Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesi Hooper.
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?
Oh, we’re diving right in, huh? Buckle up.
I didn’t set out to be a content creator, community builder, or whatever hybrid multi-hyphenate title I’m rocking these days. I just knew I had something to say, & I was tired of shrinking myself to fit into spaces that weren’t built with people like me in mind.
But before I was building digital communities & partnering with brands, back in 2019, I was fluffing pillows & crafting city guides as an Airbnb host — helping guests “Explore ATL like a local!” That was my jam.
I didn’t just want people to stay in Atlanta. I wanted them to feel it. From hidden murals to late-nights eats, pop-up chefs to off-the-beaten-path gems, I wasn’t about the mainstream.
I was all about curating experiences that told stories, the kind you couldn’t find on a basic Google search… & that’s where the lightbulb hit: I wasn’t just hosting — I was storytelling.
From there, Nerdy Retreat was born. Eventually, my Instagram became less about rentals & more about realness. I started to share my favorite spots, my journey, some random obsessions (anime, my dogs, & lemon pepper wet wings, obviously). People connected. Not just with what I posted, but with how I made them feel — seen, safe, & inspired.
It’s been messy & magical & wildly fulfilling.
So now? I just have fun. I create. I help small businesses. I show up with heart, strategy, & a little bit of spicy… & I’m just getting started.
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?
LOL. Smooth? Not even a little. It’s been a scenic route — with potholes (looking at you, Old Dekalb Ave), ATL metal plates, & the occasional emotional flat tire.
One of the biggest challenges? Copycats. Seeing your ideas, style, & even captions mirrored by other creators or businesses — without so much as a tag, is wildly frustrating.
Especially when you’re pouring your heart into your content & trying to carve out something unique. At first, it felt personal. Like, how dare you take my flavor & not even mention me?
But I’ve learned to take it as a weird form of flattery. People don’t copy what isn’t working — they copy what’s resonating… & TBH while they might replicate a look, they can’t duplicate vibe. My story, my energy, my community? That’s not copy/paste content.
Alexa play “Like JENNIE”…
Beyond that, I’ve had to navigate burnout, imposter syndrome, algorithm chaos — you name it. There were times I questioned if people even cared about what I had to say. But I kept showing up. For myself & for the version of me who needed a creator like me years ago.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been real. Every bump taught me something I couldn’t learn any other way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a digital creative, specializing in content creation that’s authentic, honest, & a little nerdy. Through Nerdy Retreat, I help folks Explore ATL like a local! while highlighting small business gems. I also sprinkle in DIYs, my pups, & decor… because why not.
I’m most proud of building this whole thing without playing the “aesthetic” game or chasing clout. Everything I create comes from the heart, not a hashtag. I don’t just post — I connect, I vibe, I build real community. Algorithms may come + go, but authenticity? That’s what keeps people coming back.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Google Sheets keeps my sporadic brain organized, Canva keeps my content cute AF, & a good lo-fi playlist keeps me sane… or sometimes Run the Jewels, Brat Summer, or EDM depending my mood.
But honestly? Nothing beats finding like-minded creators to break bread with — especially right here in ATL. Community is the real secret sauce.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.messyjesi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nerdy.retreat
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrhooper
Image Credits
All Photos by me
