Jen grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and Uchenna in Tacoma, Washington. They met in 1996 at Rutgers University as teammates on the Rutgers soccer team and became instant best friends.

During their college years, Jen played a little guitar but Uchenna didn't play bass. After graduating, Jen moved to Brooklyn and Uchenna back west to Seattle. Two years later, in 2002, Jen would write her first song. That same year, Uchenna moved to New York and stayed with Jen and Jen's sister, Michelle, at their Brooklyn apartment.  Jen had owned a bass since college but never played it.  One day, in the Brooklyn apartment, Uchenna picked up Jen's bass, Jen began playing her songs, Uchenna accompanied, and The Fools were born.

In 2004, The Fools started playing open mics and other shows in New York City. They currently produce and perform in a monthly music showcase (first Wednesday of every month) at the Bowery Poetry Club called Sean T. Hanratty Presents: Theater of Fools.