Inspiring Conversations with Claire Jordan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Jordan.

Hi Claire, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
People have said it was brave for me to jump into something on my own. I agree in part. It did take a lot of bravery for me to start my own creative business. But, for my sensitive and introverted personality, it would have taken a great deal more bravery for me to enter the traditional workforce. So, as most big decisions honestly go, there was bravery. And there was cowardice. There was confidence. And there was insecurity. Most of all, there was a whole lot of unknown.

I started clairejo.co in May of 2021. About six months later, I didn’t have to drive for Door Dash anymore. Three months after that, I didn’t have to babysit anymore. I had a steady stream of clients from local creative agencies, freelance sites, and everyday connections/referrals. I was cruising for a while, content with my workload and schedule.

This Spring, things started to slow down. I wasn’t too worried at first, but my concerns grew. Was this really sustainable? Shouldn’t I find a normal job and get as much steadiness/security as possible? What is the best solution for insurance, taxes, retirement, etc.?

So I started looking for jobs. And it was pretty bleak. I talked to recruiters, friends, and former classmates – trying to find an idea of something that would be a good fit. Just as I was getting really discouraged, my clients came out of the woodwork. Since July of this year, I have been operating at capacity with no sign of stopping. I have worked on some of my favorite projects ever in the past few months and branched out from graphic design to video production.

Today, I am learning balance – a finicky character that escapes me easily. I am still taking some brave steps and timid steps. I am learning about the rhythms and workflows that serve myself and my clients best. I am proud of my work, and I am thankful that I still get to be on my own.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have dropped the ball, missed the mark, jumped the gun, and -whatever other metaphor you would like to add for generally making a mess- many times. The best news I have learned is that everyone does. In the beginning, I was a lot harder on myself for these mistakes. As I have grown, I have come to expect it, and trust that I am a great problem solver. I cannot get every interaction, design, or final product perfect. But I can be flexible and trust myself.

As a young female entrepreneur, trusting myself doesn’t always come easily. But it is a muscle that I get to build often.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My core values as a brand are belonging, whimsy, and growth. I have worn many hats over the past 18 months. I have produced designs, videos, photos, websites, copy, doodles, and ideas – in no particular niche. I am content to continue throwing paint at the wall and seeing what sticks – it’s a tactic I encourage with my clients and intend to maintain myself. Allowing some mess is necessary for my values to thrive.

So – technically – I am a creative contractor operating under the name Claire Jo LLC. In reality – I am at best – a proprietor of belonging, whimsy, and growth. These values lead my creative process personally and professionally. And if I’m lucky, I’ll get to keep them at the forefront of my process for a long time.

What were you like growing up?
I was quiet, neurotic, and imaginative. I was tall … I am tall. I played basketball year-round without a competitive bone in my body. I loved cartoons and reading – especially Junie B. Jones. I loved pretending, operating my bedroom like a one-room schoolhouse, my backyard like FBI headquarters, and the woods like Narnia. I had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I still don’t.

Contact Info:

• Website: clairejo.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairejo.co/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@greatgrannylonglegs

Image Credits
For the bus — “Accomplished under the direction of Hinge Creative Co. for Books For Keeps”