Disclaimer: Text-heavy post ahead 🙂 I may be biased, but I hope the content is worth reading! At the very least, you’ll finish this post thinking I’m a little nutty. But in a good way!
First of all, I am gushing over the fact that our photographer has posted a sampling of our engagement pictures on her blog! Check them out here: Jenn & Bobby.
Just to give you a sample of what you can expect — we’re a bit silly 😉
I’m in love with them. I can’t wait to see more!
As excited as I am about our engagement photos, I have to admit — that’s not my biggest news!
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
This story really starts back in July 2009, but I’ll try to keep it short and sweet (ha – you know how good I am at that!) so that you don’t get lost in a sea of paragraphs 🙂
As you may recall, back in July I started my post-graduate life as an intern at a public relations agency in Chicago. I was fortunate enough to meet a lot of amazing people right away, which led to the equally amazing chance to attend the BlogHer conference just a few weeks in. I felt so lucky!
I had an amazing time at the conference, meeting up with bloggers I knew already and getting to know new bloggers that I still keep in touch with now. I also had the chance to talk more with one of my fellow interns, Jill, who had started the same day as I did. We even snapped a photo:
Jill and I — her name is in pink because, well, look at her cute shoes! — experienced a lot together the next few months. We both had invaluable internship opportunities and learned so much in such a short time. We were both overwhelmingly excited to be hired on full-time and transitioned to Assistant Account Executives on the same day in September. I still remember an email exchange we had during that first week. I don’t know the exact phrasing but it went something like this:
- Me: It’s all happening so fast! It’s hard to believe, but I’m happy to have you!
- Jill: Same here! We’re in this together. I’m so excited to start this journey!
We were both ready to enter the real world with a well-respected, awesome company.
Over the next few months, we continued to grow and learn and experience. There was so much to do, so much to try and so much to accomplish. Through it all, we always had each other and continued to bounce ideas off one another, as both co-workers and friends. Jill was/is an entrepreneurial spirit, full of “big ideas” and spark. I loved the big ideas and thought about them in the way that I knew best, focusing on the “details” that could make those ideas become a reality.
Long story short, Jill and I have realized that what we like best and what we want our career goals to be are very heavily aligned. In our current positions, we’ve been handling social media — Twitter, Facebook, blogging, etc. — for consumer clients. Combine that with my love of food blogging and it’s not hard to guess that I am a firm believer in the power of social media in connecting brands and businesses with consumers on a more authentic and engaging level that benefits everyone.
And so…my co-worker, confidante, good friend [who I now call my professional soulmate] and I are starting a business together.
Yes…A BUSINESS!! TOGETHER!!
After months of significant thought and planning, Jill and I have decided to offer our knowledge and skill set to small businesses who are interested in becoming more active in the digital space. We plan to educate them on social media, offer to implement social media strategy on their behalf and plan events such as “tweetups” and Twitter parties to further engage with their target audience.
We will engage with core consumers on social media channels, working with our clients to create something that aligns with their brand messaging and encourages the authentic, transparent relationship building that social media can accomplish.
You know I could go on and on 😉 We are working hard on the details right now and also plan to launch a blog — of course! — documenting our experience. More to come on that starting March 1!!
Jill and I welcome any thoughts and opinions you have on our entrepreneurial endeavor. All of you mean so much to me and I look forward to talking much more about it as we begin the process.
***
Remember how this story began with a trip to BlogHer? Now it’s time to come full circle.
Jill and I have entered ourselves as panelists for the “Room of Your Own” sessions — specifically in the Passions category — at BlogHer this year! I know you’ve done a lot of voting on my behalf recently thanks to Crate & Barrel, but it would mean the WORLD to us if you would vote on our behalf here. If you are interested in our session and hearing more about what we have to say, here’s what to do:
- Log onto your BlogHer account (or, if you don’t have one, register if you’d like to become a part of the community): http://www.blogher.com/user/register
- After you’re logged in, visit this link: http://www.blogher.com/gen-y-passionistas-leaving-9-5-start-business-you-love
- Once on the page, you’ll see a line that says “I would attend this session” — please click that! Once you do, it should then change to say “I would not attend this session” — this means you’ve voted, so you’re done!
It would mean so much to us if we could have your vote. As many of you know, BlogHer is one of the most well-respected social media communities for women. To be able to speak there would be a dream come true both personally and professionally.
Let’s chat — I’m sure there’s a lot to talk about 🙂 What are you thinking right now?!
I told you it was crazy! Crazy awesome 
More to come!
Abrazos!
To my “business partner soul mate” – thank you for all the creativity, passion and inspiration you have brought to my life! I can’t wait to see where the next year takes us! Here’s to pursuing our passion! 🙂
Thanks, partner! Pursuing our passion…and creating communications that snap, sparkle, pop 😉
You are so motivated and intelligent that I have no doubt you will be successful in this (or any!) endeavor! Congrats!
Thanks, Andrea! Your support means the world 🙂 I can’t wait for this adventure!
Congrats again, love! So happy for you, as you know, and if ever I have a small business, I know who I’ll turn to for additional social media advice! 😀
Thanks, Lindsey lovely lady 🙂 You’re amazing!
Congrats! Sounds like an adventure!
Thanks, Matt!!
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by EatingBender: My Big, Sparkly Announcement: Disclaimer: Text-heavy post ahead I may be biased, but I hope the content is worth… http://bit.ly/9iKxfA…
Oh my GOSH! That is an exciting and incredible endeavor for you and Jill!! I am sure you both will have a super successful business, as you are social media/PR gurus. 🙂 I am also in the communications field and that makes me even more excited for you! So glad you’re able to take something you love to the next level! Do you have a name for your business yet?? Good luck (not that you need it, of course)!
Thanks, Tiffany! We have a name in the works — I will announce it publicly as soon as it’s official!
I think it is fabulous that you have decided to start a business – a lot of people are too afraid to pursue what they really want. Congrats and good luck!
Thank you so much!! It means a lot 🙂
that’s amazing! love the idea! you will definitely be of great value to many co’s
Thank you, Andrea! 🙂
I’ve told you this before, but I’m going to tell you this publicly now: I’m SO proud of you and impressed with what you’re doing!! I think you’ll be amazing at it, and you know where I am if you need ANYTHING! Even if its just an evening away in the far-off suburbs!
Thanks, lovely Mara! You know I’ll be taken you up on those evenings 🙂
Your year wasn’t busy enough,eh? Congratulations, Jenn!
You know me — gotta add something new to the plate as often as possible 😉 Thanks, John!
What a year for you, Jenn! Congrats to you and Jill!!!
Thank you, Katie!!!
Again, CONGRATS my dear!!! I’m soooo so excited for you to take on this new endeavor, you are such an inspiration. I can’t wait to hear more details about exactly what you guys will be doing so that I can hopefully help get the word out.
Oh, and I checked out the engagement pix and they are just too cute for words! I wish that photographer lived around here!
Gracias, chica bonita! I can’t wait to tell you more as we go. Your support means the world! And if you’re ever in AZ, I will totally set you up with that photographer 🙂
I’m just thinking about how much I love your engagement photos- they’re amazing!
Good luck with the business- sounds wild- should be lot’s of fun!
Aw, thank you very much!! You rock 🙂
AHHH!!!! Jenn, this is so amazing. As one who’s about to graduate from college and is a fellow journalista, I certainly look to you as inspiration. I have no doubts that you two are going to be wildly and fabulously successful! Congratulations!
OH!!! And you and yo man are so adorable in that pic! I can’t wait to see more!
Have a phenom Saturday night, love! xoxo
SNACKFACE!!!! Thank you so much for the love 🙂 Means so much coming from my fellow journalista! I hope you’re having a fabulous weekend, lovely lady!
Congrats on the business!!! Welcome to world of entrepreneurship, it is a lot work but so much fun too! Wish you all the success and we would love to attend your BlogHer event. We will have to see if we are able to make it. If you have any questions about starting a business, we are here for tips or advice. We have been in business 3 years, crazy to think sometimes, but if we can do it, so can Jill and you!!! Both are amazing ladies!
Thank you so much, ladies! I would love to meet you both at BlogHer and will definitely think of you if we have any questions about starting a business. I’m sure we’ll have one or two, right? 😉 Haha but seriously, your support and offer to help means so much. Can’t wait to post about you two!
Congratulations! Planning a wedding and starting a business less than a year after graduation are two independenly incredible feats, and you are taking on BOTH of them. Pretty amazing. I’ve said it before, but I think your blog is well maintained and that the quality of yor posts never falters; this considered, I’m sure your business venture will be a success 🙂
What can I say, I’m a sucker for a heavy workload? 😉 But seriously, thank you for the kind words and support! We are so excited for what’s to come!
Congrats Jenn!!
Thanks, Kath!! 🙂
First off, I love the wedding photo! So fun! Congrats on your exciting news of starting a business, I can’t wait to hear more about it. I would be so excited and scared at the same time. 🙂
I am definitely excited AND scared — but it’s a good scared 😉 Thanks so much, Jessie!
gifjidjfids I have no words! okay, I lied.. I have a few.
CONGRATS
YOU’RE AMAZING
THIS IS GOING TO BE LIFE CHANGING!
ahhh, why can’t I just give you a hug?!?
you have such astoudning ambition, Bender. Honestly, you inspire me!
lots and lots of love
p.s. the pics of you and Bobby melt my heart.
Name twin!!! Thank you so so much for the kind words. I truly hope that this is, indeed, LIFE CHANGING 🙂 No matter what happens, my biz partner in crime and I are just super PUMPED to get started! I really want to give you a hug! When are we going to meet? WHEN?!
Thanks for being so amazing!
This is so amazing Jenn!!!!!!!!!! Just crazy…… IN A COMPLETELY GOOD WAY!!!!!!! I wish you the best of luck and know you girls are going to rock this business! Can’t wait to hear more about it, XOXO
Haha that’s the perfect way of putting it and I think that will be our new slogan: We’re crazy…IN A COMPLETELY GOOD WAY!! 🙂 Thanks so much, lovely! You rock my socks!
YEAH JENN! That’s really exciting 🙂
Women making waves in the business world, hat’s what I want to see!
Best of luck to you and please do share your developments with us!
Thanks, Olga!! You know I will share whenever and whatever I can 🙂 I agree
As you know, I think the idea you and Jill have come up with is quite fabulous. I can’t wait to see what the year brings for you. I have a feeling it’s going to be awesome!!
Congrats again!
Love you, Britt! Thank you! Can’t wait to talk to you!
ah! Again- so very thrilled for you!! I really think you’re going to do an AMAZING job. Can’t wait to hear more about your adventure
Ahh thanks, Erica!! Your support means the world 🙂
Congrats on such a COOL decision! Hire me please 😉 I’ll work part time for free!
OMG I love it! Seriously girl, depending on how the next few months go (fingers crossed), I will totally take you up on that offer! Thank you for the support 🙂
first off- that is the cutest engagement pic i’ve ever seen! how fun, not posey at all, i love it! and OMG no wonder you’ve been so busy, miss entrepreneur! congrats on starting up your own company, i think it’s great that you’re doing that! i’ll vote for you two once i register 🙂
Haha! I just knew my month-long gap between sending out a giveaway prize would reveal itself to you in time 🙂 Can you tell I’m still bugged that it took me so long?! Seriously though — thank you so much for your support (and your vote)! It means so much. Glad you like the engagement pictures, too!
OMG. You are going to be so great. AMAZING!
PS Your engagement pics are TOO cute!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!! You’re amazing 🙂
So exciting! I am so happy for you and your business soul mate 🙂 What an amazing adventure!
Ok, your engagement photos are just AMAZING. I love how they show off your personalities, and you guys just look so in love <3
Thank you, Lara! Everything you said…I’m beaming right now 🙂 It will certainly be an adventure!
wow … go you!
i love your engagement photos as well. especially the one you posted. you’re like lost members of the beastie boys 😛 🙂
Haha! That’s what everyone says — I’m all for being lost members of the Beastie Boys 🙂
OMG, Jen, you’re my hero…Seriously, you’re just living out my dream, and my heart swells up with joy for you that so many good things are happening to you. There’ll be some tough times ahead, but I know with your intelligence, inner goodness, and true passion, you and your new partner Jill will make it!
Here’s to future success, and you’ve got my vote! I’ll actually be in BlogHer this August, so I really hope to see you there! 😀
Aw, Sophia — thank you so much for your kind comment 🙂 We know the next year will be filled with challenges, but we’re ready to take them on! I’m so excited that you’re going to be at BlogHer — I would love to meet you! Thank you for the vote!
Ahhhhhhhh! Congrats! 😀 😀 😀 😀
You two will be a roaring success, I know it! I’m so excited for you, and I can’t wait to see the launch of the new blog! WOW!
Ahhhh THANK YOU!! I can’t wait to SHOW you the new blog 🙂
OMG Jenn, this is so cool!! First, you are such an inspiration to me because it appears that you have gotten to the point in your life where you’ve been able to successfully and specifically define you passion! You guys are going to be GREAT at this new undertaking.
I think social media is such an integral part of how our world works today, and it’s SUCH an interesting part of the professional world. Seriously, getting on Twitter now is so much more than just connecting with my friends, it’s part of staying connected with what’s going on everywhere.
Really excited for you!
JennnNAY! 🙂 Thank you so, so much for everything you said. I completely agree with your opinions on social media — woohoo! You rock, friend.
Congratulations!!!! I think that’s absolutely awesome. You are doing something you are passionate about, with someone you love to work with, and are doing it for yourselves- just awesome! I wish you all the best and can’t wait to hear all about your new adventure!
Thank you, Heather! I like your choice of word — “passion” 🙂 I know I’m being mysterious but it will explain itself on March 1…muahaha! I appreciate your support!
Ooh!!! very exciting news indeed, i just voted on blog her 🙂 i’m all smiles for you today 🙂
Thanks, Shannon!!! I’m all smiles, too 🙂 Also — saw your comment about being Polish. Love pierogies 🙂 Hurray for shared heritage!
I’m so excited for you Jenn. Great adventures await both you and Jill. I just know it.
I’m still in love with your sparkly Old Navy shoes from high-school. 😉
Aw, I love how you remember that they were from Old Navy in high school 🙂 You are so wonderful! Thank you for the support, Heather. It means the world!
Wow, such exciting news! I wish you and Jill all the best as you begin your new business endeavor!!
Thank you, thank you! I truly appreciate your support, Caroline 🙂
Congratulations, Jenn – it sounds sooooooooo exciting!!!
Big hugs to you!!
Big hugs back!! Thank you so much for the support, Michele!
You and Bobby are adorable 🙂
Congratulations…on all fronts!!
First of all, you and Bobby? REDICULOUSLY CUTE!! I am in love with your engagement photos!
Secondly a HUGE congrats to you and Jill! You two are going to be so successful in your new adventure. I’m so excited for the two of you!! You’ve got loads of support coming from MI 🙂
PS. I saw who you had brunch with this morning…so jealous!!
Congrats Jenn! That is such exciting news (although – I do wish you could work at AG with me!) I know you and Jill will do amazingly well at your business – you are such incredibly bright, happy, friendly, outgoing, goal oriented people! (well – I KNOW you are – I’m assuming the same of Jill since she’s your soulmate!) 🙂
I am so happy for you following your dreams – best of luck!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the engagement photos! 🙂
This is sooooo exciting!! I’m proud of you! I think your new venture is an awesome idea.
AHHHH! Thank you, thank you! 🙂 It really means a lot to hear you say that you’re proud of me…that’s the best compliment. I know I still owe ya an email…we will definitely need to chat more soon!
[…] by Jenn (eating bender) As usual, I am BLOWN AWAY by the amazing responses I received following my big, sparkly announcement I have more fun to share with you in a post I am drafting up as we speak, but also wanted to make […]
What great news! Congratulations. Are you going to be doing this instead of your PR job or in addition to?
I love the engagement pictures. So cute.
Hey girl! I am actually going to be doing this instead of my PR job. We know it’s a risk, but after much thought and conversation have decided that we are at a point in our lives where we can afford to be a little daring. My company has been overwhelmingly supportive about our endeavor, which really helps!
Thanks for the kind comments on the engagement pictures, too 🙂
Wow that is so exciting! You seem so driven and intelligent Jenn, I am sure this will be a success. I can’t wait to hear how things progress!
And your engagement pics are adorbs, but that was a given ; )
I’m a wee bit late to this party (saw it on FB!, but I am SO excited for you!! Of course, I’m also jealous cuz I’d love to do what you’re doing!! Cannot wait to hear more about your new journey!! Yay!
1. I love, love, love the engagement photos!
2. CANNOT WAIT to read your new blog and hear about all of you+Jill’s successes!! You two are bound for amazing things.
3. You should totally lead that session at BlogHer. I would absolutely attend if I was going 😉
4. This business is such a good idea and I know that all of your clients will be so impressed.
Have a great evening! Hope to see you soon 😀
woo hoo! this is so exciting – congrats & good luck!
You don’t even know how happy I am for you. For a number of reasons! Congratulations girl. The photos are also fabulous.
[…] you, thank you, thank you again for the kind comments on my big, sparkly announcement As you can probably guess by my recent call for guest posters — and the amazing Guest […]
Jenn, I’m a huge believer in that people should do what they want to do and follow their dreams. You are passionate about this and as a business owner, there is nothing more rewarding than working for yourself. I completely guarantee that statement! Yes it is hard and can be frustrating at times but it is so worth it. Congrats to both of you! 😀
Andrea ~ Thank you. I could not agree with you more! I would love to chat with you sometime about your own experience. I know there will be challenges, but I feel ready to embrace them in order to meet those dreams 🙂 Let’s talk soon!
i LOVE the engagement photos!
and even though you know this already, i just had to tell you again how PROUD, HAPPY and EXCITED i am for you! you’re going to totally rock it and way to follow your heart. i truly believe everything happens for a reason
xoxo
Jen!!!
Your email made me scroll back through some VERY overdue blog catch up. Congratulations!!! I am immensely proud of you!! You’re so well suited to this career, and you’ll do beautifully at it.
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