Meet Jenny Sweeney of Jenny Sweeney Designs, one of the most colorful and creative people I’ve ever met. Sure, most people know her as a successful entrepreneur, wonderful mother, and amazing friend. However, I know her as the “Bumble Bizz One Connection.” Jenny Sweeney transformed my life and altered the direction of my career path.
Bumble Bizz One Connection
Months ago, Bumble Biz, a company that helps members grow their careers through networking, asked me a question. “Who was the one connection who changed your career?” Specifically, Jenny came to mind!
How Do I Know Jenny Sweeney?
In summary, Jenny was one of my very first PR clients! As a stylish stationery designer, Jenny dreams up the most beautiful, clever, hand-glittered greeting cards. In 2014, I began working with her as her main publicist. It was a dream come true!
Notably, my job was to secure local, regional, and national press placements and celebrity fans. We were like two peas in a pod! At the time, most other clients overlooked me because of my age.
On the other hand, Jenny made me feel valued. Furthermore, she gave me unabashed creative freedom on her account. In fact, she truly allowed me to direct her integrated communications strategy as I saw fit.
Looking back, her trust was a gift. Truly, Jenny set the tone for what client collaborations should look like. Everything we collaborated on was rooted in trust, positivity, kindness, and encouragement.
Fortunately, her creativity and our efforts lead to big things for her business. For example, she landed a major retail deal with Target! Plus, we started to gain a celebrity fan follow. National media placements rolled in. Above all, we established an ongoing partnership with Golden Globe and Emmy-winner, Mariska Hargitay.
Years later, I still remember sitting with Jenny in Mariska’s beautiful NYC apartment to talk about the collaboration. All I could think? “Wow, look how far we’ve come!”
What I Learned from Jenny
During the years we worked together, I learned so many lessons from Jenny. Therefore, I compiled some of the best takeaways and insights below. Hopefully, this sparks ideas and/or inspires you in your career!
Character and Integrity > Your Brand or Business
Indeed, the best entrepreneurs and co-workers value their character over cash. Yes, we all have different views of what it means to be successful. In the end, I hope my colleagues and clients see me as a woman of integrity. Furthermore, I want them to be seen as a leader who cared more about treating others well vs. making money. Jenny truly instilled this philosophy in me.
Jenny Sweeney is selfless and kind. Chiefly, she’s constantly looking for ways to give back to others. For example, she hires stay-at-home moms to hand-glitter her greeting cards. By doing so, she provides jobs for friends or family in need of extra monetary support.
Don’t Run From Something, Run To Something
After struggling at a former agency, I chatted with Jenny about the issues. Friends, she was SO helpful. Beyond listening to each and every word, she gave me concrete advice. Simply put, “don’t run from something, run to something.”
In other words, she encouraged me to find a firm with executives who valued my vision. Therefore, I left and later joined Zapwater (where I still work 11+ years today). Overall, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Embrace Color and Creativity
Fortunately, I live more colorfully and creatively thanks to Jenny being in the world. She embraces all hues. Furthermore, she surrounds herself with them in every aspect of her life, including her workspace, studio, home, closet and beyond.
Keep Your Feet on the Ground and Creativity in the Clouds
Stay humble. While Jenny’s business skyrocketed, she never let it go to her head. Furthermore, she allowed her creativity to flourish. No idea was too big, no concept was too wild. Throughout the entire process, Jenny remained completely grounded. Love that!
Imitation Isn’t Flattering; It’s the Enemy of Innovation.
Jenny knows no limits when it comes to innovation, and she’s especially good at remaining fiercely loyal to her vision. Granted, competitors consistently try to imitate her work. In many cases, they stole her ideas as they struggled to find their voice. Naturally, Jenny was fluent in all things “Jenny,” and she remains laser-focused on her point of view.
Embrace the Pivot
Over the years, I’ve watched Jenny transform her company into a lifestyle brand. In particular, it’s evolved from a small stationery studio into a full-fledge company, offering other product categories, creative classes at her shop, and even interior design and branding. Naturally, everything she touches ends up sparkling.
One Connection Bumble Bizz
Looking to find your One Connection? If so, I recommend downloading Bumble Bizz, which gives women the opportunity to make the first move in business. In fact, the app has nearly 20 million users. Additionally, it’s incredibly simple to set up.
Moving forward, I want to be a resource for others. Notably, to mentor, encourage and to help shape careers. Surely, it’s always wonderful to “pay it forward.” In summary, my success is due to Jenny, and so many other women.
In view of all of this, who’s your “one connection?” Have you reached out to tell them? If not, I highly recommend you do so! Also, how will you be one for someone else? Life is too short, and it’s important to pay it forward.
Side note: If you love my multicolor striped jacket, visit this blog post for all of the details. Thanks to Bumble Bizz for partnering on this post. Collaborations like these help make Style Charade possible.
