Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in digital marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jean Criss, Founder & CEO of Jean Criss Media, LLC, located in New Providence, NJ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am Jean Criss, the founder of Jean Criss Media, a creative media services agency where we create and innovate. In January 2011, I launched my own business after a corporate layoff and put my media and tech expertise to work. Now, as a twelve-year experienced digital media entrepreneur, I serviced multiple industries and business sectors and also launched my own brands leveraging my media, marketing, leadership, and innovative tech areas of expertise. I learned how to package and promote a portfolio of creative media services for B2C/B clientele. Initially servicing local communities, then branching out to regional and national clientele. Once I created and launched my own brands, I promoted products (Beaded Baubles, CRISSCROSS Intimates, YouGO Mobile) using digital media and marketing prowess. I launched e-commerce sites, signed on numerous affiliate partners, and attended numerous industry events, among other programs, to promote my brands. Now I venture to share my knowledge with new clientele, customizing media solutions to benefit small businesses and large-scale projects. Learn more about my client success stories here https://jeancrissmedia.com/contentcreation.

Tell us about yourself

I have over 20 years of experience in tech, media, and publishing, and I have always had a high level of customer satisfaction. My clients often encouraged me to start my own business, and although it was a risky move, I always had it in mind for someday. But then, after a corporate layoff in cable television, followed by a divorce and an ongoing bilateral breast cancer recovery, I realized that now was the time to launch my own business or never. Within 30 days of my layoff, I started JeanCrissMedia.com and followed it up with other e-commerce businesses. I was motivated by my energy and enthusiasm to succeed and offer innovative products in the marketplace, and I didn't let starting over as a new business owner compromise my fulfillment. I simply picked myself up and carried on, just as I had successfully accomplished so much in the corporate world. There were no regrets, and I looked forward, not back.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Multi-tasking as a woman-owned small business, minority-owned business enterprise, and single mom, supporting two children from young ages thru college was a huge accomplishment. Both kids are honor graduates, yet I never missed a beat supporting my family, traveling, and working with clients. My focus is one of tenacity, a determination to succeed with whatever I engage in. That's just who I am - a trait I know I inherited from my wonderful Dad. Now that my kids are grown and living their dreams successfully, I am proud of my personal accomplishments and know I did the right thing. Today, I am more subdued and relaxed personally - aware of mind, body, and soul wellness in search of good things in life. Being an entrepreneur takes dedication and commitment. The pursuit of love and happiness was often on the back burner as a result of hard work and dedication, and now it's a main focus on the horizon. A visionary with personal dreams.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Collaborating with the right people and business partners. Many ingenious people came along the way. Weeding thru the fields of the good and the bad -- identifying, qualifying, challenging, testing the waters is something that is constant work as a business owner, all for good and positive results, I proclaim.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  • I wrote a few books as an entrepreneur. The third book Live Your Dreams: Part Three of My Pain Woke Me Up Trilogy. It's a story about dreaming big, unleashing your creativity, and following thru on your ideas. Taking an idea, determining the steps to make it happen, and putting it into PLAY. Executing on it. Not just creating the idea. The hardest part is making it happen. Once you figure out all the steps required to act on your idea, the rest should be simple if you use good business judgment, partner with the right resources, test your ideas, go thru the proper channels, and launch or start one step at a time.
  • I offer business consulting services to help new entrepreneurs do just that. As a former Judge for a New York incubator start-up company for several years, I provided business consultation, marketing and media insights, and tips to help others succeed. Now I offer these services at Jean Criss Media. Send business inquiries here https://jeancrissmedia.com/contact.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jeancrissmedia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeanCrissMedia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean.criss/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jean_criss
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-criss/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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