We were lucky to catch up with Gina Stockdall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

At Marilyn Jeanne Designs, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting those in need. As a domestic violence survivor myself, I understand the importance of having access to resources and support during difficult times. That’s why we are committed to donating 20% of our monthly earnings to domestic violence shelters in the Kansas City area. Our mission is to provide assistance and aid to survivors as they heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing abuse.

Gina, 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?

I’m a devoted Christian wife and mother to two wonderful boys, whom I also homeschool. In 2021, I proudly earned my Multimedia Design and Development degree and launched Marilyn Jeanne Designs, LLC in honor of my late grandmother, who sadly succumbed to Covid-19 in 2020. Originally focused on providing customized merchandise and design solutions for small businesses, my venture has evolved into a dynamic platform offering marketing, design, and fundraising services to nonprofits and churches worldwide.

Setting me apart in the realm of nonprofit marketing is my dual role: by day, I serve as an administrative assistant for a nonprofit organization, and I also hold a leadership position within my local church. This firsthand experience equips me with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by fellow leaders.

A crowning achievement for Marilyn Jeanne Designs was being honored with the title of “Best Social Media Marketing” in Kansas City in 2023. But beyond accolades, what truly matters to me is our commitment to glorifying God through our work. At MJD, we are dedicated to delivering excellence and aiding your organization’s growth through our expertise.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

At Marilyn Jeanne Designs, LLC, we’ve cultivated a thriving social media presence through our meticulously crafted Social Media Growth Checklist. Developed by our team, this checklist serves as our blueprint for engaging with other profiles and fostering genuine relationships with our followers.

For those embarking on their social media journey, our advice is simple yet effective: know your target market inside out. By understanding your audience beforehand, you can strategically follow and engage with the right people, ensuring your efforts yield meaningful connections.

Moreover, crafting engaging and valuable content tailored to your target market is paramount. Whether it’s informative posts, captivating visuals, or interactive polls, prioritizing content that resonates with your audience will set the stage for lasting engagement and growth.

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

As someone who’s navigated the challenges of team management firsthand, I’ve learned that fostering a thriving workplace culture begins with clear communication and a shared vision. Here are some key strategies I swear by:

Communicate the Vision: Ensure every team member understands the overarching goals and values of the business. This clarity fosters alignment and a sense of purpose among your team.

Set and Communicate Goals: Clearly define objectives and expectations, then communicate them effectively to your team. This provides a roadmap for success and keeps everyone focused on the same priorities.

Hold Accountability: Hold your team—and yourself—accountable for meeting deadlines and achieving goals. Accountability fosters a culture of responsibility and excellence.

Encourage Autonomy: Empower your team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Trusting your team builds confidence and fosters creativity.

Promote Open Communication: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. Open communication strengthens relationships and improves collaboration.

Emphasize Teamwork: Encourage collaboration and teamwork to leverage the diverse skills and perspectives within your team. Together, you can achieve more than any individual could alone.

Lead by Example: As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate the values and behaviors you expect from your team, and lead with integrity and professionalism.

By prioritizing these strategies, you can cultivate a positive work environment where team morale thrives, productivity soars, and your business flourishes.

Contact Info:

• Website: marilynjeannedesigns.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/marilynjeannedesigns
• Facebook: facebook.com/marilynjeannedesigns
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/marilynjeannedesigns
• Youtube: youtube.com/@marilynjeannedesigns
• Other: tiktok.com/@marilynjeannedesigns