We were lucky to catch up with Jaclyn Burns recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jaclyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Starting The Social Collective was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken, but it was a decision rooted in love and a leap of faith that I’ll never regret. It all began after my daughter, Kennedy, was born with a ventricular septal defect. As a mom, hearing that your child’s heart isn’t functioning properly is one of the most gut-wrenching things you can go through. I knew right then that our journey wasn’t going to be easy.

Maternity leave was supposed to be a time to bond with my new baby, but instead, it became a period of stress and constant worry. Kennedy needed open-heart surgery, and that reality weighed on me every single day. As my maternity leave drew to an end, I was faced with a difficult choice. My job was waiting for me, but so was my daughter—her surgery scheduled, her future uncertain. The idea of going back to work, leaving her in someone else’s care during such a critical time, didn’t sit right with me. Kennedy needed me, and I knew I couldn’t divide my attention between her recovery and the demands of my job.

That’s when the seed for The Social Collective was planted. I had always loved social media and connecting with small business owners, and I knew I could offer something unique. The idea of working from home and being there for Kennedy felt like the perfect solution, but it was also terrifying. Could I really make it work? Would I be able to replace my income and provide for my family? What if I failed? These questions circled in my mind for weeks.

But the truth was, I couldn’t go back to my job. I couldn’t leave Kennedy. So I took the risk. I didn’t return after maternity leave. Instead, I started my own social media management company, pouring everything into it while juggling my daughter’s surgery and recovery.

It was hard. There were days when I doubted myself. Balancing a newborn with medical needs and building a business from scratch wasn’t easy, but I was determined. I wanted more than just a career—I wanted the flexibility to be there for my daughter, to never miss a moment, especially when she needed me most.

Fast forward to today, The Social Collective has grown beyond what I could have imagined. I’ve built something that allows me to be present with my family, and I’m so proud of the clients I’ve been able to help along the way. The risk I took wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about prioritizing my family and trusting that I could find a way to make it all work.

I’m so happy I made that choice. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth every ounce of uncertainty, because it allowed me to create a life that’s on my terms, where I can both provide for my family and be there for Kennedy. Taking that risk opened up a world of possibilities I hadn’t even considered, and I’m grateful every day for the strength it took to take the leap.

Jaclyn, 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?

Absolutely! My name is Jaclyn Burns, and I’m the founder of The Social Collective Co., a social media management company based in Boise, Idaho. I’m also a mom, a wife, and a passionate supporter of women-owned businesses.

Before launching The Social Collective, I spent over a decade honing my skills in marketing and communication, but social media always stood out to me. I love the creativity, strategy, and connection it offers. Social media isn’t just about pretty posts—it’s about building relationships, telling your story, and growing your business in an authentic way. I knew I could bring that perspective to small business owners, especially fellow moms and women entrepreneurs who are juggling multiple roles and don’t have the time to manage their own social media effectively.

At The Social Collective, I provide a variety of services tailored to each client’s unique needs. From full-service social media management to strategy development, I help businesses grow their online presence through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more. I specialize in working with mompreneurs and women business owners who are looking to attract new followers, increase engagement, and ultimately drive sales without having to worry about the day-to-day grind of social media.

What sets me apart from others is my commitment to working closely with my clients to understand their goals and help them grow their businesses while staying true to their brand voice. I’m not just posting content, I’m building a strategy that speaks to their audience, fosters community, and drives real results. I keep things lighthearted and playful, because I believe that social media should be fun, not stressful.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to build a business that gives me the freedom to stay home with my daughter while also helping other moms and women-owned businesses thrive. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for the trust my clients place in me to help tell their stories.

For potential clients or followers, what I want you to know is that The Social Collective is more than just a business. It’s about building a community where we can lift each other up, grow together, and achieve success on our own terms. Whether you need full social media management, a strategy session, or want to learn how to do it yourself, I’m here to help you navigate the ever-changing social media landscape with confidence and creativity. My goal is to make social media feel manageable and even fun, so you can focus on what you love, growing your business and spending time with the people who matter most.

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

Building authentic relationships and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals. When I first started The Social Collective, I focused heavily on connecting with fellow mompreneurs and women-owned businesses, which is my target audience. By genuinely understanding their challenges and providing tailored social media solutions, I was able to form strong, trusting relationships.

In addition to this, networking within local communities—especially through Boise Mom—has played a huge role in getting my name out there. Organizing local meetups and participating in online groups allowed me to make meaningful connections, which often led to referrals. Satisfied clients are always my best advocates, and their personal recommendations have been invaluable for my business growth.

Another key strategy has been showcasing my work on my own social media platforms. By consistently posting high-quality content, including case studies, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my process, potential clients could see my expertise in action. This not only built credibility but also gave them a sense of what it’s like to work with me.

Finally, I’ve recently started offering personalized coaching and digital products, which has helped expand my services and attract a different segment of clients who want to learn to manage their own social media or grow their online presence with guidance.

Have you ever had to pivot?

After Kennedy was born, we found out that she had a ventricular septal defect—a hole in her heart. It was a moment that flipped everything upside down. Instead of basking in newborn bliss, I suddenly became a heart-mom, learning terms like “bypass” and “open-heart surgery” faster than I’d learned to swaddle her.

At first, it was overwhelming. I went from worrying about things like how to assemble a stroller to navigating hospital visits, doctors’ appointments, and all the unknowns that come with heart surgery for your tiny newborn.

This experience also made me pivot in my career. I realized I needed more flexibility to be there for Kennedy, and that’s when I decided to start my own business, The Social Collective. I took a deep breath, left the traditional 9-to-5 behind, and dove into entrepreneurship. It was a scary leap, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The challenges shaped me, Kennedy continues to inspire me, and I now get to help other moms grow their businesses while still being there for my family.

So, while I never imagined my daughter’s arrival would come with heart surgery, it led to some of the biggest and best changes in my life. It taught me to pivot with grace, find strength in unexpected places, and embrace the journey—twists and all. Plus, I’ve got a business and a baby with the strongest heart (literally!) to show for it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: The_Social_Collective_Co
• Facebook: Jaclyn Burns
• Linkedin: Jaclyn Burns

Image Credits

I will be having branding photos done on November 5th I could provide to you!