We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

Starting as a receptionist at a talent agency with no industry knowledge, I worked my way up from the ground floor. One of the most valuable lessons I learned early on was how to navigate different personalities and adapt my communication style to fit each individual. I quickly realized that success isn’t about waiting for direction—it’s about taking initiative, seeking out responsibility, and making your own path forward.

I made a point of showing my value and building meaningful relationships, particularly with colleagues like Marcela Woessner. Marcela, who taught me the importance of asking questions and constantly learning, joined our team at J1S in 2022, and is now a part of Wasserman, where she now thrives as one of our top agents.

Another key lesson I learned was the importance of respect. Whether you’re working with a CEO or a receptionist, treating everyone with kindness and professionalism is essential for fostering trust and a positive work culture. These early experiences shaped my work ethic and continue to guide my approach as a business owner—always proactive, adaptable, and respectful of every role within the organization.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve spent my career navigating various facets of the talent representation and marketing industries, gradually moving up the ranks to where I am today. My journey began in talent representation in Dallas, where I started at the bottom and worked my way up over two years. During this time, I gained a solid understanding of the talent space and learned how to effectively manage relationships with both clients and colleagues.

I later transitioned into marketing and events with the nation’s largest luxury media company. This role expanded my skill set, where I not only led a team but also learned the complexities of managing large-scale events and marketing strategies. However, when COVID-19 hit in 2020, everything came to a halt. After being furloughed in May of that year, my husband, Michael Jones, and I decided to pivot and launch the digital representation arm of J1S, where I now focus on talent representation for top creators.

In 2023, we officially were acquired by Wasserman, one of the leading talent agencies in the world. Our business, J1S, was brought in to launch Wasserman Creators.

At Wasserman Creators , we represent leading creators both nationally and internationally, working with some of the most recognizable brands in the world. What sets us apart is our modern, 360-degree approach to talent representation. Unlike many agencies of our size, we offer comprehensive services all under one roof, from brand partnerships to personal/business management, which allows us to provide holistic support for our clients’ careers.

What I’m most proud of is our commitment to integrity and character. In an industry that can sometimes lean toward flashy or transactional relationships, we’ve stayed grounded in our values, ensuring that we work with talented, versatile, and good people. My goal is for potential clients, collaborators, and followers to know that at J1S, we’re not just about business—we’re about building meaningful, long-term relationships and supporting our clients’ growth in a thoughtful, authentic way.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has always been rooted in hard work, quality service, and strategic relationships. In the beginning, it was all about long days of cold outreach. We spent countless hours connecting with potential clients, but the key to retaining them was providing the highest quality of work from the start. We set the bar high, ensuring that every project or partnership exceeded expectations.

Upholding that standard became a crucial part of our growth. When talent consistently delivers at a high level, brands come back to work with you again. That repeat business became the foundation for long-term success. Early on, we also had a strong foothold in the sports world, which gave us an edge. We signed a number of athletes and WAGs, and thanks to our deep understanding of that space, we were able to provide top-tier service, generating word-of-mouth referrals.

We’ve always let our work speak for itself, allowing other people to vouch for us. Over time, that word of mouth—combined with the consistent quality of our work—has been a key driver in building and expanding our client base. The reputation we’ve built has proven to be the most effective strategy for attracting new clients and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with the ones we already have.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale comes down to a few key principles. First and foremost, it’s essential to hire the right people—those who align with the team’s vision and work ethic. When everyone is on the same page and passionate about the mission, the foundation for success is set.

Equally important is finding people who are cultural fits and can elevate the existing team. It’s not just about individual skills but how each person contributes to the overall dynamic. A cohesive, supportive team makes all the difference in maintaining morale.

Strong communication is another cornerstone. Keeping everyone informed, providing clear direction, and actively listening to team members fosters trust and ensures everyone feels valued and included.

Lastly, it’s important to work hard, but also to make sure you’re having a good time while doing it. Celebrating wins, rewarding achievements, and incorporating fun into the workday keeps energy high and morale up. When the work environment is both challenging and enjoyable, people are more motivated and committed to the team’s success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.teamwass.com/creators/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabczFbsgoRa8Mut1SqawfgJ2vmPHSZI_50GhhVStlXmBa7k6hTLrjllB64_aem_1qmli-3Mm5znGWs8kUyqNw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahhaarala/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-haarala-jones-b11508123/