Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Shokler.
Hi Jessie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After earning my Bachelor of Science in Visual Communications with a minor in Strategic Communications from Ohio University, I moved straight to South Florida to kick off my career in graphic design and marketing at a full-service agency in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. The office was modern, the team was amazing, and the work exposed me to every corner of agency life—project management, client relations, invoicing, printing, PR, business development, and more. The hours were long and the work-life balance wasn’t perfect, but it was the place where I caught the spark for eventually starting my own business.
After four years, I shifted to an in-house Creative Director role at a PR firm, which gave me more autonomy and the chance to refine both my design and strategic communication skills while working closely with the CEO. During that time, I began taking on freelance projects, eventually approaching the firm to see if they’d like to become my first retainer client. They said yes—and three years later, they’re still one of my valued partners.
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 all been smooth sailing. The creative side—design, copywriting, marketing—comes naturally to me. But running a business was a whole new world. Learning to navigate accounting, finances, and the many behind-the-scenes responsibilities of ownership was a challenge. It’s been a lot of trial and error, but each hurdle has made me more confident as both a creative and a business owner.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business, Shokler Creative, is a full-service creative agency that acts as an extension of our clients’ teams. We are not just a vendor. We are a strategic partner who dives deep into understanding the ins and outs of each client’s organization. Our work goes far beyond making things pretty. We build brands from the ground up, from crafting memorable logos and cohesive visual identities to designing websites, developing email campaigns, and creating marketing strategies that drive real growth. If our clients succeed, we succeed, and that mindset drives everything we do.
What I am most proud of is the relationships I have built with my clients. Many have been with me for years, and our partnerships are rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared goals. My motto is “Connect. Create. Captivate.” I connect with people and brands on a personal level, create innovative ideas tailored to their needs, and captivate their audiences so they can achieve lasting success.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories was using my boombox to blast Good Charlotte to the entire neighborhood as a signal for everyone to come outside. I would grab my chalk, draw a four-square grid on the driveway, and before long a big group of neighborhood kids would gather to play four square and basketball after we got off the school bus. It was simple, fun, and the perfect way to end the day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shoklercreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoklercreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoklercreative
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shokler-creative
