Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Bowman.
Hi Jillian, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually started my career in corporate retail marketing. It was something I’d always dreamed about. I held a few marketing positions early on, but I really grew my skills during my seven years at Michaels Arts & Crafts, where I worked across content marketing, influencer partnerships, and social media. It was fast-paced, creative, and full of incredible opportunities (like being on live morning shows) and learning moments.
When my daughter was a newborn and my father fell ill, I found myself reevaluating what mattered most. The corporate hustle didn’t leave much room for the balance or purpose I was craving, so I decided to take a leap. I started my own small social media agency, working with clients who aligned more closely with my values — including a women’s wellness collective in DFW and, eventually, Project Mockingbird.
In 2023, Project Mockingbird was ready to expand its social media offerings, and I came on full-time as Social Media Director. It’s truly been a full-circle moment. I get to do the work I love, with an all-women team that’s using strategy and storytelling to drive meaningful change. I couldn’t ask for a better blend of passion, purpose, and community.
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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I’ve come to see the bumps as the places where the most growth happens. Leaving the corporate world was both freeing and terrifying. I went from having structure and a steady paycheck to figuring everything out on my own, from building client relationships to managing finances to learning how to advocate for my worth.
There were moments of real self-doubt, especially in those early years of freelancing. Balancing motherhood, caring for my dad, and running a business wasn’t easy. There were nights when I questioned whether I had made the right decision. But those challenges forced me to get clear on what kind of work truly fuels me—work that feels purposeful and connected to something bigger than metrics or profit.
Looking back, I’m grateful for those tougher seasons. They gave me resilience, empathy, and a deeper sense of alignment. Every lesson along the way prepared me for the work I do now at Project Mockingbird, helping organizations that are changing lives tell their stories with heart and authenticity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Project Mockingbird, I serve as the Social Media Director, where I lead social strategy, messaging, and content development for our clients. I also support thought leadership initiatives and other communications efforts that help organizations connect their mission to the audiences who can help bring it to life.
What I love most about this work is the storytelling. Our clients are doing incredible things: improving lives, advancing equity, and building stronger communities. I get to help them translate that impact into stories that inspire action. I’m most proud of the moments when a campaign sparks real connection or when a client tells us that people finally understand what they do and why it matters.
What sets me apart is the blend of my corporate marketing background and my passion for social impact. I’ve learned how to use strategy and creativity to move the needle, but I also care deeply about making sure the stories we tell are human, honest, and hopeful. My goal is always to approach social media with empathy: to build community, not just visibility.
Every day, I feel grateful to work alongside an all-women team that’s just as passionate about using communications for good. Together, we get to amplify the voices of organizations creating meaningful change, and that’s something I’m truly proud to be part of.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is traveling to California to visit my grandfather. We went to Disneyland and Universal Studios, and he was such a big kid at heart. We had so much fun together, and it’s a trip I’ll never forget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.projectmockingbird.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianbowman/
Image Credits
Lori Wilson
