This month marks our official anniversary! It’s been three years since I first launched JMG Public Relations, and what an amazing journey it has been. I am often asked, “What is it like working for yourself?” Well, it’s stressful, like everyone else’s work life, but because I love what I do enough to make a company out of it, I look at my career as more of a lifestyle and not just a job. I work with some of the most highly motivated individuals and get to connect on a daily basis with creative thinkers and entrepreneurs who equally love what they do. They inspire me and make JMGPR exciting and fun to go to every day.

It’s amazing to look back at our journey and to think about what work life was like on day 1 and then today, on day 1,095. Of course, the quantity and type of work vary with each day, month, and year, but other than that, the same motivation and eagerness still persist. Everyone’s path to success is different, but no matter what journey you take, there are a few tips I can share: Never stop being motivated. Never become comfortable. Never stop questioning.

As a female entrepreneur, I think it’s important to support other females in their quest to conquer the world.  I recently came across a few stats that show how far women have come in the workplace, and the distance we still have to go: more than 11.6 million firms are owned by women, employing nearly 9 million people, and generating $1.7 trillion in sales as of 2017. Women-owned firms (51% or more) account for 39% of all privately held firms and contribute 8% of employment and 4.2% of revenues.

Here are some of my tips for other femtrepreneurs:

• Owning a business is a continuous learning process. Continue to read and take workshops to enhance your skills and to evolve as a professional.

• Be a leader that is respected and not feared. Make the work environment one that you want to spend time in. A leader who is nothing short of mean won’t get very far.

• Meet and network with like-minded individuals who share the same motivation and drive as you. Together you will inspire and lift each other.

• Always look for feedback. Even perfectionists have to admit that no one is perfect and that mistakes will be made. Sometimes you need an outside perspective to see them.

• Minimize the negativity in your life. As a business owner, your schedule is packed with meetings and events and you need to find time for yourself, so don’t waste the little downtime you have on something that doesn’t make you feel good.

• And most importantly, be fearless. Own your role as an expert, as a business owner, as a female powerhouse breaking glass ceilings.

The last three years have been nothing short of incredible and I can’t wait for the next three years and beyond. I’d like to dedicate these past three years to my grandparents who we lost during that time, and who are a huge part of who we all are today. May my work reflect the honor and respect they so instilled in us.

- Jenna