We recently connected with Bridget Papino and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story behind We Are Jersey’s mission is rooted in the founder’s personal experiences and observations within the local community. Growing up in Jersey, we were surrounded by a wealth of talent and creativity that often went unnoticed and underappreciated. We recognized the need for a platform that could tap into and unite the creative, entrepreneurial, and artistic spirit of the community.

Driven by a desire to give local talent the recognition and opportunities they deserve, the founders, Daniel Banks and I, established We Are Jersey. The mission is to bridge the gap between creatives, community, and culture by providing a platform for expression, collaboration, and connection. Our organization aims to elevate the visibility of artists and entrepreneurs through creative branding, journalism, art, entertainment, and events.

Our personal journeys and passion for empowering the local community have fueled the mission of We Are Jersey. We believe in the power of art, entertainment, and community engagement to inspire and bring people together. By providing a space for creatives to showcase their work, fostering collaboration, and celebrating diversity, We Are Jersey aims to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that positively impacts the local community and beyond.

Bridget, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

We Are Jersey is not a specific organization or brand, but rather a concept or mindset that represents a platform for fostering creativity, community, and culture within the state of New Jersey and beyond. It is a representation of the collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and businesses that aim to support and uplift the local artistic and entrepreneurial talent.

The concept of We Are Jersey was born out of a recognition of the abundance of talent within the local community that often goes unnoticed or underappreciated. It is a belief that by coming together and providing a platform for expression, collaboration, and connection, we can elevate the visibility of artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives from all disciplines.

The products and services provided under the umbrella of We Are Jersey can vary depending on the specific individuals, organizations, or businesses involved. It could include creative branding services such as logo design, website development, and visual content creation. It may encompass journalism and storytelling, with a focus on sharing the stories and experiences of local artists and entrepreneurs through articles, interviews, and videos. It could also involve hosting events, exhibitions, and performances that showcase the diverse talents of the community.

The core problem that We Are Jersey aims to solve is the lack of recognition and support for local talent. By providing a platform for individuals to showcase their work, connect with others, and access resources and opportunities, We Are Jersey seeks to bridge the gap between creatives, community, and culture.

What sets We Are Jersey apart is its emphasis on community and collaboration. It is not just about individual success, but about fostering a sense of camaraderie and support within the creative ecosystem. We Are Jersey believes in the power of unity and collective efforts to create a more vibrant and inclusive atmosphere within the local community.

What we are most proud of is the network of artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives that have come together under the banner of We Are Jersey. It is a testament to the talent and passion that exists within the community. We are proud to provide a platform for these individuals to be heard, seen, and recognized for their contributions.

We want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that We Are Jersey is more than just a brand or organization; it is a movement that celebrates and supports the creative spirit of New Jersey. We are dedicated to providing opportunities, resources, and connections to help individuals thrive in their respective fields. We believe in the power of collaboration, community engagement, and artistic expression to bring about positive change and impact within our local ecosystem.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing the clientele of We Are Jersey has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals, strategic partnerships, and targeted marketing efforts. By delivering high-quality products and services, we have been able to establish a strong reputation in the community, which has led to satisfied clients referring us to others. Additionally, we have actively sought out partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and influencers who align with our values and target audience, allowing us to reach new customers through their networks. Furthermore, we have implemented targeted marketing campaigns that leverage social media, online advertising, and content marketing to raise awareness about our brand and attract potential clients. Through these combined efforts, we have been able to steadily grow our clientele and expand our reach in the community.

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

Lead by example: Set a positive tone and demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from your team. Show dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic in your own actions.

Communicate effectively: Clear and open communication is essential for managing a team. Keep your team informed about the company’s goals, objectives, and any changes. Encourage two-way communication and actively listen to your team members’ feedback, ideas, and concerns.

Foster a positive work environment: Create a supportive and inclusive work environment where team members feel valued and respected. Encourage collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support among team members. Recognize and appreciate their efforts and achievements.

Provide opportunities for growth: Support your team members’ professional development by offering training, mentorship, and opportunities to learn new skills. Help them set clear goals and provide feedback and guidance to help them grow and advance in their careers.

Empower and delegate: Trust your team members with responsibilities and give them autonomy to make decisions within their roles. Empower them to take ownership of their work and provide them with the necessary resources and support to succeed.

Celebrate successes and milestones: Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements. Whether it’s a project completion, reaching a milestone, or personal accomplishments, acknowledge and reward their efforts to boost morale.

Prioritize work-life balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance by respecting boundaries and promoting well-being. Encourage breaks, time off, and self-care practices. Show that you care about their overall well-being, not just their work output.

Remember, building and maintaining high morale requires ongoing effort and attention. Stay connected with your team, address any concerns promptly, and regularly assess and adjust your management approach to meet the evolving needs of your team members.       

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wearejerseyent.com and www.wajmagazine.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jerseyqueen201 and www.instagram.com/wajmagazine
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/jerseyqueen201 and www.twitter.com/wearejerseyent
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/wearejersey

Image Credits
Photography and Graphic Design by LacQuan Scott