Inside Jenna Marbles' Road to YouTube Stardom

influencer 101

| LAST UPDATE 08/19/2021

By Jessica Lopez

"I'm unbelievably sorry... I wish it wasn't part of my past," Jenna Mourey confessed. Sure enough, after documenting her life on YouTube, she may have let on more than intended. Here's her story.

Her Childhood

Long before her name was busy hijacking headlines, Jenna Mourey lived a relatively ordinary life. Raised in Rochester, New York, by her single mother, Debbie, the young girl had all the love she needed.

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

As the years went on, Jenna attended her town's local high school before coming to a realization: She was ready for a change. Despite being "relatively quiet," as she reflected, Jenna was eager to make a name for herself. And so, she packed her bags and moved to Boston. Little did she know what awaited her...

She Moved to Boston

As she began to adjust to her new surroundings, she soon found herself enrolled at a Boston college. But Jenna's time obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Psychology would go on to change her life in more ways than one. In fact, as she put it, it's also where she began to "come out of her shell."

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

The newly reinvented student thrived in her new environment. Not only did Jenna eventually enroll at Boston University, but she went on to obtain a Master's in Sports Psychology and Counseling. To the naked eye, everything seemed to be lining up perfectly. For now, at least.

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She Struggled on Her Own

Unfortunately, while her time behind a desk was going smoothly, her time at home grew to be very stressful. After all, life as a student was draining - mentally and financially. How would she continue to fund her lifestyle? Sure enough, Jenna began juggling several jobs. But would that be enough?

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

As she soon found out, it wasn't. Life in Cambridge was becoming more challenging than Jenna ever anticipated. Not only did she live with 3 roommates in a cramped apartment, but she could barely afford the $800/month rent it called for - despite taking on several gigs. She was beginning to feel burnt out, fast.

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She Was Ready for a Change

From local bars to tanning salons to even dancing at a nightclub, her attempts to support herself financially had officially taken a toll on her. And given her young age? The 20-something-year-old had the rest of her life ahead of her. Did she really want to spend it struggling the way that she was?

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

Jenna knew something had to change. But how would she continue to pay for university if she said goodbye to her only sources of income? Lucky for the struggling student, the opportunity of a lifetime was right around the corner. If only she knew then what we know now...

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Her Job at Barstool Sports

As the story goes, in 2010, the BU student started a new gig: writing for Barstool Sports' female-orientated site, StoolLaLa. With each post that followed, Mourey gained more than just another paycheck. She was beginning to find herself as both a writer and person.

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

Jenna quickly learned "how to be funny and how to blog... how everything worked," as she recalled. As a newfound writer, Jenna began to develop a passion for being vulnerable with her audience. And in only a matter of time, she'd take that very same passion to new heights.

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Bringing Her Passion to YouTube

After all, as much as Jenna loved writing, there were still barriers between herself and her readers. She wanted to be a blogger - to be as open and vulnerable as possible. But where would she be able to do that, if anywhere? Sure enough, she soon found the perfect resting place: YouTube.

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

"All I know is that YouTube makes me really happy," Marbles revealed of her decision to take her talents to the video platform. Sure enough, after much deliberation, she decided to part ways with Barstool to pursue her blogging dreams. But not before inventing a new identity for herself...

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The Start of Jenna Marbles

"I don't know what I'm doing, but I think if I had it all figured out, I would be doing something wrong," Mourey revealed as she introduced the YouTube world to her newfound persona: Jenna Marbles. Under the pseudonym (a nod to her dog, Mr. Marbles), the aspiring blogger began uploading videos. There was no going back now.

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YouTube via Jenna Marbles

Despite her mother's apprehension, the hopeful blogger actually had no regrets. Jenna Marbles was eager for what the future had in store. And with each day that passed, her time as a shy teen from Rochester, New York, was becoming more and more of a distant memory.

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Going Viral Overnight

As for what came next? Jenna Marbles continued to try her luck online. But her attempts to bring some lighthearted fun to our feeds were about to change her life, forever. On February 16, 2010, as Marbles uploaded her 3rd video, she was about to go from aspiring blogger to household name.

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YouTube via Jenna Marbles

Titled "How To Trick People Into Thinking You're Good Looking," the blogger's latest clip took off - at lightning speed. In just one week, her video had blown up, raking in almost 5.5 million people around the world. It was unbelievable. But her fame was just getting started…

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Becoming a Star

"Your love and support has changed my entire life. And seeing all your comments, I realized all I ever want to do is make people happy," Marbles gushed. Sure enough, in just a year and a half, the blogger had become a national name - boasting 1 million followers online.

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Lisa Maree Williams/Stringer via Getty Images

But her newfound fame wasn't going to change anything: Jenna Marbles was determined to stay true to herself, and that's exactly what she did. From "How To Avoid Talking to People You Don't Want To Talk To" to  "What Girls Do in the Car," her raw and honest videos were welcomed with open arms.

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Her Fame Continued To Soar

As the days continued to pile on, so did Jenna's following count. By the time 2011 came to an end, the rising star already had 2 million subscribers to show for herself. Only her online stardom was far from over. Marbles continued uploading to YouTube, as her fame grew at alarming rates.

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YouTube via Jenna Marbles

The newfound blogger had lots to share with her eager followers. And so, each Wednesday, Marbles would get behind the webcam as she covered every topic imaginable. From hilarious advice to cameos from Mr. Marbles, fans couldn't get enough of her weekly uploads.

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She Met Julien

From struggling student to rising star, Jenna Marbles' life had done a total 180. But the star's newfound fame wasn't the only drastic change in her life. Somewhere along the way, the blogger came to cross paths with a special somebody: Julien Solomita.

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

As the story goes, the two had first crossed paths at a local bar where Julien had been working. But it wasn't long before they struck up a friendship. Soon after, Jenna's new "friend" began making several appearances in her uploads. Was there more to the story?

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They Sparked Romance Rumors

Sure enough, it wasn't long before the online world began filling in the blanks themselves. After all, Jenna and Julien's chemistry was simply undeniable. But soon, their time together took a new turn, going far beyond YouTube uploads or interactions online.

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Monica Schipper/Contributor via Getty Images

"I'm so lucky to have met her. She's such an incredible person," Julien soon gushed. After endless speculation, the two finally made their couple's debut. And fans couldn't get enough of them. From romantic getaways to hilarious pranks, Jenna and Julien were officially a force to be reckoned with.

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Growing a Fandom

As 2014 continued to inch closer and closer, Jenna Marbles' list of accomplishments only continued to grow. From a thriving YouTube account to now, a thriving relationship, Marbles was seemingly on top of the world - and she had a billion views to show for it.

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

As the New York Times put it, she was officially The Woman With 1 Billion Clicks. From 20 million subscribers to over a billion views on her channel, there was no doubt about it: Jenna Marbles was officially living out her dreams. Unfortunately, not everybody shared her same excitement.

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Dave Portnoy Called Her Out

What happened? As Jenna soon found out, her new fame came with a price. After all, with just about every aspect of her life under the microscope, it was only a matter of time before skeletons were lured out of their closets. And in Marbles' case? There were many.

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

In fact, the very story behind her rise to fame was soon brought into question: "She told People magazine she fell into making YouTubes. Actually, no," her former Barstool boss, Dave Portnoy, called her out. "You were working at a tanning salon, and I hired you. That's how you started." 

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Landing 10 Million Subscribers

Sure, there was lots Jenna had to address during her time in the public eye. But she wasn't going to let anything get her down. And by the time 2013 came to a close, the blogger's fame only continued to reach new heights: She was now boasting 12 million subscribers. It was unbelievable.

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YouTube via Jenna Marbles

From makeovers (including the time she dressed up as a massive disco ball) to viral challenges, Marbles' content was truly like no other. Perhaps that's why NBC soon included her in their roundup of the most popular YouTube channels of all time. But her time off-screen was about to be just as noteworthy...

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The Start of Jenna & Julien

"If you are looking for... 'normal, by the book'... then you're in the wrong place," Jenna soon announced of her and Julien's latest endeavor: In 2014, the beloved couple brought their love to the world of podcasting as they started the Jenna & Julien Podcast.

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

From pranks to pop culture to everything in between, the couple's "awesome, random, and sometimes drunk conversations" were instantly deemed a hit. At one point, the podcast welcomed as many as 100,000 live listeners. But that's not where their fun ended...

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Jenna's Road to Hollywood

From "Eve" in Epic Rap Battles of History to her gig on Ridiculousness come 2014, Jenna Marbles' road to Hollywood was officially well underway. After all, with a fanbase as large as hers? There was seemingly nothing the YouTube icon couldn't tick off the list.

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Joshua Blanchard/Stringer via Getty Images

In fact, just one year later, Marbles welcomed another milestone after teaming up with YouTube channel, SMOSH. Alongside Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox, Jenna found her way onto the big screen. After penning and starred in her very first movie, SMOSH: The Movie, Marbles was literally everywhere.

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Her Wax Figure

"This is probably the coolest thing that has ever happened," Jenna gushed. With her very own film, fanbase, and endless followers, Marbles was officially a Hollywood star. Perhaps that's why she was soon awarded her very own wax figure, something that left her "floored."

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Cindy Ord/Stringer via Getty Images

"I'm so beyond honored and excited," Marbles gushed of the major honor, at New York's Madame Tussauds Museum. The wax figure was also the museum's first to ever boast its own social-media account, where selfies with visitors were frequently featured.

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Her 30th Birthday

As the years continued to fly by, people couldn't get enough of Marbles. But by the time September 2016 came rolling around? The YouTube star decided to give back to her loyal followers in the best way possible: by shedding some words of wisdom - right in time for her 30th birthday.

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Monica Schipper/ Contributor via Getty Images

"It feels like something nice to do for my birthday," the reality star explained, as she took to YouTube in a video titled, '30 Lessons I Learned in 30 Years. While her festive tips and tricks were all in good fun, she soon documented her riskiest - and perhaps most rewarding - gift yet...

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Becoming Homeowners

"We Bought a House:" In 2018, Jenna and her boyfriend took to YouTube to reveal the latest step in their relationship. After saving up for years and years, Jenna had officially gone from living with two roommates in Cambridge to proud homeowner with her boyfriend.

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Mindy Small/Contributor via Getty Images

Safe to say, all of those years of saving up certainly paid off. Boasting over 5,000+ square feet, Jenna and Julien's Los Angeles 6 bedroom mansion was as gorgeous as they come. And it set them back about $2.85 million. "This represents a lot for our future," Marbles gushed.

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A Dream Come True

With a multi-million dollar mansion and thriving career, Jenna Marbles was officially living the dream life. Only the celebrations were far from over. By 2019, shortly after becoming a homeowner, the YouTube star celebrated another major accomplishment: 30 million subscribers.

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David Livingston/Contributor via Getty Images

But that's not all. Marbles also raked in about 3.3 billion views across the online platform. It was truly a sight to be seen. And with a coveted slot on the roundup of YouTube's Top Female Content Creators, it seemed like nothing could stand in her way.

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Her Net Worth

From struggling to make rent for a cramped Cambridge apartment to boating a multi-million dollar mansion, there was no doubt about it: Jenna Marbles had come a long way since her days at Boston University. But just how much did she have to show for herself?

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David Livingston/ Contributor via Getty Images

"[I have] more money than I need, ever," the blogger proudly revealed to The New York Times. Sure enough, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Marbles had a pretty big chunk of change lying sitting in the bank - roughly $8 million. Unfortunately, her glamorous life was about to be met with a not-so-pretty reality check...

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An Old Video Resurfaced

On a fateful day in 2020, Jenna's life was turned upside after an old video of hers suddenly resurfaced. Safe to say, she never could've prepared for the madness that'd ensue. Despite having been granted several awards from her time in Hollywood, all of that acclaim was about to disappear.

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Michael Bezjian/Contributor via Getty Images

What happened? Back in 2011, Marbles had uploaded a video to Youtube like she'd done endless times before. Only this clip, in particular, was about to come back to haunt her like no other. "I wish it wasn't part of my past," she confessed of the controversial upload.

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She Impersonated Nicki Minaj

Back in 2011, Marbles had posted a video impersonating Nicki Minaj. Sporting a heavy spray tan and neon wig, Jenna's resurfaced video brought lots of backlash. According to disappointed users, she'd been racially insensitive. Perhaps that's why it wasn't long before the star took to YouTube to address the scandal herself.

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Horacio Villalobos/Contributor via Getty Images

"I'm unbelievably sorry," Jenna explained after uploading an apology video. But it's what she said next that left users scrambling: "I'm just going to move on from this channel, for now," Marbles revealed. "I don't know if that's forever… I want to make sure that the things that I've put into the world aren't hurting anyone."

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"It's Not Okay"

But where would that leave Marbles? How long would she be taking a hiatus? And perhaps more importantly: would she ever be able to bounce back from the controversial scandal? "I'm not completely unproblematic. I've tried my best to grow up," Jenna explained.

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YouTube via Jenna Marbles

But before taking a break from the webcam, there was still lots Marbles wanted to set straight: "It was not my intention to do blackface," the blogger assured of her Nicki Minaj impersonation video. "But all that matters is that people were offended, and it hurt them."

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She Felt "Crucified"

With her name and face plastered on screens all over the world, Jenna could no longer hide from her past. She had to face it, as painful as it may have been. "I'm ashamed of things I've done and said in my past," Marbles confessed. She needed to take some time to self-reflect.

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

"For now, I just can't exist on this channel. I want to hold myself accountable, and it's painful to do it," the blogger revealed. Not only did Jenna plan to say bye to YouTube, but she also planned on removing her Twitch account. She felt "crucified," as she told the New York Times.

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She Canceled Herself

Whether people would forgive her or not, Marbles wanted to make it clear that she had been in the wrong - no excuses whatsoever. "This isn't OK, and it hasn't existed on the internet for a long time because it's not OK," she assured. She decided to 'cancel' herself before people did it for her.

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S3studio/Contributor via Getty Images

Jenna Marbles decided to hold herself accountable, something that quickly left the online world divided: "I'm sad to see Jenna Marbles quit her channel," one supportive user soon Tweeted. "Good job, cancel culture! You really did it again," wrote another.

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Julien Spoke Out

But by the time July came rolling around, users were shocked to see Jenna's return to social media. Well, sort of: Her joint Twitch account with Julien was seemingly up and running again, leaving spectators with lots of questions. Was Jenna's hiatus coming to an end?

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Instagram via @jennamarbles

Sure enough, it wasn't. "It's incredibly bittersweet knowing I'll never go live under that name again," Julien soon explained, before changing the account name from "JennaJulien" to "Julien." "I will forever cherish these memories. Thank u so much for being a part of them."

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He Cut Ties With Jenna Professionally

From YouTube to Twitch, Jenna Marbles had promised to steer clear of the online world - and she'd meant it. Up next on the list? Saying goodbye to her famed podcast, The Jenna & Julien Podcast. And that's exactly what she did come August 2020, as hard as it may have been.

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Instagram via @juliensolomita

"Maybe someday in the future, Julien and I can do something else," an emotional Marbles explained before saying goodbye to her time behind the mic. "But, just the biggest, most heartfelt thank you to anyone who has ever listened to our podcast," she gushed.

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Saying Bye to YouTube

At around the same time, Jenna Marbles said goodbye to YouTube once and for all. Her last video, dated June 2020, left users with lots of takeaway thoughts. In fact, it's already been a year since her final upload, and yet the clip's comments section is just as active as it was then.

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Mike Windle/Stringer via Getty Images

With over 4.7 million views, the controversial clip garnered opinion from supporters and skeptics alike. "Can't believe it's been exactly one year since you posted this video, I miss you and your videos," one user wrote. "We'll be here when you're ready even if you never are," wrote another.

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Julien Popped the Question

As users put it, "a year without Jenna Marbles doing something crazy is so weird." Ever since her hiatus, the YouTube star had seemingly gone off the grid. It felt... eerie, almost. But by April 2021, Julien sent shockwaves through the internet after announcing a major update.

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Stefanie Keenan/Contributor via Getty Images

"I asked Jenna to marry me, and she said yes!" Jenna's boyfriend proudly revealed. "So, we are engaged." After roughly 8 years together, the couple had just about been through it all together. But they were finally ready to make their love official - for better or for worse.

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How Did Jenna Feel?

Loyal fans were thrilled to hear about the couple's big plans. But with Julien's announcement came a bittersweet realization: Jenna had been M.I.A for months now, would they ever hear from her again? Or perhaps would she welcome her and Julien's latest chapter in complete silence?

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Instagram via @juliensolomita

Sure enough, the blogger continued to stay under the radar in the months that followed. But for eager followers, keeping up with her fiance's daily life was the next best thing to keeping up with the former YouTube star. But would Jenna ever return to the webcam?

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Her Loyal Followers

"Even if you don't come back, I so desperately hope you are okay, and you're doing well," one user commented on YouTube: after over 365 days of total radio silence, it seemed Jenna's hiatus had become permanent. But her loyal followers weren't going anywhere just yet.

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Instagram via @jessica.stevie

"Miss you so much! You're probably in such a healthier place right now! Hope you're doing well and taking care of yourself," another user chimed in. Even today, one quick scroll through Jenna's Instagram feed and her comments section is hijacked by endless supporters.

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Where'd It All Go Wrong?

From queen of YouTube to quietly laying low, Jenna Marble's journey to Hollywood had taken her - us included - on one whirlwind of a ride. But until she finds her way back to our screens, followers are keeping her memory alive by taking a trip down memory lane.

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Monica Schipper/Contributor via Getty Images

After all, a whole lot has happened since we first met "Jenna Marbles" back in 2006. Some users have looked back at her prior videos with a sense of anger, happy to be rid of the controversial star. Others have used it as a sense of comfort, clinging onto hope that one day she'll return to our screens.

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Her Directorial Debut

In the meantime, loyal followers have lots of on-screen adventures to tide them over. Including, of course, the time Jenna Marbles was approached with the offer of a lifetime back in 2016: Executive directing the blockbuster movie, Maximum Ride. Ring a bell?

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Mike Windle/Stringer via Getty Images

For those who haven't yet caught her directorial debut, the sci-fi film followed 6 genetically hybrid kids on their journey to uncover the dark truth behind their past. Inspired by James Patterson's novel of the same name, the movie was a major accomplishment for the YouTube star.

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"Creator of the Decade"

Safe to say, Jenna Marbles had come a long way since her time struggling to make ends meet at Boston University. From YouTube videos to directing a James Patterson film, her journey on our screen was nothing short of impressive. And it earned her endless awards over the years.

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Frederick M. Brown/Stringer via Getty Images

In 2017, following her directorial debut, Marbles welcomed yet another accomplishment: "YouTuber of the Year" at the annual Shorty Awards. But just one year later, she earned an even more remarkable feat: a nomination for "Creator of the Decade." But her life at home was actually just as exciting...

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Her Famous Pets

When Jenna wasn't busy collecting awards on stage, she was busy feeling the love elsewhere. Of course, we're talking about her famous pets, who've made endless appearances on our screens over the years - and we're not just talking about her absent-minded chihuahua, Mr. Marbles...

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Amazon.com via Cynthia C

From Italian Greyhounds Kermit (or as Jenna calls him, "nasty boy,") and Peach, to rescue Greyhound, Bunny, the Marbles household has never been a dull moment. In fact, Jenna's furry friends even inspired her to drop her very own line of dog toys - though it didn't last long…

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Her Support System

What happened? Unfortunately, when Jenna's controversial clip from 2011 came to light, she didn't only decide to part ways with her YouTube account. In an attempt to close the chapter on her past mistakes, Marbles also said goodbye to her dog toy line.

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Mindy Small/ Contributor via Getty Images

Thankfully, as we already know, she had a loyal support system to lean back on. From her furry friends to her fiance to, of course, her fans, Jenna Marbles had all the love she needed. Nonetheless, her online scandal had also left her reflecting on her past...

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Jenna's Learning Process

"I feel like we're at a time where we're purging ourselves of any and everything toxic," Marbles confessed before taking her mysterious hiatus. "I don't want to hurt anyone, I don't want to offend anyone. I just want to have a good time." Despite the controversies clouding her name, Jenna viewed them as a learning lesson...

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Michael Tullberg/Contributor via Getty Images

"I've tried my best to... be a better person," she assured. But given her recent time at home, away from our screens? It seems her journey to self-improvement is far from over. What will her next chapter look like? We guess we'll have to wait and find out...

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What Next?

From a shy, struggling teen to an online superstar, Jenna Mourey's journey to stardom has seen more highs and more lows than most of us will ever face. But what now? Where does that leave her today? Will the Rochester native ever find her way back onto our screens?

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Chelsea Lauren/Stringer via Getty Imags

Or perhaps have her past scandals proven to be too much? Whatever the case may be, we're wishing her nothing but the best. And while her chapter on YouTube might have since come to an end, we've got a feeling Jenna Marble's story is just getting started...

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