Gina Stockdall shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Gina, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think the most misunderstood thing about Marilyn Jeanne Designs is that people assume we are a hybrid or traditional publisher. We are not. We are a full-service self-publishing support company that equips authors to bring their books to life on their own terms. We do not take ownership of their work. Instead, we provide professional services, including editing, design, formatting, marketing, custom merchandise, and launch support. All of which are rooted in faith and discipleship.
Our mission is to empower Christian authors to step boldly into their calling, ensuring their message, story, and ministry are executed with excellence. Every project we take on is treated not just as a book, but as a ministry opportunity. We help authors navigate the self-publishing process without overwhelm, giving them the tools, strategy, and encouragement they need to make their authors dreams a reality.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Gina Stockdall. I am the CEO and Founder of Marilyn Jeanne Designs, LLC, a faith-driven creative agency that helps Christian authors, ministries, and purpose-led entrepreneurs share their God-given messages with excellence and authenticity.
My journey to this point wasn’t easy. After leaving an abusive relationship at the age of twenty-two, I walked through a season of complete rebuilding that included finding my identity in Christ, finishing my education, and discovering a passion for helping others use their voices for impact. What started as a small freelance venture became a full-blown ministry in motion. Today, Marilyn Jeanne Designs offers editing, graphic and web design, branding, book publishing support, marketing services, and custom merchandise. All of which are rooted in prayer, discipleship, and excellence.
What makes us unique is that we don’t just help people “publish a book” or “build a brand.” We help them walk out their calling. Every project begins with prayer, every design is created with purpose, and every author we serve is reminded that their story is a ministry.
We also believe deeply about giving back. Marilyn Jeanne Designs donates 20% of all profits to domestic violence shelters throughout the Kansas City Metro area, and as CEO and Founder, I personally only pay myself the same amount that we donate each month. It’s my way of keeping the mission first and remembering where God brought me from.
Right now, we are focused on empowering first-time Christian authors to confidently step into self-publishing through our guided, faith-based approach.
At the heart of it all, my mission is simple: to remind others that God can redeem every part of your story, and use it to change lives.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my mom. She raised three kids while pursuing her education in teaching, earning three degrees and becoming a dedication special education teacher. Through it all, she made sure we always had what we needed, encouraged our dreams, and showed up to all the important (and even the not-so-important) events in our lives. Even now, with all of her kids being adults, she continues to show up for us and her grandsons. She’s the hardest-working woman I know, yet she always makes time for her family. I hope that as I grow older, I can be half the woman she is, balancing dedication, love, and faith with grace and unwavering presence.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in my life is fear of failure. After leaving an abusive relationship at the age of twenty-two and facing major life upheavals, I constantly worried that I wasn’t enough, that my past mistakes, my circumstances, or my limitations would keep me from the life and purpose God had for me. For a long time, that fear kept me from stepping boldly into opportunities, pursuing my education, and even fully embracing my calling. Over time, I learned that God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called (2 Corinthians 3:5), and that my worth and success are rooted in Him, not in perfection. Leaning into that truth has helped me move forward with courage, faith, and the confidence to pursue my calling without letting fear dictate my path.
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. Is the public version of you the real you?
Unfortunately for you all, yes, haha! The bold, crazy, and untamed woman you see is 100% the real me. I may not look like the “typical” Christian, but everything I do, whether it is running my business, sharing my story, or posting online, comes from a place of genuine authenticity. What you see is what you get. I believe God uses our real, raw selves, not the filtered versions, to reach and inspire others.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
There are actually two moments that bring me the most peace. The first is the early morning, when the house is quiet, my fresh-brewed coffee is in hand, and it is just me, my Bible, and a conversation with God through prayer. It’s the perfect way to start the day grounded in God’s Word before the world wakes up. The second is at the end of the day, when I am in my husband’s arms, drifting off to sleep. Those bookends to my day remind me of God’s goodness, comfort, and presence in every season.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marilynjeannedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/marilynjeannedesigns
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/marilynjeannedesigns
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/marilynjeannedesigns
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@marilynjeannedesigns
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@marilynjeannedesigns
