We recently connected with Jessica Mcgrath and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

Legacy is an extremely important word when it comes to business. The business I created with my social media page “@JessKnowsTheDeal” was inspired by my drive for experience and trying something new and innovative. From a young age I was the girl putting people on to experiences by just trying them out myself. I’ve always been an adventurous foodie and I love that I am now able to work with so many businesses to help them grow. I love creating the experience content for my audience and I truly put my whole personality and heart into these videos. I hope one day my legacy will be known as helping people live a lighter and happier life. When I’m gone, I hope people will still watch my videos as inspiration to live their best lives and I hope I am remembered for putting a smile on so many faces.

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.

Hi everyone! I’m Jess, and I’m the face behind @JessKnowsTheDeal. I’m a passionate experience video creator, and I absolutely love sharing the stories and hidden gems of local businesses. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood guide to all things delicious, fun, and unique.

My journey into this world started organically. I’ve always been a huge foodie and an avid explorer, constantly seeking out new experiences. I found myself naturally drawn to sharing these discoveries with friends and family. One day, it clicked: why not share these experiences with a wider audience? I wanted to create content that was authentic, relatable, and genuinely showcased the heart and soul of each business I featured.

What sets @JessKnowsTheDeal apart is the sheer amount of personality and heart I pour into every video. I’m not just reciting scripted lines; I’m genuinely engaging with the business, its owners, and its offerings. I want viewers to feel like they’re right there with me, experiencing everything firsthand. I strive to create content that’s informative, entertaining, and, most importantly, genuine.

My services encompass creating engaging video tours and reviews for various businesses. From local eateries and cafes to boutique shops and unique attractions, I aim to highlight what makes each place special. I work closely with business owners to understand their vision and craft content that resonates with their target audience. I solve the problem of visibility for many small businesses, helping them reach a wider audience and attract new customers. In today’s digital age, compelling video content is crucial, and I’m passionate about helping businesses leverage this powerful tool.

I’m incredibly proud of the genuine connections I’ve built with both businesses and my followers. I love hearing from people who have discovered a new favorite spot based on my recommendations. It’s truly rewarding to know that my work is making a positive impact on the local community.

If you’re considering working with me, here’s what you should know: I’m dedicated, reliable, and passionate about what I do. I believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of supporting local businesses. I’m committed to creating high-quality content that authentically represents your brand. I’m also flexible and collaborative, always open to feedback and suggestions. My goal is to create a partnership that benefits both of us.

For my followers, I want you to know that I appreciate your support more than words can express. I’m committed to bringing you the most authentic and engaging content possible. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome, and I encourage you to reach out and connect with me. Let’s explore and discover together!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Absolutely. I think one of the biggest challenges non-creatives often struggle to grasp is the emotional investment and vulnerability that goes into creating content.

It’s easy to look at a polished video or a curated Instagram post and see it as a simple product. What many don’t see is the rollercoaster of emotions behind it:

The Fear of Judgment: Putting your personality and creative vision out there is inherently vulnerable. You’re opening yourself up to criticism, and that can be incredibly daunting.
The Constant Self-Doubt: “Is this good enough?” “Will people like it?” These are questions that constantly plague creatives. The internal critic is often the loudest voice.
The Emotional Labor: Creating content isn’t just about pressing record. It’s about tapping into your emotions, finding your voice, and conveying a genuine message. This takes a significant amount of emotional energy.
The Unpredictable Nature of Creativity: Inspiration doesn’t always strike on demand. There are days when the ideas flow effortlessly, and days when you feel completely blocked. This unpredictability can be frustrating and even disheartening.
The Blurring of Lines: For many creatives, their work is deeply intertwined with their personal lives. It’s not just a job; it’s an expression of who they are. This can make it difficult to separate work from personal time.
Why this is important to understand:

Empathy and Support: Recognizing the emotional investment behind creative work can foster greater empathy and support from non-creatives.
Appreciation for the Process: Understanding the creative process can lead to a deeper appreciation for the work itself.
Valuing Creative Work: It helps to understand that creative work is not just “fun and games”, it is work, and it should be valued as such.
Mental Health Awareness: The emotional challenges faced by creatives are real and should be acknowledged.
Ultimately, I hope that by sharing this insight, I can help bridge the gap between creatives and non-creatives, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the unique challenges and rewards of a creative journey.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My emphasis on pouring “personality and heart” into my videos creates a genuine connection with my audience. People respond to authenticity, and this builds trust.
Being a friendly neighborhood guide positions me as approachable and relatable, rather than a distant influencer.
Focusing on engaging video tours and reviews and highlighting what makes each place special demonstrates a commitment to quality.
Providing high-quality content that authentically represents your brand shows professionalism and respect for the businesses I work with.
Strong Storytelling:
My ability to share the stories and hidden gems of local businesses transforms my videos from simple reviews into compelling narratives.
I believe in the power of storytelling and the genuine connections I’ve built with both businesses and my followers.
I try to actively engag with my audience and value their feedback.
I’m dedicated, reliable, and passionate about what I do.
Being flexible and collaborative makes me easy to work with, which is crucial for building positive relationships with businesses.
In essence, building a strong reputation comes down to:
Delivering valuable and authentic content.
Building genuine relationships.
Consistently providing a positive experience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @JessKnowsTheDeal
• Other: TikTok: @JessKnowsTheDeal