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

Jessica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you manage your own social media?

I chose to manage my own social media accounts for my business because it allows me to be authentic and directly engage with my audience. This hands-on approach helps me create and sustain meaningful relationships with clients and the community. Additionally, managing social media is a strength of mine, enabling me to use my resources more efficiently by allocating funds to areas where I need more support.

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?

Jessica Williams is the creative force behind Whimsical Celebrations, a small business dedicated to elevating life’s special moments. With a 6-year career working for the state of Wisconsin, 9 years in the Army Reserves, and 10 years of experience in higher education, non-profit, small business, and employment services, Jessica honed her skills in organizing, planning, and coordinating conferences, galas, fundraisers, and workshops. Inspired by the joy she brought to family and friends through events like bridal and baby showers, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and other celebrations, she decided it was time to share her creativity with the broader community.

Whimsical Celebrations offers a range of services, including decoration and yard game rentals, flexible party and event planning, and day-of coordination. Additionally, Jessica is a wedding officiant and provides proposal assistance, craft and wine parties, murder mystery dinners, and date nights. Her passion for crafting memorable experiences shines through in every event, making Whimsical Celebrations the go-to choice for adding a touch of magic to any occasion.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I first started building my audience on social media, I knew the most important step was simply to start. There’s no perfect moment or guaranteed formula for instant success; it’s about taking that initial leap and committing to the journey.

In the early days, I focused on identifying the social media platforms that made the most sense for my audience. It wasn’t about being everywhere, but being where my audience was most active and engaged. For me, that meant a combination of platforms that allowed me to showcase the creativity and joy that Whimsical Celebrations brings to every event.

One of the key elements to my strategy was consistency. I made a commitment to show up every single day. Posting regularly, engaging with followers, and staying active across all chosen platforms helped build recognition and trust in my brand. It’s not just about frequency but also about the quality and authenticity of the content.

Authenticity became my guiding principle. I learned not to care about what others might think when I posted. Instead, I focused on being true to myself and my brand. This meant sharing not just the highlights, but also the behind-the-scenes moments, the challenges, and the triumphs. It was about being real and relatable.

Trial and error played a significant role in my growth. Not every post or campaign was a hit, but each one taught me something valuable. I paid attention to what resonated with my audience, what sparked conversations, and what fell flat. This iterative process helped me refine my approach and better understand my followers’ preferences and interests.

I also made a point to learn from my clients and from those who seemed successful in the social media space. Listening to client feedback provided insights into what they valued and expected from my brand. Observing successful accounts offered inspiration and ideas that I could adapt to fit my own style and goals.

Advice for Those Starting to Build Their Social Media Presence

Start: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Begin now and adjust as you go.

Be Consistent: Show up every day and stay active. Consistency builds trust and recognition.

Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on the platforms where your audience is most engaged.

Be Authentic: Don’t worry about what others think. Be true to yourself and your brand.

Embrace Trial and Error: Learn from each post and campaign. Adjust based on feedback and results.

Learn from Others: Pay attention to what works for others and adapt those strategies to your own brand.

Building a social media presence takes time and effort, but by starting with these principles, you can create a strong, authentic connection with your audience that will grow and flourish over time.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In my professional journey, I faced significant setbacks that tested my resilience. I had three dream jobs, each of which ended abruptly due to politics or budget cuts. The most devastating blow came in 2019 when my dream job ended. It nearly destroyed me, plunging me into a deep depression. I found myself stuck in numerous jobs that I hated, all while being isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaving the military only added to my sense of purposelessness, leaving me feeling like my entire purpose was gone.

I never thought I would escape that dark hole. The days were long and filled with despair, and I struggled to find a way out. But then, I was reminded of something that had always brought me immense joy—planning and putting on events. It was a passion that had always fueled me, and with no husband or kids to consider, I realized I had nothing to lose.

I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business. The fear of failure was there, but the desire to reclaim my life and do something I loved was stronger. Within six months, my business started gaining traction. The support from clients and the community was overwhelming, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

Buoyed by this early success, I made another bold decision: to quit my full-time job and dedicate myself entirely to my business. It was a significant risk, but I knew life is not guaranteed, and neither is job security. What is guaranteed, however, is yourself and the fight within you.

This journey taught me that resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising every time you do. Starting my business was the hardest yet most rewarding decision I’ve ever made. It pulled me out of a dark place and gave me a new lease on life. Now, as a full-time business owner, I look back and see that those challenges were the crucible that forged my resilience.

For anyone facing similar struggles, remember this: life will test you, but it’s your inner strength and determination that will see you through. Embrace your passions, take risks, and believe in the fight within you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whimsicalcelebrationsllc.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whimsical_celebrations_llc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whimsicalcelebrationsllc?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whimsical-celebrations-llc/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@whimsicalcelebrations

  https://www.threads.net/@whimsical_celebrations_llc

Image Credits

Cattail Creek Creatives – Katie Madlom

Painting with Light – Nichole Serrano