Life & Work with Jenna Haith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Haith.

Hi Jenna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After graduating from The University of Kansas as a Psychology and Marketing major, I accepted two internship positions for the summer. One for an event marketing agency and one for a marketing/advertising agency (both in KC). I went throughout the summer experiencing two worlds of marketing. At the end of the summer, I was offered positions with both companies… but had to pick one.

I ended up choosing the marketing/advertising agency. I worked with them for a year and decided to start my own digital agency – Sparklight Solutions LLC. You can find my website at sparklightsolutions.com. I currently have 3 clients – 2 of which are agencies here in KC and one non-profit. I do contract work for the two agencies. In total between the two agencies and the non-profit, I have 12 clients I work with.

As a 1 person digital agency, I offer a variety of services – ranging from graphic creation, video/photo editing, web builds, web maintenance, content/brand strategy, analytics/reporting, email marketing, social media, and so much more. As a start-up small business owner, I’ve had to learn the ropes of how to be an entrepreneur. I started Sparklight Solutions in 2021 and my oh my how it has grown!

My digital agency, Sparklight Solutions (SLS), doesn’t just revolve around client work. I also have multiple content creation brands that I own and manage daily. My first brand is Jenna Haith Lifestyle. I started JHL in 2020 in the midst of COVID. You can find more details about my creation of JHL on my website: jennahaithlifestyle.com/about.

I also have a few other brands that I am starting as well – these brands include A Travelers Oasis (atravelersoasis.com), Wink Nails (winknails.com), The Holiday Handbook (theholidayhandbook.com), and the So Far So Good Podcast (sofarsogoodpodcast.com). If you go into these sites, you will see that they are just beginning so there isn’t much content on them quite yet, but I will soon have each of these brands become as big as JHL. You can find more details of each of those brands on their sites.

As you may have noticed, my life after graduating has been so crazy. I would have never thought I would be a business owner, especially starting at age 24! Big things are still to come but this is where I am at today and I am so grateful for everyone that has helped me get here!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For SLS – Becoming a small business owner is hard. The struggle of figuring out how to start your own business and how to promote your own brand so you can get some recognition in the industry was difficult. However, I have a solid mentor to show me how to do all of this. I would not be where I am today without him.

For JHL – I will say – the social media world is tough. It’s hard to make it out there especially if you don’t have any pre-existing following. My first brand, Jenna Haith Lifestyle, was sort of a rocky start – I did have a lot of my hometown, college, and family friends support me when I started it though.

So it wasn’t that bad of a start but still I had no idea how to do any of it! But I will say that jumping into starting your own business – whether that’s retail, digital marketing, real estate, really anything – is hard but with the right mindset and support system anything is possible.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have two “work worlds”. One is my client-facing, billable work (SLS Digital Agency), and the other are my content creation brands.

I am most proud of going out on my own and starting up a business at such a young age. There is no one I know (my age or even close to my age) that has their own business. It is such an accomplishment and I am just getting started! It’s so crazy to think that I have so many years ahead of me and I haven’t even reached my full potential with my digital agency or my content creation brands yet!

Aside from my work life, A big quality I see in myself is my love for making others laugh and always bringing a positive light to any situation. One of my life motto’s: Don’t take life too seriously!! If you mess up, who cares? Learn from your mistakes, do what you need to do in order to make it right, and move on.

Not only is this mindset great for anyone wanting to live their life a little less stressful, but I feel like this is an important aspect for any business owner to have.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love how friendly everyone is. You know what they say out midwesterners, we are always so welcoming and friendly! I also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, it’s nothing like NYC. Especially the relaxed vibe on fashion. Being comfortable is always me and my friends’ go-to fashion choice.

Lulu lemon joggers and a cute oversized crewneck! You know what they say “boujee on a budget!” Don’t get me wrong though – I LOVE a good dress-up day – makeup, hair, outfit – love it. I could never miss a photo opportunity when I’m all made up!

Honestly, there’s not much I don’t like. The only con for me would be the weather! I am a huge summer/spring girl – love the warm weather. Any chance I can get to get outside during warm days I do – either to play my favorite sport (tennis), ride bikes, layout by my pool, or just enjoy the outdoors!

I guess another thing I don’t really enjoy about Kansas is the lack of outdoor activities, or rather any activity. The big cities like Chicago, LA or NYC have fun events always planned, touristy spots, and cool/unique restaurants. Kansas doesn’t quite live up to that aspect… yet! Don’t get me wrong though, I love my Kansas sports teams – Kansas City Chiefs and how ‘bout those KANSAS JAYHAWKS!!

Contact Info:

• Email: jenna@jennahaithlifestyle.com
• Website: https://www.jennahaithlifestyle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennahaithlifestyle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennaHaithLifestyle
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennaHaith
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPgwC0Lq4x5uZ-FnfpjDlcw