We had the good fortune of connecting with Velvett Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Velvett, is there something you believe many others might not?
This one is a conversation that my friends and I have many times. “You have to have a good job with benefits to be successful”, they say. Many millennials will tell you how much the ‘American Dream’ does not work for our generation. Yes, the cost of living is exponentially through the roof, we need to make money to live, but we also value our time, freedom, and respect for ourselves in the workplace. There’s so much to do in the world, such as travel, spend more time with family, and do the things we love to do, but we don’t have to sit behind a desk Monday through Friday, be off for two days and your life becomes a time consuming cycle.

Prioritize yourself and make time for the things that mean the most to you. Its a lot harder to think outside of the box, when you don’t even know a box exists. My best advice for any aspiring professionals out there, is just start. You’ll find a way along the way. Trust yourself to make sound decisions, do your research, invest in trainings, classes, and you’ll find the method that works for you.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I began graduate school to give myself more time to figure out how I could use my degree in Communication. Looking for jobs right after college was slim to nothing available for someone with no experience. Simm Media started as a portfolio project for my Graduate program in Public Relations. Starting out, the road was not easy. I realized that I had to give myself grace to open up and be more creative. Challenges I faced came from peers who did not know what public relations was and did not understand where it would land me career wise. In the midst of the process, I became discouraged by those who seemed to be in a better position than I was, whether they were making ‘fast money’, had great jobs, working for well-known companies, and overall looked happy. At the time, I also had my son with special needs who needed so much of my attention and other obligations that took consumed much of my time, such as serving as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Juggling a full time job, Graduate school, Military obligations, and my family, I was spinning in circles. I used what I learned in my Public Relations program to the best of my ability. I worked one on one with a local brand, Beebe’s Sweets Boutique, to begin perfecting my portfolio. The owner, Beebe, granted me full access to her social media accounts and allowed me to have full creativity in managing her social media and local vending events she was a part of.

Documenting and sharing my work with Beebe, opened the door for other opportunities. At first, things started slow, but my first real (paid) client for Simm Media was from Columbia, SC and needed a full website development for their clothing brand. I was onboard immediately!

Two things that makes Simm Media stand out is the consistency and timely turnarounds. I have learned to be really thorough in getting to know my clients, their brand, and Simm Media’s role for their brand. It has grown to be one of my favorite things. I love to see people use their logos that I made on their websites and social media platforms. One of my biggest lessons is to remain consistent. I show up for myself when no one else does because I never know who is watching.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to visit Carmella’s in Downtown Charleston. Its a dessert bar with delicious red velvet cake. But, you most likely catch me at the bar with a few shots of Van Gogh. Then we’ll head to Paige’s Okra Grill for crab cakes and fried shrimp and grits, Yes FRIED GRITs! I’m southern born and raised, so we must stop by Bertha’s for soul food, a plate of lima beans and rice with fried fush (fish)! Martini Me is a new lounge spot also with great food and drinks. For fun, let’s catch up on Market Street and get locked in a room for 60 minutes with clues to escape at Escape in 60. We can check out the many views from Isle of Palms, the Battery, Plantations, and SHOPPING! There’s so much to do in Charleston.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My village is absolutely amazing. I thank God for creating me and giving me his strength to withstand all challenges faced. I would not be where I am and who I am without the support of my husband, Desmond who has continuously encouraged me to shoot for the moon. To my son, Ivory, I love you and even the rain must cease. My parents, who have undoubtedly been there to lift me up in prayer in good times and bad. I am grateful to my village.. Thanks you!

Website: https://www.simmmedia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simmmedia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/velvett-simmons-72b198b7/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimmMedia

Image Credits
New Moon Visuals Porsche Colts Tiffany Hill

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