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

Jen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission with these maps is all about creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and joy in the community. Growing up, some of my favorite memories were the simplest—driving around to see holiday lights or spotting over-the-top decorations. Those experiences weren’t just fun; they brought my family together, got us outside, and connected us to something bigger than our own day-to-day lives.

When I started creating these maps, my goal was to give families and friends an easy, free way to experience that same magic together. It’s rare these days to find something that doesn’t cost a fortune but can still bring people so much joy. By making the maps free and crowdsourced, it’s something everyone can enjoy, no matter their budget. It’s about celebrating creativity, highlighting the amazing things people in our Southern CA communities are doing, and giving people an excuse to slow down and connect—with each other and their neighborhood.

It’s meaningful to me because I see the impact firsthand—parents sharing how much their kids loved discovering a house from the map, or neighbors telling me how they met for the first time because they both had decorated homes listed. These maps aren’t just about holiday lights or decorations—they’re about creating something accessible and meaningful that brings people together. And honestly, in a world where it’s so easy to feel disconnected, that feels really important to me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Jen! I’m the creator behind the Halloween and Holiday maps that help people explore the best-decorated homes and local events in Southern California. What started as a fun project for my neighborhood in Burbank five years ago has grown into something I never could’ve imagined. This year alone, the Halloween map had over 135,000 users and more than 2 million event clicks! It’s incredible to see how many people use these maps to create special memories with their families and friends.

I’ve expanded the maps this Holiday season to cover neighborhoods and events all across Southern California, making it easy (and free!) for anyone to find something magical in their area. What I love most about this work is how it brings people together—whether it’s families bonding over a festive outing or neighbors getting creative and proud of their displays. These maps aren’t just about decorations; they’re about connecting people to their communities in a really meaningful way.

I’m so proud of how far this project has come and how much joy it brings to others. If you’re looking for something fun, free, and festive to do this season, I’d love for you to check out one of my maps and experience the magic of Southern California’s neighborhoods and events for yourself!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on Instagram was a whirlwind, but it all came down to creating content people genuinely wanted to engage with. When I launched my Halloween map this year, I focused on making my Instagram page a one-stop destination for anyone looking for fun, creative, and community-driven seasonal content. I shared videos and photos of the best-decorated houses, glimpses of map updates, and I decided to throw a city-wide Halloween decorating contest last minute.

One of the biggest factors in growing to over 16,000 followers in just three weeks was leveraging community involvement. I encouraged my followers to tag their friends, share their own photos, and participate in polls or contests. I got local business owners engaged by giving out prizes for contest winners in the community. It wasn’t just about pushing out content—it was about creating a space where people felt involved. Local influencers and businesses also shared my posts, which helped amplify my reach to new audiences who were already interested in seasonal activities. I also shared posts from people visiting locations using my maps!

My advice for anyone starting to build their social media presence is this: focus on authenticity and engagement. Know your audience, create content that speaks to them, and make it as easy as possible for them to interact with you. Whether that’s through comments, DMs, or story polls, people love to feel like they’re part of the conversation. Also, don’t underestimate the power of consistency—posting regularly and sticking to your theme makes a big difference. And lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment! Some of my most popular posts came from trying new things and seeing what resonated.

Building an audience takes time and I’m still getting started, but if you stay authentic and focused on creating fun content for your followers, they’ll show up.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what’s helped me build my reputation is staying true to creating something meaningful for the community—and being hands-on every step of the way. I don’t just create the maps from behind a screen; I get out into the neighborhoods, meet the people who are featured on my maps, and hear their stories. Whether it’s a family who spent weeks decorating their home or a small business hosting an event, I take the time to connect with them. That personal touch makes a difference, and I think people see that I genuinely care about the community I’m highlighting.

I’ve also worked hard to engage directly with people online. I answer DMs, share user-submitted photos, and create polls to let people weigh in on what they want to see. By building trust and listening to what people care about, I’ve created something that truly feels collaborative and community-driven.

Consistency and quality have also been key. Each year, I’ve improved the maps—expanding to cover all of Southern California and featuring both decorated homes and events—so people know they can rely on me to deliver something fun and valuable. I think it’s that combination of authenticity, connection, and a commitment to quality that’s built my reputation over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.holidaysinsocal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halloweeninburbankmap
• Other: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holidaysinsocal

Image Credits

Jen Spincic