We were lucky to catch up with Jess Gill recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

As a child of two educators, I grew up understanding jobs came from defined entities, with structures, benefits, and pensions in place to support their employees. It never occurred to me that entrepreneurship would be an option — and a desirable one — at that.

All of that changed at the start of the pandemic. I had recently left my job (by choice) due to its toxic workplace and was looking forward to figuring out next steps. I fully intended to go back to a 9-5, provided it was the right culture, and had several conversations lined up about possible options.

Not pictured was the entire world also taking a pause.

Fortunately, my sister and one of my best friends passed along freelance opportunities that they didn’t have the bandwidth to manage. And then some other projects came along from other friends who had faith in my abilities. And then some more. However, I didn’t see how this could become a career until my husband put it to me plainly. “You know, you don’t have to go back to working for other people. You could start your own business.”

To say the idea blew my mind would be putting it mildly. Sure, I had entertained ideas and side businesses — but it was always on the side. To make this a full-time, full-fledged endeavor seemed like a huge risk. But as he pointed out, people were finding me, and not only that, they were happy with my work. And really, I had nothing to lose but everything to gain.

Well, he was right.

More than two years later, I have never been happier and more content when it comes to work. While I don’t have the systems and structures in place of a corporate entity, I’ve made my own. And sure, there’s always work to be done when it comes to knocking away the scarcity mindset in favor of the abundance mindset. But taking that not-so-small risk turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My background in higher ed made me what you might call a communications generalist – I did a little bit of everything. Social media, copywriting, email campaigns, fundraising campaigns, website designs and redesigns, content management and strategy, and so on.

When I went into solopreneurship, I knew I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself into a specific field. Variety is the spice of life, after all, and being able to use my creativity and problem-solving skills in different applications is what makes me happiest. That’s how I ended up focusing on copywriting, website design, and providing communications support and strategy as needed.

In that vein, my approach is more “Teach a man to fish…” than “I’ll fish for you.” I like empowering people to succeed in their respective spheres — or at least to understand what they need to do from a communications standpoint to succeed. Also, by virtue of growing up with a hearing loss, my mind has to work a little faster to hear, comprehend, and process. This has translated to being able to read very quickly and write very efficiently, which always benefits my clients since they get what they need with a quick turnaround.

Whether it’s through compelling copy, an engaging website, or a robust communications strategy, I want to help people share their story of who they are and what makes them special. Most of all, I want clients to finish a project with me feeling like it was a fun, positive experience where they got everything they wanted and more — and come back!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I owe much of my start to the friends and colleagues who shared my name with businesses in need of services. But I think what has helped me continue to grow is delivering quality work, on time, and being responsive to clients as needed. Being able to executive on deliverables while also keeping sight of the bigger picture means that clients get not just a workhorse, but a partner who helps them think strategically about the best way to approach to a new project.

Annnnd it probably helps that I’m pretty fun to work with. I think that has led clients to become repeat clients, who also share my name with their colleagues, leading to additional growth on my end.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that I’m constantly learning. Whether it’s a standalone copywriting job, copy for a website I’m designing, or as part of an overall communications strategy, I almost always have to hit the metaphorical books to educate myself on the topic at hand. This leads to interviews, research, and competitor analyses — just so I can provide a distinct point of view for the client. Along the way, I end up discovering all these little pockets and niches of the world that I never knew existed.

The other part of being a creative that I absolutely love is that mental breaks are necessary to what I do. So if in the midst of a major website redesign, I find myself stuck — I can just take myself for a walk to ruminate on what I’m struggling with. I’m not confined to the walls of an office or within the boundaries of a set schedule. I always come back rejuvenated and ready to tackle the project with a fresh eye.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.itsjessgill.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsgconcepts1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jsg-concepts/
• Twitter: @thejessgill

Image Credits
Mollye Miller Photography