We recently connected with Jess Curtis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jess, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
My first client came through a referral from the Women in Entrepreneurship group via a Facebook forum. It was almost two years ago when Brittany Mathes, a local baker, reached out to me for help improving her website appearance and digital brand. This was my first official project that wasn’t through family or friends, and I remember feeling both excited and proud to work with someone who trusted me to help grow their business.
Fast forward to today, we’ve recently completed a full website revamp to ensure it continues to grow with her business! It’s incredibly rewarding to watch clients evolve, and knowing I’m a part of that digital journey brings me so much joy. Seeing how far Brittany has come, from that first project to now, truly highlights how far both of our small businesses have grown.

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?
I’m Jess Curtis, the founder of J-Bird Digital Designs. My journey into web development and digital marketing began with a passion for helping businesses tell their stories online. I noticed that many small businesses, entrepreneurs, and makers had incredible products and services but struggled to convey their value in the digital space. I wanted to bridge that gap by providing tailored solutions that empower businesses to grow.
At J-Bird, we specialize in website development, SEO, Google My Business optimization, eCommerce, and consultation. Whether it’s crafting a user-friendly website, improving search rankings, or ensuring consistent branding across all platforms, we’re here to make the digital side of your business work seamlessly.
What sets J-Bird apart is our focus on collaboration and community. I believe every client’s journey is unique, so we approach each project with fresh ideas, a lot of heart, and a commitment to their success. I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built and the growth we’ve helped our clients achieve.
For potential clients, I’d want you to know that J-Bird isn’t just about building websites—it’s about collaboration, community and creative solutions!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
J-Bird Digital Designs has built a strong reputation in the Knoxville market through a combination of community engagement, personalized service, and a commitment to client success. Key factors include:
Community Involvement: Active participation in local initiatives, such as the Women in Entrepreneurship group and The Maker City, has fostered valuable connections and trust within the community.
Client-Centric Approach: By focusing on understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering tailored digital marketing solutions, J-Bird ensures that businesses can effectively tell their stories online.
Quality and Reliability: Achieving Better Business Bureau accreditation reflects J-Bird’s dedication to maintaining high standards of service and customer satisfaction.
Word-of-Mouth Referrals: Delivering exceptional results has led to positive client experiences, generating referrals and enhancing J-Bird’s reputation in the local market.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Samantha Lane’s Time Management Course through her business, Origami Day, has been instrumental in shaping how J-Bird Digital Designs operates. The course emphasizes positive planning and structured weeks, allowing for productivity and flexibility without burnout. This approach has become a cornerstone of J-Bird’s operational philosophy, enabling us to manage projects effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jbirddigitaldesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbirddigitaldesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-curtis-jbird/

Image Credits
Tom Bell Imagery
Aaron Ingram Photography
The Maker City

