Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Gentry.
Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started this business over a 15 years ago, from a small laptop on my couch. At the time I had a lot of photographer friends that needed a website, and that’s really where it all began. I took classes, dove into actual books, and tried a few of those very early webinars and what we call today masterclasses. I learned everything I could about website design, and coding, and it just started rolling. Throughout the past decade I expanded from photographers into all kinds of business owners, which has been amazing, but most recently I made the move to niche down to travel & experience based business, and I couldn’t be more happy with where this is all going.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? Haha, of course not. Any solopreneur can vouch for a laugh at that question. All the small business struggles that are common, imposter syndrome cuts deep, doubts, and finding new clients when the economy is low can be rough, plus wearing every single business owner hat (marketing, accounting, legal, etc…) when you don’t have the funds at first to outsource was a lot of late nights + early mornings.
I also had struggles with my health, which honestly made things really tough. I have an autoimmune disease that caused me to go into kidney failure, so navigating owning a small business through nightly dialysis and then the very consuming transplant process was probably one the hardest things I’ve ever done. My passion for it all, and my very amazing clients kept me going. And I look back so proud of myself now.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create websites for travel advisors and experience led businesses that are done treating their business like a side gig. I believe a website is true infrastructure, and that if your business is real, your website should act like it.
I specialize in building websites and templates that actually do their job. Not just something trendy, sites that are built to explain what someone does clearly, and to stop business owners from being embarrassed or apologetic about their website.
I guess I am most proud that I know my work gives my clients that sigh of relief. I help them out of a place of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, and move them into a space where they feel confident, so they can grow their own business. I love that I am really helping other business owners move forward.
What sets me apart is that I slow people down. I don’t sell urgency or rush, and I don’t pretend like this new website will magically make your business dreams come true. I am real and honest, and I focus on structure and long term goals. My focud is always a website that pulls it’s own weight after the excitement of launch day wears off.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have honestly been lucky in this case, I was able to get into designer groups early on, and that has always been a “fill my cup” kind of thing for me. A few great mentors really carry you through the rough times.
My biggest advice for finding a good mentor is get bored. Sounds weird probably, but make yourself sit in that annoying “I’m bored” space and don’t quickly turn to your normal habits of getting out of it (like scrolling socials, watching a show, reading a book, etc…) Make yourself sit in that uncomfortable feeling, and then force yourself to find a new path out of it. Usually that ends with needing to find a new group to be a part of, seeking out new friends, or just getting out of the office with no real plan. I’ve found in these situations, where I didn’t allow myself to use my usual boredom busters, I became a part of social situations I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. I’ve also noticed that it made them a lot less intimidating as well, and truly more natural and enjoyable.
Pricing:
- Website templates starting at $679
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jetsiteandroam.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetsiteandroam
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jetsiteandroam
- Other: https://jetsiteandroam.com/travel-agent-website-templates
Image Credits
Headshots – Carhart Photography
