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

Alright, Jina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

One of my favorite quotes is, “Well behaved women rarely make history.” While this has been accredited to a few of history’s classic women, it is currently unknown who actually first spoke these provocative words. This quote hangs in my office. Why? Because I’ve forced myself to look at it every day and reflect.

I’ve reflected on such things as:
What am I doing with my talents and passions that can truly make a difference and fulfill me?
How am I pushing the boundaries to make a lasting impression and live to my fullest?
Am I following the rules to be safe, or should I dare to dream bigger and just GO for it already?!

I feel as women we often doubt our capabilities and strengths. We explain away our successes. We credit others for our wins. We shy away from the spotlight in the fears that we’ll be seen as arrogant or selfish.

However, the minute I decided to stop working towards another’s dream (working for someone else), and decided to build on my own (starting my own marketing business), I had to let go of these long-held beliefs and take some risks.

Risk being my own boss. Risk losing the safety net of a regular paycheck. Risk feeling like an impostor in a sea of other entrepreneurs.

But now that I am nearly a year into my business, I can assure you of this: The only regrets I’ve ever had are following the risks I DIDN’T take.

Jina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Ever since my grade school days in the 90’s (gasp! Am I showing my age? ;) I’ve thrived in creative and independent situations. Between art, dance, theater and band, I’ve loved being given a starting point, but then being allowed to create and expand on the project as I envision.

Fast forward to college where I decided to mold my creativity into the business world by earning my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies and Business & Marketing Education. After that I had a few more years in the “real world”, I decided to go back to earn my Master of Arts in Strategic Communications, again at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. While in college I not only obtained the educational knowledge, but was also able to have some practical experience with such as experiences as my internship in the Marketing department with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and leadership growth with the Miss Minnesota Organization.

My professional life has included experience in event planning, marketing, sales, communications, and more. So by the time I decided to finally just “do the damn thing”, I felt professionally and personally ready to take the risk and start my own Marketing & Events business.

At Embossed Marketing, we focus on creating unique and adaptable marketing plans for the small to mid-sized business owner. I’m not a fan of trying to squeeze my clients into a set package of offerings, but rather, I like to get to know them and then work to recommend services. I also prioritize being fluid. In other words, if we decide two months in that our planned-upon marketing tactics aren’t working, we can pivot and try something new.

Some of the specific marketing services I provide are: Social Media creation and management, SEO, SEM, Google page services and reviews, marketing material design, branding + rebranding, and corporate event planning.

I truly respect and treasure the entrepreneur mindset. I know how hard I’ve worked to get here, so I want to treat my clients with the same care and consideration I’d want. If they’ve trusted me enough to handle this piece of their hard-earned business, then I do not take it lightly or for granted. I like to feel the partnership with each and every client.

You can read more about Embossed Marketing at www.embossedmarketing.com. Let’s Do This.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

People love a recommendation from a trusted friend or colleague, and that’s proven to be true with a couple of my first clients. One of my fellow cohorts from graduate school introduced me to two of my clients, which was very thoughtful and kind. It also highlighted to me the importance of giving to others, and not only looking out for ourselves. I try to be a giver and a true friend, so I’m choosing to believe this was karma giving me a little boost.

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

Years ago I had started an events planning business, focused on kid’s birthday parties. As a mom, I felt there was a void in the market there. How often are the parents running around and too busy to really enjoy their child’s party and the guests, because they’re spending all of their time hosting and catering? It inspired me.

When I started this business I had a 4 year old and a 2 month old. We lived in a tiny town home so I had no office. I decided to turn our walk-in closet into my “office”. This was in the same bedroom where my baby would nap, feet away. I would get him down for a nap (or bedtime) while my 4 year old was either at preschool or hanging out with daddy, and squeeze in to the cramped, low-air-flow closet and grind away at building my dream.

I also put in many, many hours volunteering with various local Chambers and networking groups. I gave away my event planning services for free for a few charity events. I volunteered to plan various activities and events at my oldest son’s school.

And although I was exhausted as a full-time mom, wife and budding business owner, I decided to keep my eye on the prize. I had that business for almost three years before deciding to gain more experience in the professional world, have another baby (three boys?!!) and ultimately move to my current business of Marketing and Corporate Events – an entirely different animal.

Point is, no matter the perceived lack of time or energy, you can always find a way. Don’t be afraid to flow with your experience and trust your intuition. Learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid of them.

As my mom has always said, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”.   

Contact Info:

• Website: www.embossedmarketing.com
• Instagram: @embossedmarketing
• Facebook: @embossedmarketing
• Linkedin: @embossedmarketing