We were lucky to catch up with Nadine Jolson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nadine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I started in the business doing graphic design while attending the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. I soon landed a great position and became a creative art director at a small ad agency specializing in retail fashion accounts. I was in my very early 20s and in over my head; after losing that job, I teamed up with the fashion photographer I worked with most and launched our boutique business. We had the talent of the big agency, with great pricing and more ability to work one-to-one with our clientele. That has been my mantra throughout my business career, now 30 years in.

After years of working for others, I had an idea to go to my then-boss when I was commuting a long way each day and offer to work from home (a very novel concept at the time) and meet with him once a week instead at the same salary. He agreed, which was the freedom I needed to get his work done and seek other clients to build my business. It was scary at first to go out entirely on my own within a year and have the confidence to secure enough clients to pay the bills. I believed in myself to make it happen, and thankfully, I’ve been running my own Design, PR, and Marketing business since 1994.

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

As an Image & PR Consultant, I love working with clients with an established business (or personal brand) or launching a new one who needs guidance on up-leveling and bringing everything together into one cohesive brand. I evaluate where a client is and how to help define and elevate their image and brand. My clients range from Producers, Directors in the Entertainment Industry to Lifestyle Brands and Business Owners.

I also love creating and producing what I call Immersive Red Carpet Experience’s for clients who want to showcase a film or TV project, host a red carpet premiere, or launch a new product or business.

I work closely and directly with a client as their advisor and guide them through areas they need me. Most business people are great at what they do in their field, but that doesn’t mean they also have to be an expert in Branding, Image Development and Execution, PR, Marketing, and Social Media; that’s what I am here for in their corner every step of the way:)

My experience in the advertising business gave me great insight into branding, learning who your target customer, business, or industry is, and how to build brand messaging and visual imagery to reach them. I have a keen eye for style and design and can either create visuals for clients or give significant input to theirs. My experience in public relations gave me the perspective that is having someone else talk about you ( build the buzz) was extremely valuable.

So many clients seem to have a disconnect between how they see themselves, how they present their brand, and how they are perceived. I love connecting all the dots for them.

I am creating and launching IMAGE Confidential – a new show with a behind-the-scenes look into my work as an Image PR Consultant with workshops and content to help individuals or businesses on a larger scale in addition to my private one-on-one clients.

Have you ever had to pivot?

With my flare for style and design, I have always thought if I had time for a second career, I’d love to do interior design. I’ve had a few random clients along the way that I’ve had the pleasure of redecorating their home and office. I have also designed a few restaurants too.

When the pandemic hit in early 2020 and our lives and business came to a halt, I got a call from a previous client who was ready to design his 9000 square foot new build home and asked if I was free. What a gift to be able to pivot into interior design at the time for about a year and a half. Honestly it was refreshing to take a long break from my business and a gift to do something I’d always dreamed of, and knew I would be great at, but never had the time.

I was equally grateful to get back to my regular clientele and emerge stronger than ever!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My best attribute is working one-on-one, closely, and directly with clients. I go way beyond the scope of work and what is expected of me to do to give my absolute best to every project. I care very much about my clients and their needs and am always willing to push the envelope. My client’s happiness and success are essential to me. I have built my reputation and business on having strong integrity, professionalism, and valuable talent. 95% of my business comes from referrals from clients or those who know of me in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jolsoncreative.com
• Instagram: @JolsonCreative
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jolsoncreative
• Linkedin: @JolsonCreative
• Twitter: no longer use
• Youtube: youtube.com/IMAGEconfidential
• Other: Tiktok: @ImageConfidential and @JolieCreative

Image Credits
IDA Awards Red Carpet (pink background): Araya Doheny/Getty Images SU Magazine Event: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images The Journey Red Carpet Premiere (animation image): Vivien Killilea/Getty Images With actress Sharon Stone – host of our event at Egyptian Theater: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images