WHAT INDEPENDENCE DAY MEANS TO ME

July 4th does more than signal summer time for me. It also goes beyond the marketing campaigns that revolve around retail and vacations. It’s a reminder of my personal Independence Day. It is the anniversary of my consulting business and this year Jackie Awve Marketing has reasons to celebrate big!

Four may not seem like a big deal in many eyes but since “they” say that the first five years in business is a test of survival, I am extremely proud (and thankful to many) to have made it to this point.

It is no joke that starting a business is akin to having a baby. With so many fantastic business books out there, I am surprised that no one has written the business model of What to Expect When You Are Expecting! That said, it hasn’t been without its bumps, but the last year has been quite an incredible journey.

As a wife and mother, I started my business because I wanted to be limitless. It allows me freedom and independence to spend time with my family. I LOVE to be part of a team and to make things happen – I always have. Having my own business allows me to “jump rank” and make a bigger impact and create results at a faster pace. I also get to surround myself with people whom I respect –  people that want to grow professionally but still prioritize family, balance, and general kindness. Working with these people, I get to nourish my need to learn new things and I am more inspired.

I am passionate about nurturing the businesses I work with and creating environments to make them thrive through branding, marketing, and communications. It’s always exciting to build connections and community through messaging that helps personify a business, give it character, and make it relatable.

A few 2016 highlights include:

• Crown Center Executive Suites (www.ccesuites.com) The Business Center offering flexible workspace was a start-up when we started working together. After helping to shape their brand and build a workplace community, they are at a 97% occupancy rate. Wow!
• Nanak’s Landscaping (www.nanaks.com) an established landscaping company that serves the Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach areas. Together, we have integrated online marketing into their business development efforts and updated their brand.
• Legacy Place (www.shoplegacyplace.com) won The Outstanding Building of the Year in the Retail category at the local and regional level. What a thrill! The brand update for the 8th Annual Legacy Place Fork & Cork event was also a success.
• GreenTeam Service Corp (www.greenteamservicecorp.com) owned by a dynamic couple that is as kind as they are ambitious. Their plumbing and electrical business moves a mile a minute, and I love every opportunity to fill in the gaps.

These are just a few of the highlights. I was amazed by the property management team at 1 East Broward when working on their TOBY Submission. I had fun working with the new BOMA Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beaches Marcom group and BOMA Day committee, and so many others.

So while the 4th of July is a day to celebrate this great country, I also use it to reflect and rejoice that I am taking every advantage of the opportunity, freedom, and independence this country brings.

As I enter into the next year, I am excited about what the future brings. Most importantly, I want to thank the many people that have played their part in getting me here.

Happy 4th of July!