We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeanne Micallef a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jeanne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Having recently celebrated 21 years as a business owner, I had a moment of realization — I’ve been my own boss longer than I have ever worked for someone else. That thought hit me like a quiet milestone, a reminder of the journey I chose. So yes, I love being a business owner. The flexibility, the creativity, the sense of ownership over my work — it’s something I never take for granted. But like any path worth taking, it’s not without its challenges.

I still remember the exact moment I made the decision to step out on my own. I was sitting at my desk in a corporate job, feeling stuck and underappreciated, feeling a pull toward something bigger. But with that came a moment of fear: Can I really do this? Should I? The stability and security of a steady paycheck was tempting, but so was the freedom of building something on my own terms. Ultimately, I took the leap, and I’ve never once looked back or regretted it.

Being a solopreneur of course means wearing every hat in the business. Every day, I’m the storyeller, the creative force, the consultant, and the business development manger. Other days, I’m also the accountant, the tech support, the one making the coffee. And then there are the moments that test everything.

I think back to 2007. The recession brought uncertainty, and businesses everywhere were slashing budgets — marketing and PR were among the first to go. I remember sitting in my home office late at night, wondering, How long will this last? Will I keep getting new clients? It was a moment of doubt; the kind that makes you consider the safer route. But instead of panicking, I focused on what I could control: delivering for my existing clients, making sure they stayed in the spotlight, and trusting that new opportunities would follow. They did.

Then came the pandemic in 2020. I was caring for my dad on top of working steadily then the world hit pause, and uncertainty loomed again. I felt more grounded this time though because I had weathered storms before. I found ways to adapt, balance and keep going. That experience reinforced something I had learned along the way — resilience isn’t about avoiding hardships but about navigating them with clarity, hard work and trust in your own ability to figure things out.

Through it all, the biggest lesson has been finding balance and knowing your worth. In the early years, I poured everything into my work, often at the expense of my well being and personal time. When you work for yourself — especially from home — it’s easy to blur the line between your business and your life. But I’ve learned that to give 110% to my clients, I also need to give 110% to myself. That means setting regular office hours, unplugging when the workday ends, and making time for the people and experiences that recharge me.

Do I ever think about what it would be like to have a “regular” job? Sure, in fleeting moments. Then I remember why I chose this path in the first place. The freedom, the fulfillment, and the ability to build something meaningful — it’s worth every challenge along the way.

Jeanne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always loved a good story — telling them, shaping them, and bringing them to life. From a young age, I was fascinated by the way words could connect people, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact. That passion led me to a career in publicity and communications, where I’ve spent nearly 30 years helping individuals, brands, and businesses craft compelling narratives that resonate.

My journey began in the fast-paced world of the automotive industry, where I learned the power of messaging and media relations. But it was in live entertainment that I truly found my niche. As the Public Relations Manager for one of Detroit’s largest entertainment corporations, I had the opportunity to work on concerts, Broadway productions, comedy tours, sporting events, and family shows — each with its own unique story to tell.

In 2004, I took a leap of faith and launched IMJ Communications, a boutique PR and marketing company specializing in arts and entertainment, music, film, literary projects, and small to mid-sized businesses. I wanted to create a company that not only elevated brands but also connected them to their audiences in meaningful and lasting ways.

At IMJ Communications, I don’t just secure media coverage or craft social media strategies, I help my clients find their voice. Whether it’s amplifying an artist’s work, promoting an event, launching a book, or helping a business refine its messaging, my goal is always the same: to make their story heard, seen, and felt.

Speaking of stories, the name IMJ holds special significance. It’s named after my nieces — Isabella, Marina, and Julianna — three of my greatest inspirations. Every time I write or say my company’s name, it reminds me why I do what I do: to connect, to inspire, and to create something lasting. I also hope my journey inspires my nieces to realize that as a female in business or whatever path they choose, anything is possible and they deserve a spot at the table.

What sets IMJ Communications apart is the personal touch. I work one-on-one with every client, tailoring strategies to fit their unique needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. I believe PR is more than just press releases and media placements — it’s about relationships, storytelling, and making an impact.

When I look back at my journey, what I’m most proud of is the ability to help my clients break through the noise and truly connect with their audiences. It’s not just about getting them seen —it’s about making them unforgettable.

For anyone considering working with me, here’s what I’d want them to know: I am passionate about what I do, deeply invested in my clients’ success, and always looking for new and creative ways to tell their stories. If you have a story to tell, I’d love to help you share it. While I am based in Detroit, I can work with clients remotely.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with many of my clients long-term, while others return for repeat projects —something I never take for granted. I believe the foundation of strong client relationships is mutual respect, genuine connection and communication. From the start, I take the time to truly listen, understand their goals, and tailor my approach to their unique needs.

This level of personalized attention not only helps me deliver results but also fosters trust, which has been the key to building my client roster primarily through referrals. I stay in touch beyond the scope of a project — checking in, sharing industry insights, and celebrating their successes. It’s never just about the work; it’s about the relationship. Which is the foundation of public relations.

By prioritizing open communication, reliability, and a collaborative approach, I’ve been able to create lasting partnerships where clients know they have a trusted professional in their corner. That trust is what keeps them coming back.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In the early days of my business, I made a mistake that many entrepreneurs do — I took on projects just to get my name out there, even if it meant accepting less than what my work was worth. I told myself it was a necessary step, a way to build my portfolio and establish credibility. But what I quickly learned was that clients who undervalue your work often undervalue your time and expertise as well.

I found myself in situations where I was over-delivering for clients who had no problem pulling the old scope creep — “just one more thing” — when they already hesitated when it came to paying fairly. Instead of building the solid foundation I had hoped for, I was setting a precedent that my time was negotiable.

The lesson I quickly unlearned? Exposure doesn’t pay MY bills, it pays theirs and saying yes to the wrong clients means saying no to the ideal ones. Once I started setting firm boundaries, I attracted clients who respected my boundaries and understood the value of my work. It was a turning point — not just in my business, but in my mindset.

Anyone considering venturing out on their, I encourage them to know their worth from day one. Because the right clients — the ones who respect your expertise — will never expect you to prove it at a discount.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imjcommunications.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imjcommunications
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19KeQpLNWE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-micallef-1043721?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

IMJ Communications