Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Snoderly.
Jacqueline, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I can remember, I knew my purpose was to serve. When I was younger, I didn’t know exactly what that looked like outside of Church and community, but I knew in my heart it involved taking care of others in some capacity.
Growing up, we were poor and there was even a time we were homeless. Not once, in all of those years, did I feel sorry for myself or my family. I was always thankful for the clothes we had on our back and the food we got to eat that day. I think those times are what truly shaped me into who I am today; someone who loves to take care of others.
I always wanted to be a nurse, but after realizing that I didn’t have the stomach to be in the medical field, but I still loved making sure all the things and all the people were taken care of, I realized that my passion for helping others was on the administrative side. Whether it was planning an event, booking appointments, or setting up for conferences and meetings, I was making sure someone else’s day was less stressful and that’s what filled my cup.
Before becoming a full-time small business owner, I worked with several small and large corporations in roles from IT to Marketing and Events. While most of my roles were fulfilling, in that I was getting to take care of others, I never quite felt like I fit in, or that I belonged. I now had a son who had frequent doctors appointments and was sick often. I had to miss a lot of work or ask to work from home, which was never an option because telecommuting wasn’t acceptable then. It was frustrating trying to balance motherhood and a busy schedule at work. I was also pursuing a degree with a full course load, so I had little to no room for schedule conflicts.
It wasn’t until a friend asked me to help update her website that I realized I didn’t need to be in an office every day. My line of work could also be done virtually from home. That one request lead to another friend asking for assistance, then a referral and before I knew it, I had more work on my plate from my “side hustle” than I could handle. I was burning the candle at both ends, working full-time all day and working my small business all hours of the night and weekends while raising a little one and going to college full-time.
Fast-forward almost two years to 2018. I had saved enough money and had a more than enough steady client work to supplement my income. I was exhausted and needed to find my spark, myself and balance work/life/motherhood better than I was. I decided it was time to leave the 8-5 behind and move forward with my business.
By no means was it a cakewalk. Like any job, there have been ups and downs. Some months there’s more work than you can imagine, while other months are much slower. I am learning to take those slower days for family, resting and spending more time giving back in our local community through volunteer opportunities.
No matter what my day looks like, rain or shine, good or bad, I am singing praises. I know how hard I worked to make it here and while I still have a long way to go, I am on the right path and following my dreams. The saying goes “Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up and Never Give Up.” I live by this every day and hope that my son is watching, with eyes and heart wide open, to someday take care of others as I have enjoyed doing in my own time.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest obstacles were trying to appease everyone and everything in my corporate life while balancing motherhood, my small business and attending college full-time. I have realized that nothing comes easy and the things we want most, we have to work the hardest for.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jac + Row Creative – what should we know?
Jac + Row Creative is a one woman team, who specializes in eCommerce support, social media management and newly added graphic and web design. I also offer personalized and custom gifts for all of life’s special occasions.
My heart is in the customer experience side of my clients’ businesses. I get the most fulfillment in making sure their business is shining from the time the client makes a purchase, to the delivery and beyond. I want each of their customers to feel like they are truly one-of-a-kind.
I think this is exactly what sets me apart from others in this industry. I want to see their business thrive and grow for many years to come. I love my clients and can honestly say I am their personal cheerleader. I show up every day with a grateful heart and motivation to help their business succeed beyond their wildest dreams. I value the long-term relationships we have and believe that makes a huge difference in day-to-day operations.
I know their families and they know mine. While most of my work is virtual, I have met clients from across the country, face to face and even attended week long shows with them and loved every minute of it.
No matter what you do in life, you have to love it, even on the most stressful days. That is how I keep moving forward. I genuinely love what I do and know the services I offer are extremely valuable in helping my clients focus on their growth and giving them more time to spend with family, traveling or simply creating.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The first thing that comes to mind is determination. Through my years of pain and suffering, both mentally and physically, I was determined to have a better life. I didn’t care what that looked like, or how hard I had to work, I knew I wanted more for my future and the future of those around me.
I was resilient in that I would never give up. No matter how many times I fell down, I would stand back up, dust myself off and move forward. It wasn’t always pretty, but I did it and I am still doing it today.
Optimistic that things would get better. I find the silver lining and make the most of every situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jacandrow.com
- Email: hello@jacandrow.com
- Instagram: jacandrowcreative
Image Credit:
Megan Moates – Castles & Clouds Photography – Dallas, TX @megan.moates; Ashley Cochrane – Ashley Victoria Photography – NW Florida @xoashleyvictoria; Leigh Wolfe – Leigh Wolfe Photography – Georgia @leighwolfephotos; Kristin Wilson – Society for Creative Founders – Florida @creativefounders
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