Meet Jessica McGrath

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica McGrath a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from a place of passion and a sense of shared community.

It’s truly rooted in the very beginning of my journey with @JessKnowsTheDeal. Before it became a business, it was a “happy accident,” built on the simple act of sharing valuable information—whether it was a coupon deal to help someone save money or a life hack to make their day easier. That desire to give back and offer something of genuine value to my followers was the original spark.

That core intention never left. When my videos about local experiences started to go viral, I realized that my generosity could have an even greater impact. It evolved from simply helping my followers to helping businesses as well. Now, my generosity is expressed by using my platform to give businesses a voice and a chance to shine. It’s about giving them the visibility and attention they deserve, which in turn gives my followers incredible experiences to discover.

So, in essence, my generosity is a cycle of support—I’m not just giving something away, I’m creating a space where both businesses and consumers can benefit and grow together.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a Social Media Experience Creator for my brand, @JessKnowsTheDeal. What I do is create authentic, short-form video content that helps local businesses showcase the unique experiences they offer. My work is truly a happy accident—it all started years ago with sharing coupon deals and life hacks with my followers. I was just trying to help people save money and make their lives a little easier. When a video I made about a local lake in New Jersey went viral, it completely changed my perspective. I realized I could help businesses tell their stories and connect with people in a more meaningful way. My platform transformed from a place to find a good deal to a place to find a great experience.

What Makes This Work So Special?
What I find most exciting is the tangible impact my work has on both sides of the equation. For businesses, I get to help them not just survive, but thrive. When a restaurant tells me they’ve seen a direct increase in foot traffic or a local business gets a flood of new customers because of a video I created, that’s an incredible feeling. It proves that authentic storytelling can drive real results.

For my audience, the special part is the trust and connection. I’m known for my enthusiastic, genuine storytelling and my commitment to highlighting what’s truly worthwhile. My followers trust that I’m not just sharing a promotion; I’m sharing an honest recommendation that will enrich their lives. This dual impact—helping businesses flourish while helping people discover amazing experiences—is what makes what I do so fulfilling.

What Sets My Brand Apart
My brand is built on a foundation of authenticity and generosity. What sets me apart is that I truly believe in the cycle of support. I’m dedicated to building a community where both businesses and consumers win. I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built and the way I’ve been able to turn a simple act of sharing into a purpose-driven business. It’s about more than just video production; it’s about fostering a community where we can all “know the deal” on incredible experiences.

Looking ahead, I am focused on expanding my reach to new regions to support more local businesses. I’m also exploring new content formats, including longer-form videos and live sessions, to give my audience an even deeper look into the amazing experiences waiting to be discovered.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities and skills in my journey have been authenticity, storytelling, and adaptability. These aren’t just things you’re born with; they’re muscles you have to train.

1. Authenticity

This is the foundation of everything I do. My brand was built on a genuine love for sharing deals and experiences. That authenticity is what makes my audience trust me—they know I’m not just pushing a product, I’m sharing something I truly believe in.

My Advice: Don’t try to be someone else. Find your unique voice and what you’re genuinely passionate about. Your niche isn’t just about what you know, it’s about what you love. Lean into that. People can spot fakeness a mile away, but they are drawn to real passion.

2. Storytelling

The difference between a video and an experience is a story. My videos aren’t just clips of a place; they tell a narrative. I show the journey, the feeling, and the small details that make a place special. This is how I turn a simple review into something that resonates emotionally with viewers.

My Advice: Practice. You can start by simply observing. The next time you visit a coffee shop, a park, or a store, think about the story you’d tell. What’s the best way to open? What are the key moments? What’s the feeling you want to leave your audience with? Think beyond just showing what you see—think about how you can make it feel like an adventure.

3. Adaptability

The social media landscape changes constantly. The algorithm that worked last month is different this month, and a new platform could pop up at any time. My ability to adapt has been crucial to staying relevant. This means being willing to learn new things, experiment with new content styles, and not get too attached to what worked in the past.

My Advice: Stay curious and be a student. Follow thought leaders in your industry and keep up with trends, but don’t just copy them. Understand the why behind the trend and see how you can apply your unique voice to it. Don’t be afraid to fail; every video that doesn’t perform well is a lesson. The more you experiment, the better you’ll get at navigating the ever-changing digital world.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, absolutely! I am always looking to partner with people who share a passion for creating authentic, valuable content. My brand is built on collaboration and community, so I’m consistently seeking out new opportunities.

I’m looking to collaborate with two main groups:

Local Businesses: My primary focus is on working with local businesses, especially those with a strong story or a unique experience to share. Whether you’re a new restaurant with an innovative menu, a wellness center with a special approach to self-care, or an adventure park that offers a one-of-a-kind thrill, I want to help you tell your story. I’m looking for businesses that take pride in their craft and are eager to connect with their community.

Fellow Creators: I love collaborating with other content creators, especially those who specialize in photography, video production, or social media strategy. Teaming up allows us to combine our skills and create something even more dynamic and impactful for a business. If you’re a creator who values authenticity and quality storytelling, I’d love to connect.

If you are a business owner or a creator interested in collaborating, the best way to connect is through email. You can reach out to me directly at [email protected] with a brief introduction and an idea of what you’d like to collaborate on. You can also find me on Instagram at @JessKnowsTheDeal, where you can send a direct message!

I look forward to hearing from you and discovering what amazing experiences we can create together!

Contact Info:

• Website: Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @Jessknowsthedeal
• Other: TikTok: @Jessknowsthedeal