We recently had the chance to connect with Emma Tessler and have shared our conversation below.
Emma, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building at Ninety Five Media are the systems that power our client delivery – even though no one outside of our team sees them.
Consistent, high-quality execution doesn’t happen by accident, especially with a team of 10. Behind the scenes, we’ve built robust systems that support every aspect of our work – ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and a seamless client experience.
While systems aren’t often the flashiest part of a business, they’ve been foundational to our growth, our ability to scale, and our strong client retention. I believe they’re one of the most underrated contributors to long-term success.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Emma Tessler, the founder and CEO of Ninety Five Media – a women owned and operated digital marketing agency that helps brands build powerful online presences through strategic social media marketing content, community engagement, and intentional storytelling.
I started Ninety Five Media to bridge the gap between brands that want to show up online and the strategy it takes to do it effectively. Today, we partner with visionary clients to create impactful digital strategies that don’t just look good, they drive results.
What makes Ninety Five Media unique is our commitment to a holistic, data-informed approach. We use our signature Ninety Five Media Method; a 4-part cyclical framework of Goals, Strategy, Execution, and Data – to ensure that everything we do is rooted in purpose and tied to tangible outcomes.
Right now, we’re focused on scaling sustainably, refining our systems even further, and continuing to deliver an exceptional experience to both our clients and team. It’s been an exciting journey so far – and we’re just getting started.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my Mom. Growing up, I watched her work incredibly hard to provide for our family – and at the time, I didn’t realize that level of dedication wasn’t everyone’s “norm”.
Her drive and resilience shaped my understanding of what it means to show up fully, even when no one’s watching. I’m deeply grateful for the example she set, because it instilled in me a strong work ethic that continues to fuel me as a Founder.
Building a business requires a level of commitment, passion, and grit that often goes unseen – and I believe those qualities are essential for anyone trying to create something bigger than themselves.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Every Founder I know has had moments where they’ve questioned whether they should keep going – and I’ve certainly had those moments, too.
One that stands out was a few years after the pandemic. Many businesses were still finding their footing, navigating a new normal, and cutting back on investments in areas like social media marketing. It was a tough year and I remember thinking, “Maybe this isn’t for me. Should it really feel this hard?”
But what I’ve learned is that those feelings are part of the journey. And every time I’ve found myself in that headspace, something shifts. In that particular instance, a dream client signed with us not long after – someone we had long admired – and their partnership completely transformed the trajectory of our year.
Being a Founder is hard. That’s the reality. There will be challenging moments, seasons, even years. But if the passion is still there – and the vision is clear – it will carry you through. That lesson has stayed with me and continues to ground me as we grow Ninety Five Media.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the digital marketing industry tells itself is that “more content is always better”.
There’s this constant push to be everywhere, post daily, jump on every trend – and while visibility matters, content without strategy is just noise. What’s often overlooked is the why behind the content: who it’s for, what it’s meant to achieve, and how it’s aligned with the brand’s larger goals.
Another misconception is that success happens overnight – that a viral moment or a big follower count equals real impact. In reality, sustainable growth takes time, consistency, and a deep understanding of your audience. That’s the approach we’ve always taken at Ninety Five Media: data-backed strategy paired with long-term vision.
It’s not flashy – but it works. And I think more brands would see stronger results if we moved away from vanity metrics and focused on what actually drives conversions and community.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
What I’m doing today that won’t fully pay off for 7–10 years is investing in our team and building a brand that will outlast me.
At Ninety Five Media, I’m intentionally developing a team of smart, driven women who are gaining the skills, confidence, and leadership experience to make an impact far beyond what I could ever do alone. We’re not just delivering marketing services – we’re shaping the future of digital strategy through thoughtful execution, data-informed decisions, and deep client partnerships.
The systems, mentorship, and culture we’re building today are designed to create a ripple effect – empowering our team to grow into leaders, helping clients scale with intention, and ultimately building a brand that stands for something meaningful long after I’m in the weeds day-to-day.
It’s the kind of long-term impact that takes years to materialize – and it’s the work I’m most proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ninetyfivemedia.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninety.five.media
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmatessler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinetyFiveMediaCo
