We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessa Green a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessa , appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

You never know who is watching. I try to live by these words because I’m reminded of them often. I began posting on Instagram methodically and strategically years ago. People really got to know me. I used to primarily get sponsorships for skincare, makeup and hair related products. You could say I got paid to “get ready.” This phenomenon brought in a lot of followers; so many I couldn’t keep track of who was who unless they personally reached out. I did this for years and became well versed in all things IG related. While I still fondly recall my first few sponsorships I’ve moved on to expand my wheelhouse. More recently I’ve expanded my business to include consulting. I remember the first client reaching out and wanting my opinion on everything social. I’d already become something of an authority on beauty products but now someone, a business, wanted to pay me for my opinion on my processes and strategies. Of course potential clients find me through my Instagram but it’s not something I have actively promoted until now. Instagram is changing and perhaps it’s something I will eventually grow out of as I move into new spaces.

Jessa , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started my Instagram while pursuing a master’s degree, working for a private investigator and of course a divorced single mom. I also was living at my mom’s house and didn’t even own a car! I knew I wanted to avoid putting my sweet little daughter in daycare all day so I just decided to start sharing my passion for makeup. Luckily I became an authority on it and it even took me all over the world; and the ability to stay at home with my daughter. I’ve been a content creator on Instagram and more recently a brand advisor for businesses looking to scale their online presence. I’ve developed my attention to detail and am regarded as a social media expert, and serve as a brand advisor. I help storyboard and create briefs for businesses looking for social media campaign help. I aid in strategy and use processes I’ve set up that have aided in my own growth and brand identity. I’m always taking on new clients and have found a deep appreciation for the business side of social media.

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

I was completing a lot of history classes for my MA when I began as a content creator. I knew to spur engagement I wanted to get a discussion going. Whatever I found interesting I’d implement it into my content, most of it wasn’t relevant to the images of makeup I was sharing. I’d discuss political events, historical events, and used to have “MUA with a Master’s” in my bio. I wanted people to know I was more than “just makeup.” It was funny because I was always misjudged in my classes until professors saw how seriously I took college. I loved to learn. I also loved to share my makeup hacks, tips and tricks with those learning too. The market is extremely saturated but I used my love of learning to set myself apart. There were similarities between leading a class discussion and also in my comment section. I was ahead of the times trying to get people interested in current events all while showcasing my latest makeup look online. I think the best advice to grow a social media presence is to become the niche. Don’t try to fall into a niche, just create one and the right people will eventually find you.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Having an online presence as a person/personality is much different than that of a brand. When challenges present in life you might be inclined to share with your audience. Which isn’t something brands are interested in doing. Most people do have some measure of a para-social relationship with an online personality. Maintaining boundaries can be difficult at times and protecting one’s privacy is really important. However when things happen in life, sharing it only strengthens your authenticity with your audience. I’ve shared when my relationship ended and it really created common ground with others who could relate. I’ve made close friendships via social media. Whatever someone is going through in life it’s easy to find something relatable. Obviously it becomes more difficult the larger an account grows but it’s really fascinating to have friends all over the world. There are times you must pivot in life (and business) and being able to share it helps in creating a community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessanista/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessanistaMUA/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessanista6