currently, I'm studying Welsh to better understand the world of my Ceredigion ancestors.I also enjoy meeting new people - in London, at work conferences, or via social media. I’m an active member of the Society of Genealogists, FIBIS, London Historians, and AGRA. Like that of fellow xennials, my work builds on the experience of earlier generations while embracing all that the digital future has to offer. As such, I benefit from having a wide cross-section of friends and colleagues across the globe.Specialities: conscientious, experienced and qualified researcher; open-minded and inquisitive approach to solving family history problems; spirited social historian (strong focus on women's lives); sole author of four books; contributing author to books, magazines and journals; friendly and pragmatic approach to helping clients to explore their own identities through their families’ pasts; varied media work (from Who Do You Think You Are? [Kate Winslet episode], ITV, Swedish TV [Arvinge okänd, 28 Nov 2019], the Daily Mirror, to independent TV companies, and the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show).