We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jada Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jada, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
To be successful, one needs a clear vision and goals, hard work and diligence, resilience and perseverance, continuous learning, adaptability, networking and collaboration, passion and purpose, time management and discipline, taking calculated risks, emotional intelligence, integrity and ethics, self-belief and confidence.
The factors that have shaped my path to success and some personal anecdotes that illustrate how I’ve navigated through various challenges to arrive where I am today are:
Taking Calculated Risks:
My journey to entrepreneurship began with a series of unfulfilling experiences in my previous full-time jobs. I found myself being treated unfairly, which led me to question my future in those positions. After much contemplation and trusting my instincts, I decided to take a leap of faith and trust myself enough to quit my job and embark on my own business venture full-time. It was a daunting decision, but I knew that the potential rewards outweighed the risks. Today, I can confidently say that taking that calculated risk was one of the best decisions I’ve made, as it allowed me to discover my true potential and flourish as a business owner.
Networking and Collaboration, and Adaptability:
While I have always been an outgoing person, moving from my hometown to Bloomington, IL was a transformative experience. Starting a business in a new place forced me to step out of my comfort zone and dive headfirst into networking both personally and professionally. It wasn’t always easy, but I quickly learned to adapt to new social environments and build connections that have been invaluable to my business growth. Collaborating with like-minded individuals has expanded my horizons and opened doors to opportunities I could not have imagined before.
Integrity and Ethics:
Maintaining integrity and ethics have been fundamental principles in running my business. I have remained true to myself and my values, ensuring that my services are delivered with utmost sincerity and dedication. I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated, offering them service that is guided by my own needs and desires for excellence. Going above and beyond is not just a business strategy for me; it is a genuine desire to make a positive impact and build long-lasting relationships.
Resilience and Perseverance:
Growing up in a family of 10, life was never a smooth journey. However, I chose not to let the challenges define me. Instead, I used those experiences as lessons on what I did not want to replicate in my own life. Resilience and perseverance have been my allies in pushing through obstacles, never giving up on my dreams, and constantly striving to become a better version of myself.
I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and for the support of those who believe in my vision. It’s a testament to the power of determination and self-belief. I remain committed to learning, growing, and evolving both personally and professionally.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For folks who may not have read about me before, I’m a mom of two originally from Saint Louis, MO, now living in Bloomington, IL. I am known for my affordable teeth whitening services and my dedication to providing exceptional customer service. As a dental enthusiast, I’ve always wanted to have my teeth whitened, but the expensive costs held me back. One day, before a girls’ trip, I stumbled upon a teeth whitening service that I could afford. Upon returning, I shared my find with my partner, who pointed out that there was a lack of affordable options in the teeth whitening industry in our area. Inspired by this revelation, I conducted thorough research, calculated the numbers, and took the leap of faith to start my own teeth whitening business.
With my partner’s support, I secured an office suite, decorated it to create a welcoming environment, and completed all the necessary paperwork to officially establish “Brighter Smiles Teeth Whitening.” Apart from offering affordable teeth whitening services, I also train others who want to enter the industry, leaving no details uncovered. My product line includes whitening gel, gingival barrier, a training manual, charcoal whitening powder, and LED whitening kits.
What sets me apart in the industry is that my entire business is built on personal experiences. I give my clients the same level of service that I would want to receive from someone else. I take pride in going above and beyond to ensure that my clients feel comfortable and relaxed during their sessions. Perseverance is a core value for me, and no matter the challenges I face, giving up is never an option. My business reflects my commitment to providing exceptional experiences for my clients and making their satisfaction my top priority.
My slogan as a striving business owner is “simple, affordable brighter smiles.” I am dedicated to maintaining affordability for my services, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the confidence and joy of a brighter smile. To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that they come first, and I’m here to make a positive impact on their lives through brighter and more confident smiles.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I built my presence on social media by being genuine and authentic. Anyone who comes across my profile knows that my heart is pure and that I’m true to myself. While a majority of my audience comes from people I know personally, many others have found their way to my page through word of mouth. I believe this is because of how I carry myself and my business. My personal social media reflects the real me – my family, my accomplishments, and even my struggles. I don’t hold back; I share my entire life, and that’s what my audience connects with. Many have witnessed my journey, seen how far I’ve come, and they admire the beauty that emerged from my struggles.
Moreover, what sets me apart is how many see how I show up for others and offer support, even for individuals I’ve never met. I believe in making genuine connections outside of just social media networking or randomly meeting people. This approach allows me to build meaningful relationships with my audience, and they feel a deeper connection to my social media presence. By being present and supportive, I create an environment where people feel valued and appreciated.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to be authentic and true to yourself. People appreciate genuine individuals who share their real stories and experiences. Don’t be afraid to show the highs and lows of your journey because that vulnerability can create a stronger connection with your audience. Stay consistent in your posting and engagement. Engage with your followers genuinely, respond to comments, and build a community around your content.
Find your unique voice and niche. Understand what sets you apart and focus on sharing content that aligns with your passions and expertise. Whether it’s humor, inspiring stories, educational content, or a combination of these, find what resonates with your target audience.
Utilize hashtags strategically to reach a broader audience and join conversations within your industry or interests. Collaborate with others, engage in discussions, and participate in relevant communities to expand your network.
Lastly, be patient and persistent. Building a social media presence takes time and consistent effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep refining your content, understanding your audience’s preferences, and adapting your strategy as needed.
Remember, social media is about building connections and relationships. Stay true to yourself, be engaging, and value the community you create. Your authenticity and genuine approach will attract the right audience and help you build a meaningful presence on social media.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped build my reputation in my market is a combination of factors that have worked synergistically to establish trust and credibility. First and foremost, joining the McLean County Chambers of Commerce played a significant role. This allowed me to connect with other businesses and professionals in the local community, fostering both personal and professional relationships that have been instrumental in promoting my brand.
Moreover, building genuine connections through networking efforts has been invaluable. By engaging with individuals on a personal level, I’ve been able to showcase not only my expertise but also my authenticity and dedication to my craft. This has allowed potential clients to see the real me and the passion I have for what I do.
However, the most crucial aspect of building my reputation has been the experiences of my clients. The satisfaction they feel after their teeth whitening treatment has become a driving force behind the growth of my business. Word of mouth recommendations from delighted clients have propelled my business further, acting as powerful testimonials of my services.
The positive feedback and glowing reviews from these satisfied customers have resonated with both existing and potential clients. The before and after photos and the content I share on my social media platforms have also played a vital role in showcasing the transformative results and reinforcing the quality of my services.
Consistency and a commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences have been key. Going above and beyond to ensure that my clients feel comfortable and relaxed during their sessions has created a reputation of trustworthiness and reliability.
In summary, building my reputation within the market has been a combination of active networking efforts, genuine connections, delighted clients, positive testimonials, and consistent excellence in the services I provide. By focusing on maintaining authenticity and delivering exceptional results, I’ve been able to earn the trust and loyalty of my clients, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brightersmiles.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightersmilesteethwhitening_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086263524042
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bsteethwhitening_