Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Clark.

Hi Jennifer , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I have always been drawn to creativity and storytelling. As a child, I was constantly drawing or writing my own stories, even selling handmade art prints door to door in my neighborhood. I always imagined pursuing a career in art, but growing up poor, stability felt more important than passion. That mindset led me to study journalism and public relations in college—a path I thought would be more practical, which also still allowed me to utilize my love for writing.

However, graduating during a recession in 2009 meant having to be flexible and adjusting my expectations. I found myself in a mix of communications, sales, and marketing roles, often juggling multiple responsibilities under one paycheck. Through these experiences, I noticed a common thread—many small businesses struggled with branding. They had great products or services but lacked a strong, cohesive identity that truly connected with their audience.

That realization led me to co-found a full-service marketing agency with a business partner and close friend, after spending a few years managing other people’s companies. Over the four and a half years we ran that agency together, we doubled our sales year over year and built something we were truly proud of. But as our personal lives headed in different directions, we made the difficult decision to disband and divide the business. During that time, I had developed a deep focus on branding and design, and when we parted ways, I took that part of the business with me to start JC Design and Media.

When I launched JC Design and Media, I knew I wanted to work with impact-driven businesses—those who weren’t just in it for the money but were passionate about making a difference or challenging the status quo. Of course, financial success is important, but I’ve always been drawn to businesses that have a bigger purpose…a meaning behind what they do. And in a way, this journey has allowed me to come full circle, incorporating art into my career in a way I never thought possible. Now, I help businesses craft identities that not only look great but also serve a strategic purpose. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help businesses grow with intention.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It has been anything but a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to navigate challenges that tested my resilience and forced me to grow in ways I never expected.

One of the biggest challenges was deciding to build my business without taking out a loan. While it’s rewarding to know I’ve grown both of my businesses debt-free, it also meant a slower path to scaling. Every investment—whether in software, marketing, or outsourcing—had to come directly from revenue, requiring patience and careful financial decisions.

Another struggle was learning to step away from hustle culture. In the early years, I took on every project I could to meet my financial goals, often at the expense of my own well-being. I was constantly thinking about work, burning myself out, and leaving no time for rest. I was treading water in the middle of the ocean, with no signs of ever making it to shore. Over time, I had to learn to set boundaries—not just with my schedule but with clients as well. That meant saying no, even when turning down a project felt difficult, including those worth several thousand dollars.

Timing also played a huge role in the challenges I faced. When I started my business, my husband was beginning medical school, which meant I was the primary breadwinner for the first four years. I had no choice but to take on every lead that came my way. At the same time, his rotations required us to move twice, putting us far from family and support systems. Balancing business growth while navigating major life transitions was exhausting. And when we later moved across the country for his residency, I found myself juggling client work while coordinating another big move—giving me a not-so-friendly reminder that running a business doesn’t pause for personal life. However, going through this has forced me to continuously work on improving my systems and processes so that things do not need to shut down or pause when life happens.

Then there are the natural ebbs and flows of business. When times are slow, it’s easy to spiral into thinking it will always be that way. But I’ve learned that growth comes in phases, and sometimes, you have to lean into moments of “intentional hustle” to push forward. Those seasons can be exhausting, but they’re also necessary for expansion.

Through all of this, the biggest lesson has been balance—understanding that life and business will always intertwine, and learning how to manage both without sacrificing my health, relationships, or the quality of my work. Every year, I get a little better at working smarter instead of harder, and every year, I refine my systems to create more space for life outside of my business. It’s been a journey of trial and error, but one that has made me a stronger, more intentional business owner.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

At JC Design and Media, I help businesses build brands that are not only visually compelling but also deeply rooted in strategy. My work goes beyond just creating a logo and some nice-looking designs—I focus on crafting a complete brand identity that reflects a business’s purpose, values, and long-term goals. Every element, from design to messaging, is intentional and designed to connect with the right audience.

I specialize in branding and web design, working closely with impact-driven businesses—those who are passionate about making a difference and standing out for more than just their products or services. What I’m most proud of is the transformation I help my clients achieve. Many come to me feeling scattered, struggling to communicate who they are and what they do or even positioning their services in the market. Seeing them walk away with clarity, confidence, and a brand that truly represents them is incredibly rewarding. It’s fun to watch what my clients do with their brand. It’s not just about the visuals—it’s about creating something that helps them grow their business in a way that feels aligned with their purpose.

The differentiating factor in my business is my hands-on, collaborative approach. I don’t believe in surface-level branding or trendy designs that won’t stand the test of time. I like to say that my brands are “hand-made” by humans for humans…because they are. My process is designed to go deep—I take the time to understand my clients’ businesses inside and out before any design work begins. Every brand I build is rooted in purpose, storytelling, and strategy. I work closely with my clients to ensure their brand isn’t just beautiful—it’s meaningful, effective, and built to last.

Beyond branding, I’ve also been tapping into more illustrative work and art projects. Art has always been a passion of mine, and it’s exciting to incorporate more of it into my work. I primarily work with sketching, digital art, watercolor, and ink with watercolor, but I’ve been exploring new mediums as well. Block printing is next on my list. It’s been a fun and fulfilling way to reconnect with the artist side of me that first drew me into this industry.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

I recently heard a quote that has stuck with me and has become a bit of a mantra: I am a human being, not a human doing.

If there’s one truth that’s reshaped how I run my business and live my life, it’s this: my business is something I do—it’s not my entire identity. Especially in the creative field, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and life, but I’ve come to realize that stepping away is just as important as showing up. You need time to shut down, recharge, and experience life outside of work in order to do your best creative work.

I also learned that it’s okay if you don’t love every single day or aspect of running a business. There’s a common narrative that if you’re passionate about what you do, it should never feel like work—but the reality is, even when you love what you do, it’s still a job. Some days will feel fulfilling, while others will be frustrating or exhausting. That doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path—it just means you’re human.

More than anything, I’ve learned that time is something you never get back, and it should be prioritized accordingly. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and let business take over, or to play that terrible comparison game, but at the end of the day, the moments spent with loved ones, pursuing personal passions, or simply resting are just as valuable—if not more—than hitting the next business milestone. Learning to set boundaries and create balance has been an ongoing process, but every year, I get better at working so that my business supports my life, not the other way around.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jcdesignandmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcdesignandmedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCDesignandMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferchristine87/
• Other: https://dribbble.com/jcdesignandmedia

Image Credits

Personal Photo Credit: Milou and Olin Collective
Other photos of me: Diana Elena Photos