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

Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Long before the inception of FLI Social, I created PDX Black Unicorn, a black hair directory. The inspiration behind this initiative stemmed from the frustration I encountered while searching for a black hair stylist for my wedding in 2017. Determined to address this issue, I embarked on creating a website, equipped with a camera, and began interviewing stylists to populate my platform.

This journey not only acquainted me with the technicalities of using a camera but also honed my skills in the art of storytelling. As the content on PDX Black Unicorn expanded, so did my followers, and I found myself engaging with a broader audience. The unexpected growth of the platform prompted me to delve deeper into the stories of small minority business owners, and I developed a profound appreciation for entrepreneurship through their narratives.

In the course of pursuing this newfound hobby, I identified a common challenge—many remarkable businesses lacked a significant social media presence. This observation extended to the stylists I interviewed, making their discovery a daunting task. Recognizing the need for high-quality content to showcase their expertise, I began offering my services for free, enhancing my skill set and realizing the positive impact on small businesses.

Amidst the enjoyable process, a realization struck me, people were inquiring about my charges. It dawned on me that what began as a passion project could be a viable profession. In 2020, fueled by a growing clientele and an escalating passion, I took the bold step of leaving my mechanical engineering job to dedicate my efforts to what has now evolved into FLI Social.

The core mission of FLI Social revolves around elevating the visibility of small businesses through digital media. We achieve this by connecting freelancers with businesses, a model that has allowed us to expand our services to larger enterprises while still maintaining a commitment to our roots—serving small businesses. We firmly believe that these businesses constitute the backbone of the economy, often overlooked but essential.

FLI Social takes pride in offering affordable services that empower small businesses to thrive. Each day, we are gratified by the impact we make, and our commitment to supporting the growth of businesses, both big and small, remains unwavering.

Jessica, 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?

In 2013, armed with a degree in mechanical engineering, I eagerly graduated from grad school and embarked on my inaugural corporate journey with a renowned company in Portland. The relocation from Florida initially posed a cultural challenge, but the vibrant community, adventurous landscapes, and delectable cuisine quickly won me over.

After two years in my engineering career, a profound disconnect with my role began to set in. I questioned whether this was the norm. Amidst this professional turmoil, the passing of my father prompted intense reflection on life’s purpose, leading me to a fundamental query: How do I find happiness? It dawned on me that perhaps the corporate engineering path wasn’t aligning with my aspirations. Despite transitioning to a new role within the company after three years—a role I initially enjoyed—the sense of dissatisfaction persisted.

In pursuit of a fulfilling life beyond work, I delved into hobbies, creating a directory of black hair care providers. Through this venture, I discovered a passion for videography and photography, using the acquired skills to address a common issue faced by business owners. This exploration eventually gave rise to FLI Social, where I turned my passion into a business, offering valuable services to the community.

The year 2020, marked by the global pandemic, became a turning point. Frustrated with a job that failed to bring me joy, I faced a crossroads during a reorganization within my group. Opting not to seek another corporate role, I chose to take the leap and focus on my side hustle full-time. Though daunting, this decision has proven to be one of the best I’ve made. I now revel in the satisfaction of making a significant impact in the community, proud of the courage it took to bet on myself. The journey has been transformative, both personally and as a business owner, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Since the inception of FLI Social, my unwavering mission has been to support small businesses by leveraging the power of digital media. Even before the establishment of FLI Social, I would come across remarkable businesses and engage with their owners, marveling at their accomplishments. However, it became evident that the absence of high-quality photos and videos hindered their ability to truly showcase the excellence of their ventures. Many faced constraints in terms of budget, knowledge, or time to effectively present themselves through digital media.

Motivated by a desire to bridge this gap, I set out to provide affordable, top-notch content for these businesses to feature on their websites, social media platforms, and beyond. FLI Social serves as a conduit, connecting small businesses with talented freelancers and catalyzing their growth. Witnessing businesses evolve from humble online beginnings to physical storefronts and even garnering national TV exposure is immensely gratifying. Many of our clients return to use our services repeatedly, and it brings me immense joy to feel like a genuine part of their transformative journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Securing funding for my business has proven to be the most challenging aspect of my entrepreneurial journey. My overarching goal is to streamline many of our manual processes through website automation, primarily in the realm of web development. Presently, I am personally shouldering the responsibility of raising funds by juggling multiple jobs. During busy periods, I find it necessary to enlist additional help, albeit at the cost of diminishing FLI Social’s overall budget.

The financial strain is a reality, and despite my earnest efforts, securing support through various programs has been elusive. There are moments of discouragement, but I anchor myself in the purpose behind my venture and the arduous path that has led me to this juncture. Recalling my initial motivations serves as a potent driving force, reminding me of the profound reason I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey.

From a solo freelancer, I’ve cultivated FLI Social into a network featuring over 40 freelancers. This transformation underscores the prolonged nature of this undertaking, emphasizing the timeless truth that great things evolve over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fli.social
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flisocial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flisocial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fli-social/?viewAsMember=true
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FLISOCIAL_PDX
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flisocial7905

Image Credits
Miranda Lattimore, Kent Mertilien