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

Stephanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

My career path has been somewhat unconventional, and I believe that’s where some of the most significant opportunities for growth and risk-taking have presented themselves.

I began my career in advertising after graduating from Bowling Green State University in 2009, working as a designer at a new agency. That experience was foundational, but life led me to a different path for a time. I spent several years at a local bank, which allowed me to build strong community relationships that later became invaluable. My husband and I started our family, and I gained experience in different roles, including at a custom apparel shop.

In 2014, I transitioned to a corporate marketing role for a family-owned dental practice. This was a fantastic opportunity, and I was fortunate to work remotely, even before that became a common practice. Over nearly ten years, I progressed from marketing assistant to marketing director. I dedicated myself to that role and learned a great deal. However, I reached a point where I recognized that internal growth opportunities were limited, and I began to explore other avenues.

My husband and I had been involved in house flipping, and I’d always been intrigued by real estate. In January 2023, I decided to pursue my real estate license, initially with the idea of expanding our investment activities. I started working part-time in real estate, and I’m proud of my progress. I sold two houses in my first year, eight in 2024, and I’m already at 13 as of mid-April 2025.

Simultaneously, I began offering marketing consulting services to small businesses in my community. I found that many businesses needed support in areas like social media setup, website development, and digital marketing strategy. I was able to help them understand how to use these tools to grow.

In early 2024, the situation at my corporate marketing job changed. I was very open with my employer about the additional work I was doing outside of my primary role, ensuring that it never conflicted with my responsibilities or commitments. Ultimately, I was let go.

This unexpected turn of events became a catalyst. While the immediate loss of a significant income was a challenge, it also forced me to fully embrace the entrepreneurial path I’d already begun to explore. I saw a clear need in the market for the kind of marketing support I wanted to provide – very hands-on, educational, and focused on empowering small businesses.

That’s how Inkwell Marketing Co. was born. My mission is to equip small businesses with the knowledge, tools, and strategies they need to thrive. I focus on providing in-depth support, teaching them how to establish a strong online presence, leverage social media effectively, and maximize their marketing investments. I took everything I learned in the corporate world, both the positive and the less positive, and used that knowledge to shape my own business.

Both Inkwell Marketing Co. and my real estate career represent significant risks. Leaving a stable, long-term position to pursue two new ventures simultaneously was daunting. However, it was also incredibly liberating and empowering. I’m building something that aligns with my values, allows me to use my skills in meaningful ways, and provides me with the flexibility and control I value. I’m using the marketing strategies I advocate for my clients, and it’s been rewarding to see the results. For example, I’ve built a strong and engaged community on social media (@homesweegrove), which has been instrumental in my real estate success.

Ultimately, while the circumstances that led to the creation of Inkwell Marketing Co. were challenging, they also provided the impetus for me to take a leap of faith and pursue a vision I’m passionate about.

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.

For those who may not have read about me before (I’m sure there are many!!) I’m the founder of Inkwell Marketing Co. I got into this industry through a somewhat winding path. My background includes design, marketing for a large dental practice, and even some experience in real estate. This journey gave me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that businesses face, especially small businesses.

Inkwell Marketing Co. is dedicated to empowering “”mom and pop”” businesses to thrive in today’s competitive market. We focus on businesses that are either new to the online world or need guidance to improve their existing digital presence. I recognized that many small business owners are intimidated by the complexities of online marketing. They’re often held back by fear, concerns about cost, and uncertainty about where to even begin. That’s where Inkwell Marketing comes in.

The products and services we offer go beyond just the basics. Of course, we help with things like social media setup and website development, but our core mission is education and empowerment. I provide a range of services, including:

Marketing Plan Development: Creating a roadmap for success, tailored to each business’s unique goals and budget.

Content Creation Training: Teaching business owners how to create engaging content that resonates with their target audience.

Strategy Implementation: Guiding clients on how to implement their marketing efforts on a weekly or monthly basis.

Social Media Insights: Helping clients understand how to track their progress using social media insights and make informed decisions.

Essentially, I become a marketing coach for my clients. My 3-6 month program is designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their own marketing effectively. We start with the fundamentals: understanding the company’s mission, vision, and target audience. From there, we develop a customized plan and budget. Then, on a weekly basis, we work together to create content, write compelling captions, and stay on top of current trends. I also teach them how to interpret social media data, so they can see what’s working and what needs to be adjusted.

What sets Inkwell Marketing apart, I believe, is my hands-on, educational approach. I’m not just doing the marketing for my clients; I’m teaching them how to do it themselves. I want to give them the confidence and skills to succeed long-term. I’m most proud of seeing my clients gain that confidence and achieve tangible results.

The main thing I want potential clients to know about Inkwell Marketing is that I am truly invested in their success. I understand the challenges they face, and I’m passionate about helping them overcome those challenges. I’m here to provide guidance, support, and the tools they need to build a strong and sustainable online presence.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation is built on a combination of genuine connection and consistent presence, both online and offline.

When I moved to my husband’s hometown, I knew only a handful of people. Over time, that town has become my home and my community. I’ve actively engaged with the people here, demonstrating a genuine care for them and a willingness to be a helping hand. Whether it’s volunteering for various projects and committees or simply being there for people, I’ve made a point to be a valuable and contributing member of this community. That foundation of trust and connection has been invaluable, and I believe those personal relationships have definitely contributed to people remembering me when they need marketing or real estate services. My short time working at that local bank also allowed me to forge many lasting relationships in the community. That job was crucial to me in the beginning…

Online, I’ve also worked to cultivate a strong presence. I’ve built a following of around 50,000 across various platforms. Building trust with an online audience requires a different approach. In the fast-paced world of social media, where people are often only seeing brief glimpses of your life, consistency and authenticity are key. I strive to show up in all the ways – whether I’m being funny, honest, put-together, or not-so-put-together. My goal is to create a sense of connection, so people feel like they know me and can relate to me as a friend. That approach has resonated, and I believe that connection is a vital part of building a strong reputation in any market.”

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media growth has been closely tied to the principles of consistent presence and authentic connection that I mentioned earlier.

It really comes down to showing up – consistently showing up.

When I started building my online presence, I didn’t have a grand strategy. I simply began creating content that felt true to myself and my experiences. I shared my thoughts, my work, and my personality, both the polished and the unfiltered sides. I wanted people to see me as a real person, someone they could relate to.

Consistency, for me, has meant posting regularly, even when it felt like no one was watching. It’s about being there, day in and day out, providing value and engaging with my audience. Authenticity is equally important. In a world of carefully curated online personas, people crave genuine connection. I’ve found that sharing my vulnerabilities, my humor, and my honest opinions has helped me build a loyal and engaged following.

As I mentioned before, I aim to make people feel like they know me, like they’re connecting with a friend. This approach has fostered a sense of community, where people feel comfortable interacting with me and each other.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, I would offer the following advice:

Define Your Audience: Before you start creating content, know who you’re trying to reach. This will help you tailor your message and choose the right platforms.

Be Authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your audience will appreciate your honesty and genuineness.

Provide Value: Share content that is informative, entertaining, or inspiring. Give people a reason to follow you.

Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in conversations. Social media is about interaction, not just broadcasting.

Be Consistent: Post regularly, even if you don’t see immediate results. Building an audience takes time and effort.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different types of content and see what resonates with your audience.

Analyze and Adapt: Pay attention to your analytics to see what’s working and what’s not. Be willing to adjust your strategy as needed.

Be Patient: Building a significant following takes time, consistency, and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results overnight.

Ultimately, building a social media presence is about building relationships. Focus on connecting with people, providing value, and showing up consistently, and you’ll be on the right track

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inkwellmarketingco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkwellmarketingco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkwellmarketingco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniejesko/
• Other: www.instagram.com/homesweetgrove
  www.homesweetgrove.com
  stephaniejesko.ikeyrealty.com

Image Credits

Headshots : @trishaannphotography
@Inkwellmarketinco story screens