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Exploring Life & Business with Lizzy James of James Lord Creative

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizzy James.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The James Lord Creative story really started with a shared frustration around transactional marketing—the kind that focuses on checking boxes instead of creating real connection. My business partner Jaya and I both came from agency backgrounds where we saw businesses investing in marketing that didn’t feel intentional or aligned, and we knew there had to be a better way to do it.

Jaya and I actually met while working at the same agency before eventually transitioning into contract roles. We clicked almost instantly and quickly became close friends. Once we both went remote, we started meeting up weekly—coffee shops, breweries, wineries—just to work side-by-side and stay connected. What started as casual workdays turned into brainstorming sessions, idea-sharing, and conversations about what we wished digital marketing partnerships could look like.

One afternoon—somewhere between glass three and “let’s just split the bottle” —we jokingly threw out the idea of starting something of our own. The next morning, we texted each other, “Wait… were we kidding, or should we do this?” Turns out, we weren’t kidding. Four months later, we launched James Lord Creative with a name, a brand, a website, and a vision that felt bold, personal, and completely ours.

Fast forward three years, and we now are a team of 5 and serve over 15 retainer clients across six states. While we’ve grown, what drives us hasn’t changed. We’re still rooted in collaboration, creativity, and the belief that marketing should be intentional, approachable, and built on real connection—not just transactions.

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?
It hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road—but we’ve been incredibly fortunate along the way. From the start, past clients and colleagues showed up for us with encouragement, support, and referrals. That early trust gave us a strong foundation to build on.

In the beginning, James Lord Creative looked less like a business and more like late nights, big dreams, and saying yes to everything. We wore every hat and believed that working harder and being more available was the key to success. Some of that was necessary—but a lot of it, we’ve had to unlearn.

As we grew, we hit a turning point. More clients and a growing team meant we had to rethink how we were leading. Learning to delegate, trust others, and step out of the day-to-day wasn’t easy—but it changed everything. The work improved, the culture strengthened, and we created space to think more strategically.

We also learned the importance of boundaries—around our time, energy, and the kind of work we take on. Instead of limiting growth, those boundaries actually protected and strengthened the business.

Like many business owners, we’ve felt the pressure and responsibility that comes with growth—but we’ve learned that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being honest, self-aware, and willing to evolve.

At the end of the day, the challenges have shaped us. They’ve taught us that growth doesn’t have to mean burnout—and that you can build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At James Lord Creative, we’re a full-service marketing partner for brands that want to grow with purpose. We specialize in social media, email marketing, paid advertising, and web design—but more importantly, we help businesses tell their story in a way that actually connects.

We don’t see ourselves as just another agency. We become an extension of our clients’ teams. Whether we’re working with nonprofits, small businesses, or growing brands, our goal is always the same: bring clarity, creativity, and consistency to everything they put out into the world.

What sets us apart is how deeply we care. We’re not a cookie-cutter agency—we take the time to truly understand each client’s voice, audience, and goals, then build strategies that are completely tailored to them. That level of intention and partnership is what makes our work different—and what makes our clients stay.

We’re especially proud of the brands we’ve helped grow and the impact they’re making in their communities. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a business come to life, gain confidence in their messaging, and start connecting with the people they’re meant to reach.

At the end of the day, everything we do comes back to connection. We want our clients to feel supported, understood, and confident in their marketing—and we want their audiences to feel that same authenticity on the other side.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We like to say we don’t just “manage marketing”—we become an extension of our clients’ teams. Whether we’re working with nonprofits, small businesses, or growing brands, our goal is always the same: bring clarity, creativity, and consistency to everything they put out into the world.

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