Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacqueline Roche. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jacqueline, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One deeply underappreciated facet of being an entrepreneur or creative is the kind of crazy stuff that happens from time to time. It could be anything from a disgruntled client attacking an employee or waking up to find out a celebrity gave you a shoutout on TikTok – the sudden, unexpected hits (both positive and negative) make the profession both exhilarating and exhausting. Can you share one of your craziest stories?

In the realms of entrepreneurism, there are no rules, no predictive abilities. Your journey is often times a captivating tale of transformation, full of the unexpected. One of the most profound character strengths of an entrepreneur is the ability to transmute unforseen change into forward movement, or in simpler terms… go with the flow. Yet nothing could have prepared me for the massive shifts in my career that catapulted me into 2023.

As the (former) founder and owner of a start-up creative brand development studio, I lived in a world of play. From the moment I opened Sage Mind Creative Studio in January of 2022, it became a sanctuary where my overactive imagination ran freely and artistic visions became reality. Beautiful ideas came to life within those walls, and best part of all was being able to explore and grow right along with my wonderful clients and their brands.

However, fate, timing, and purpose are all undeniable forces that often pull us out of our comfort zones and throw us right in the middle of chaos all in the name of growth. Collectively, the world as we all knew it transformed before our eyes, and suddenly all of the things that felt irreplaceable and invaluable lost their glow. The world of commerce, with its profits and accolades, began to pale in comparison to living a life led by service, empathy, and compassion. I felt a potent longing in the back of my mind to somehow make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

With a heavy yet curious heart, I made the decision to close Sage Mind Creative Studio at the end of 2022. Along with it, closing a chapter filled with the most unforgettable experiences and self-revelations of character I could have ever hoped for.

The months that followed were quiet and still. I spent two months writing, exploring, and deep diving into this desire to help humans on a larger scale. I knew there was something to uncover and I thought if I could be still enough, I’d find it. My attention kept drifting back to an online community I built simultaneously with the studio. Over 22,000 people joined my community of humans searching for support, needing to feel heard and seen. Every 14 Minutes began taking shape. A grassroots nonprofit in the making seeking to support and provide mental resources to those navigating uncomfortable, stressful, and challenging situations.

In my research, I realized there is much work to be done right here in our own local community. I decided to seek out nonprofit organizations that are already making a tremendous difference in our community, and immerse myself in a culture that cultivates compassion where I could learn. I started my position as Community Engagement Specialist with Daystar Life Center in March of 2023, an incredible organization that has already changed the lives of so many in its 41 years of service.

The journey from owning a brand development studio to embracing the nonprofit sector has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. It has taught me that purpose transcends material success, and true fulfillment lies not in personal gain but in the act of lifting others. I am fueled by the unwavering belief that each person has the power to make a difference, and that the greatest legacies are born from the pursuit of a better world, starting with our own community.

Jacqueline, 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?

Passionate about empowering brands and fostering community engagement, I am a dedicated creative brand developer and community engagement specialist. I have several years of experience in establishing brand identities and strategizing expansion, and work closely with brands to unlock their full potential.

I possess a unique skill set that spans brand development, content creation, and brand elevation. My expertise lies in crafting compelling brand narratives and designing impactful strategies that resonate with target audiences. By leveraging my deep and intuitive understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, I team up with brands to establish a strong presence in their respective industries.

Beyond brand development, my creative talents extend to photography. As a published photographer, my work has been featured in various publications.

With an overactive imagination, I find it easy to combine my creativity with technical skills to create visually engaging experiences. Additionally, I have a proficiency in one-on-one coaching which allows me to guide individuals in unleashing their full potential, driving personal and professional growth.

A true believer in the power of community, I enjoy cultivating engagement and building strong connections. I understand the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships to cultivate brand loyalty and create a thriving community of supporters.

Whether collaborating with established brands or startups, my passion for brand development, community engagement, and creative expression is at the core of every project I undertake. I am dedicated to helping brands find their unique voice, expand their reach, and make a lasting impact in today’s dynamic market.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being authentic and being quirky! One of the most common mistakes brands often make is trying to be incredibly broad and all-inclusive. Inclusivity is very important, but not at the cost of your own brand personality. After all, it is the what makes you stand out from the rest. There is a fear that sharing too much of your personality will isolate your brand and limit client reach. It’s quite the opposite, actually. Clients who resonate with your personality and style will be invaluable to your business, and will continue to make your work enjoyable and in turn, authentic.

Secondly, becoming a resource in your market. I adapted the mindset that a client would opt to work with an instructor over a student. If you feel comfortable enough to share your knowledge, create online courses and workshops for others who are entering your industry. This will build your reputation as a knowledgeable resource and give you leverage when creating proposals and negotiating with brands.

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

Nurturing current client relationships is a tried and true (and often overlooked) way of growing clientele. Entrepreneurism is unique in that most will say over 85% of client connections have been the result of referrals. Regardless of size, there is a real human being behind every business, and it is crucial to build a strong connection with each person that places their trust in you. Watering those connections cultivates loyalty and leads to personal recommendations.

Networking has also. been a great tool in growing clientele. Though it may feel daunting at first, networking has placed me in the most lucrative scenarios, both for business and personal connections. Approaching each conversation at networking events with authenticity and an opportunity to learn about another human being rather than making it transactional opens the possibilties to exploring ways in which both parties can help one another reach the next level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jacquelineroche.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinerocheco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092898609106
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelineroche/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquelineRoche
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jacquelinerochetv