We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jen Keefer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jen below.
Jen , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Our journey to finding our purpose began in a place that is special to both of us: our kids’ preschool. As members of the Board of Directors, we had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with many smart, creative women who were considering starting their own businesses. These women wanted to leverage their talents while maintaining the flexibility to be there for their kids.
Through these interactions, we realized that we shared a common passion for supporting these women. We also discovered that our unique skills complemented each other perfectly: Karyn’s background in design and branding and Jen’s expertise in technology. Together, we knew we could make a real difference.
Our purpose at Link & Layer is to provide a professional presence for passionate female business owners, helping them fully realize their potential and make impactful connections with their community. By doing so, we empower these entrepreneurs to thrive both personally and professionally, just as we set out to do from the very beginning.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Link & Layer, we develop meaningful relationships with small businesses, helping them grow and thrive. We take the time to get to know our clients and their businesses so we can create a brand and website that truly reflects the character and quality of the services they provide. This personalized approach ensures that every project we undertake is unique and perfectly tailored to each client’s needs.
One of the most exciting aspects of our work is our Strategy Sessions. These sessions are designed to empower our clients with education and resources that fast-track their learning, streamline their business operations, and provide clear steps forward. It’s like having virtual coffee with your business besties. We collaborate and strategize to help them reach their next goals.
We’re also incredibly proud of our Link & Clink Collective events. These monthly gatherings bring together the incredible women in our community to offer each other thoughtful support and meaningful connections. It’s a space where entrepreneurs can share their experiences, gain insights, and build a network of like-minded professionals.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on our journey, three key qualities have been particularly impactful:
Curiosity: Our field is constantly evolving, and a strong desire to keep learning and growing has been essential. Staying curious allows us to explore new trends, technologies, and strategies, ensuring we offer the best solutions to our clients.
Problem-Solving Focus: A significant part of our work involves solving problems or creating new solutions for our clients. This focus drives us to dig deeper into understanding their unique challenges and finding innovative ways to address them.
Foundation Building: While aesthetics are important, the true foundation of a successful business lies in its vision, mission, and purpose. This is where we always start with new clients, helping them build a strong, strategic foundation that supports their growth.
For those early in their journey, our advice is to prioritize progress over perfection. These qualities and skills take time to develop and grow, both professionally and personally. It’s crucial to keep moving forward, embracing the learning process and being open to continuous improvement.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Our ideal clients are female entrepreneurs who are not only excited and passionate about their work but also appreciate a balanced approach to life. These business owners understand the significance of showcasing their business with professional branding and a strong online presence. They recognize the vital role that strategic design plays in driving growth.
We especially love working with clients who are eager to start with a solid foundation, knowing the importance of a clear vision, mission, and purpose from the start, and those who are open to collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs to further develop their business and achieve their goals.
In short, our ideal clients are those who value strategic design and are committed to creating a lasting impact through their business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linkandlayer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linkandlayer/
- Other: Jen Keefer
Technology Director | Link & LayerKaryn Bowen
Creative Director | Link & Layer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.