Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jenyse Mcginnis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jenyse, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
In 2024, I took a leap of faith that catapulted my career and redefined my future. As I entered my final semester at Michigan State University, my primary goal was securing a stable, well-paying job after graduation. I was studying Creative Advertising with a focus on Art Direction and dreamed of landing a role in graphic design or social media—something that would let me be creative and work on exciting projects.
By February, I thought I had achieved that goal. I accepted a position with a company in Traverse City. The people seemed great, the benefits were solid, and the job aligned with my interests. But there was a catch—it was six hours away from everything and everyone I knew.
I’m an outgoing person who thrives on being around my friends and family, and Traverse City felt isolating. The role wasn’t even paying well enough to make the move worthwhile. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right fit. But instead of declining outright, I kept searching for other opportunities while holding onto the offer as a safety net.
A few months later, I thought I hit the jackpot when I “secured” a similar position in Chicago. The role was perfect, and the city was full of energy and opportunities. But after the offer was extended, the company ghosted me—no explanation, no follow-up. Just silence.
By the time I graduated in April 2024, I was back to square one. It felt like all roads were leading me to Traverse City, and for a moment, I considered going. But then I realized something: if I could secure one job, I could secure another. I rescinded the offer and went full force into the job search, determined to find something better.
That determination led to weeks of rejection. Time after time, I was told I wasn’t “qualified enough” for entry-level roles. I encountered misleading job postings that were nothing more than pyramid schemes. Frustration mounted, and by July, I hit a breaking point. I gave up on finding a job.
Instead, I decided to create one.
I began researching how to start my own business. I wrote a business plan, devoured YouTube videos from self-employed graphic designers, and reached out to a few people I knew who might need branding or website design. In July, I secured three projects, dedicating August to crafting their brand identities and websites. By the end of the month, I had an incredible portfolio—but none of the logistical systems I needed to run a business.
September was a whirlwind of setting up my business infrastructure—payment systems, client management tools, contracts, and more. While working behind the scenes, I marketed my design services as if JD Creative Studios was already open. That confidence paid off—I started receiving inquiries almost daily.
On September 20th, I officially launched JD Creative Studios. Within the first week, I secured two clients. By the next week, I landed another. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working on incredible projects that challenge me creatively and help my clients thrive.
Looking back, I never imagined I’d become a business owner so soon. I always thought the “right” path was a few years in corporate before venturing out on my own. But taking this risk early has given me room to grow and develop as an entrepreneur. Starting JD Creative Studios wasn’t just a career move; it was the boldest, most rewarding decision I’ve ever made.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My Journey into Design and Building JD Creative Studios
To understand how I got where I am today, we need to rewind to my junior year at Michigan State University. At the time, I was studying Human Resources and even had an HR internship I’d been working at for about a year. As part of my curriculum, I took an intro to design course as an elective—and my world shifted.
I immediately fell in love with design. Even though I didn’t have any prior skills or experience, the concepts came naturally to me, and I became obsessed with improving in that one class, often at the expense of my other courses. I knew I had to explore this passion further, so I joined a student organization called Street Teams, where students helped local Lansing nonprofits with their marketing and design needs. This gave me hands-on experience working on real-world projects while also helping organizations that couldn’t afford professional services.
The following semester, I officially changed my major to Creative Advertising with a focus on Art Direction. Coincidentally, the marketing department at my HR internship posted a graphic design opening around the same time. I jumped at the opportunity and was fortunate to work under Ericka and Melissa, two incredible mentors who made learning fun and truly supported my growth as a designer.
Building JD Creative Studios
Fast forward to 2024, after graduating from MSU, I found myself at a crossroads. The corporate jobs I’d hoped to secure weren’t materializing, so I decided to take a leap and start my own business. I spent weeks researching the design industry, analyzing what services were scalable and in demand, and JD Creative Studios was born.
My primary focus is on Branding and Website Design, services that allow me to offer a blend of creativity, strategy, and value to my clients. I aim to work with entrepreneurs who don’t have the time or skills to elevate their brand but are ready to delegate and invest in their growth. Most of my clients are business owners who’ve been operating for a while and are now at a stage where they need cohesive branding to match their vision.
What Sets Me Apart
One thing that sets JD Creative Studios apart is that I don’t just design—I deliver well-researched solutions and strategic insights tailored to each client’s needs. For instance, in our kickoff meetings, I dive into brand strategy, covering elements like target audience, mission, and voice. But I also go beyond the basics. For a recent client rebrand, I added a segment on social media strategy, offering platform-specific recommendations and content ideas that resonated with her audience.
I’ve also noticed a common pain point among my clients: they need help with consistent social media posting but don’t have the budget for a full-time manager. To address this, I added content creation as an ongoing service. I design posts, write captions, and hand over the final content to clients so they can easily schedule it themselves. This gives them the tools to maintain an active presence without breaking the bank.
The Mission Behind My Business
At its core, JD Creative Studios is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about helping business owners achieve their goals. I believe that visuals and marketing play a huge role in business success, and I’m here to bridge that gap. My ultimate goal is to empower entrepreneurs to show up confidently in their industries and thrive.
I want to see everyone win, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help others reach their goals. Whether it’s creating a cohesive brand identity or developing a strategic marketing plan, I strive to be more than a designer—I want to be a partner in their success.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing the final product come to life and knowing it’s making an impact. When I was working at internships, my favorite moments were seeing my designs—whether they were social media posts, flyers, or event signage—being used in the real world. It was exciting to see something I had created serve a purpose and connect with people.
Now, as a business owner, that feeling has only grown deeper. My favorite part of the process is showing my clients the final product and witnessing their reactions. There’s something incredibly special about taking the ideas and dreams they’ve carried in their heads—sometimes for years—and turning them into something tangible. When they see their brand fully realized, representing everything they want their business to stand for, it’s not just rewarding—it’s transformational.
It’s in those moments that I see the true power of design. It’s not just about making something look good; it’s about creating a tool that helps people reach their goals, connect with their audience, and feel proud of what they’ve built. When a client tells me, “This is exactly what I wanted,” or, “This is better than I could have imagined,” it reminds me why I do what I do.
Seeing their excitement and knowing I contributed to their success inspires me. It’s not just about the final design—it’s about the story behind it and the impact it has on their business and their confidence as entrepreneurs. That’s what makes being creative so fulfilling.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Resources That Have Shaped My Entrepreneurial Philosophy
One book that completely changed the way I think about marketing and storytelling is “Building a Story Brand” by Donald Miller. The book breaks down how to simplify your messaging and connect with your audience by using the principles of storytelling. One key takeaway is the idea that your business isn’t the hero of the story—your customer is. Your role is to be the guide, helping them achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.
This concept profoundly influenced how I market my own business and the way I help my clients with theirs. Instead of focusing on my experience or skills as a designer, I center my videos and content around the viewer—what they need, their struggles, and how they can achieve their goals. I position myself as the “guide” (as the book suggests), offering solutions that help them reach their desired outcomes.
This philosophy carries into my work with clients during brand strategy sessions. I encourage them to see their services not as the end goal but as a stepping stone to their customers’ dream outcomes. Together, we brainstorm the transformations their products or services can deliver and position them as trusted guides who lead their customers to success. It’s a subtle shift in perspective, but it creates a more compelling and effective marketing message.
YouTube Channels That Inspire and Educate
As an avid YouTube watcher, I’ve discovered several channels that have been instrumental in shaping both my design skills and entrepreneurial mindset. Here are a few I highly recommend:
Satori Graphics
This channel is a treasure trove for graphic designers. The creator dives deep into design principles, strategies, and psychology, teaching you how to communicate visually in a way that resonates. His advice has elevated my approach to tackling client briefs, helping me create designs that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also strategically impactful.
Megan Weeks, Paige Brunton, and HelloQori
These three creators are designers who offer invaluable insights into the business side of creative work. From their creative processes to strategies for attracting more clients, their content is both entertaining and informative. Watching their videos has helped me refine my own processes and improve the way I run JD Creative Studios.
Leila Hormozi
Leila’s channel is all about business leadership and mindset, offering actionable advice that every entrepreneur should hear. One video that particularly resonated with me, “How to Achieve Anything,” emphasizes focusing on output rather than goals. Instead of saying, “I want to grow my business,” you break it down into the specific steps and actions required to make it happen. Her approach to leadership and productivity has been a game-changer for me, reminding me to prioritize consistency and action over simply setting goals.
Why These Resources Matter
Each of these resources has played a unique role in shaping how I approach my work and my business. From learning to tell a story that connects with audiences, to mastering the design process, to developing a strong entrepreneurial mindset, they’ve all contributed to my growth. If you’re a creative or an entrepreneur, I can’t recommend them enough. These lessons aren’t just theoretical—they’re practical, actionable, and transformative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jenysedanielle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcreativestudios/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenyse-mcginnis-8bb075228/
- Other: Pinterest: https://pin.it/32lnlJWWs
Image Credits
All images were created by me