Jackie Awve shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jackie, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
First things first, I walk my dog and then get some coffee. Right now, it’s mostly decaf with a protein powder. I’ve been using Duolingo and try to get that streak in so I don’t forget (almost at 200 days now). Breakfast happens, and then I’m usually tackling a project for a client.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jackie Awve. I started a branding consultancy 13 years ago this month.
I work with businesses to help them get clear on what they do, why it matters, and how to communicate it in a way that actually connects. A lot of my work is with companies in commercial real estate and building services—industries that don’t always get the polish they deserve when it comes to marketing.
What makes my approach a little different is that I’m not chasing trends—I’m focused on strategy, storytelling, and building brands with staying power. Right now, I’m especially passionate about helping mission-driven teams grow their visibility and show up with confidence—whether it’s through better messaging, events, or a total brand refresh.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
English wasn’t my first language, and I really struggled with that early in school. There were moments where I knew what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t quite express it the way I intended—and those experiences really stuck with me. I think that’s why I care so much about clear, intentional communication now. It’s probably even what led me to the work I do today: helping others find the right words and present themselves in a polished, poised way that truly reflects who they are.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. I was about 45 days away from hitting the three-year mark in my business, and things were tough. I remember telling a friend, “I’m just going to stick it out until the anniversary—just to say I made it that far.” I’m so glad I didn’t quit that day. It’s been 13 years now, and I genuinely love what I do and the people I get to work with. That moment taught me that sometimes, holding on just a little longer can make all the difference.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
For me, it comes down to asking why something is gaining traction. Is it solving a real problem or just riding a wave of attention?
Foundational shifts tend to align with long-term human behavior, business needs, or technology changes—whereas fads usually feel flashy but shallow.
I also look at staying power: if something still makes sense after the initial buzz dies down, it’s probably worth paying attention to.
In my work, I try to stay curious, but grounded. I love learning, which is why I love my line of work. I also love improving, so I’m open to new ideas. I do tend to focus on strategy and substance over hype.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Hasn’t everyone? As they say—be careful what you wish for. I’ve definitely had moments where I got what I thought I wanted, only to realize it didn’t feel as fulfilling as I expected. My husband always reminds me, “You don’t always have to get your way to get what you want,” and that’s really stuck with me.
I’m very goal-oriented and driven, but I also try to stay mindful—because in my experience, it’s usually the things you have to force the most, the ones that come with the most resistance, that tend to turn sour in the end. I try to lead with gratitude and trust that I’m where I need to be—even when the path doesn’t look exactly how I imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://awvemarketing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackie_awve/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieawve/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwveMarketing/
Image Credits
headshot – Alison Frank – https://www.alisonfrank.com/
