We were lucky to catch up with Jenn Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jenn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
hi!
After a decade-long career managing viral TikTok creators & influencers from TV show Ink Master, who had millions of followers and fans, I decided to experiment and see if content I posted would resonate with people. It started as a fun project—I’m not in my 20s, so it was just for enjoyment—but to my surprise, it’s been incredibly well-received. That project is now known as “Balcony Boat Views.”
My journey to this new passion began after a major life change: I got divorced and moved to Fort Lauderdale without knowing anyone in the area. I found a beautiful condo right on the Intracoastal, and from my balcony, I started filming the stunning yachts that pass by. At first, I just texted these videos to friends, but as the collection grew, I decided to start an account for others to join in. What began as a small hobby has now evolved into a thriving online community.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting incredible people through this project—charter captains, boaters, dockmasters, and yacht brokers—but the most rewarding part is how much I’m learning. Growing up in Rhode Island, I spent summers boating, though the season was short. In my 20s, I moved to Manhattan to attend the School of Visual Arts and launch my graphic design career, which took me far from the water for years. Now, being back near the water feels like coming full circle.
I research each boat I capture—its name, type, ownership, price, and even interior photos—to share these insights with my followers, and they love it. My channels on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are growing rapidly. I go LIVE on TikTok regularly, showing viewers around the world the beauty of Fort Lauderdale and the boating lifestyle. My audience is eager to see more of South Florida, so I’ll be taking them beyond the balcony soon.
It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I’m excited to see where “Balcony Boat Views” goes next!
Here are my socials:
My company: https://linktr.ee/jennleegroup
My passion project: https://linktr.ee/balconyboatviews
Thank you so much for reaching out!
Jenn Lee
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.
I’ve been running The Jenn Lee Group, a cutting-edge marketing firm, for the past 20 years. I’ve never shied away from diving into new marketing tools, and during the pandemic, I became deeply involved in managing viral TikTok creators. At that time, TikTok was one of the best platforms for brands to connect with younger demographics, and it was a thrilling time to be at the forefront of those collaborations.
What sets me apart is the experience and versatility I bring to the table. While many people associate TikTok creators with being in their 20s, I’m living proof that you don’t have to be. I’ve navigated the platform successfully, leveraging my years of marketing experience. Having managed viral creators during the pandemic, I faced numerous frustrations with their behavior, which often reflected back on me. This pushed me to pivot away from management and focus on my own projects. I believe this unique combination of maturity and adaptability is what sets me apart in the fast-paced world of social media.
I’m most proud of the genuine relationships I’ve built throughout my career, whether with clients, influencers, or the boating community I’m now part of. My main goal is always to bring value, whether it’s through creative marketing strategies, helping a brand tell its story, or simply sharing my love of the ocean with my followers.
I’m currently in talks with boat shows, racing boat events, and other marine events to take my viewers on behind-the-scenes journeys, offering exclusive access and insights into the boating world. This unique blend of maturity, adaptability, and immersive content sets me apart in the fast-paced world of social media.
For my potential clients and followers, I want them to know that I approach everything I do with enthusiasm and dedication. Whether you’re a business looking to grow on social media or a fan of my boat views, you can count on me to be all in!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
It’s no small feat to be in business for 20 years, especially in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of marketing. My company, The Jenn Lee Group, was consistently voted as one of the top 10 advertising agencies by Providence Business News. When I first started, we focused primarily on marketing for event industry professionals. However, when the Great Recession hit in 2008, and corporations faced criticism for hosting lavish events, I had to pivot. That’s when I transitioned to marketing in the healthcare sector, taking on clients like chiropractors, gastroenterologists, veterinary clinics and more.
A major turning point came when my middle school friend, Steven Tefft, won Ink Master Season 2, which has continued airing for over a decade. I transitioned into managing him and other tattoo artists, immersing myself in the tattoo industry. I learned from some of the best in the field, understanding not only the artistry but also the business side, including the sale and distribution of tattoo equipment. This led me to travel internationally, attending tattoo conventions, organizing meet-and-greets, and securing press opportunities for artists.
However, the pandemic changed everything—travel came to a halt, tattoos weren’t happening, and TikTok was exploding. I pivoted once again, leveraging the booming social media landscape to stay relevant and help clients reach new audiences. Over the last two decades, I’ve made numerous pivots, adapting to shifting markets and finding success in new opportunities. It’s that ability to evolve that has kept me thriving in this business for so long.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I take great pride in building lasting relationships with my clients, many of whom I consider friends. Staying in touch is essential, and I genuinely care about their success, both professionally and personally. I’m always thinking of new strategies or fresh ideas to help them reach their goals. I can’t help but brainstorm ways to improve their business, even outside of formal meetings.
I truly believe that marketing is about more than just promoting a product or service—it’s about helping my clients thrive. I engage deeply with their stories, learning who their customers are and why they’re in the business they’ve chosen. I become passionately invested in their journey, which drives me to take all of my knowledge in digital marketing, SEO, online presence, and more to create a positive and successful marketing experience for them.
We have countless discussions about their vision, and it excites me to see the progress we achieve together. Watching their growth and celebrating their wins makes the hard work worth it, and the collaborative spirit we share keeps me motivated to go above and beyond. It’s about creating success, yes, but also fostering a connection that makes the process enjoyable and meaningful for both of us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jennlee.com and http://balconyboatviews.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balconyboatviews/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balconyboatviews
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennleegroup/
- Twitter: https://x.com/thejennleegroup
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@balconyboatviews
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@balconyboatviewshttps://linktr.ee/balconyboatviews
Image Credits
all photos were taken by me. :)