Meet Jocelyn Espejo

We recently connected with Jocelyn Espejo and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jocelyn, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Growing up, confidence wasn’t something that came naturally, it was something I built behind the scenes. I became the high achiever, the go-to, the one managing everyone else’s success. And I felt good at it. But when it came time to build something of my own? I was scared.

Leaving a successful career in operations and stepping out on my own was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I knew how to lead from behind the curtain, but showing up as the face of my own business? That required a different kind of strength.

The real shift happened the day I was challenged to show up in my business, and I accepted and scheduled a brand photo session for myself. I didn’t expect much more than a few nice headshots, but what I walked away with was something way bigger. Seeing myself reflected back confident, authentic, and unapologetically me. I realized: I belong in this business. I belong in this room.

That experience was the catalyst. I started using those photos in my marketing. I started owning my voice. And little by little, I stopped waiting to feel confident, I just started acting like I already was. And everything changed.

Now, as the founder of Branding by Jo, I help other women do the same. I believe in the power of visuals, not just to attract clients but to remind you of who you are. I’ve seen it firsthand: when your brand reflects you, confidence doesn’t feel forced. It becomes second nature.

My mantras? Faith over Fear and Do it scared.

You don’t need to be fearless to be powerful. You just need to be visible. Someone out there is waiting for your courage to show them that you exist—and that they can rise, too. Because when you show up fully and authentically, you don’t just grow your brand—you maximize your impact.

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

I’m Jocelyn Espejo, aka Jo founder of Branding by Jo, a creative agency that helps women in business build bold, aligned brands that actually convert. We specialize in brand photography, video, and visual brand strategy so your presence is aligned, your message builds authority, and your brand creates the kind of connection that drives conversion, impact, and scalable growth.

What lights me up most is helping women realize that branding isn’t just about a logo, colors and copy-cat template website. It’s about authenticity and alignment. It’s about owning your story, stepping into your next level, and building a brand that reflects where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.

Right now, my signature offer is the Brand Amplifier Partnership, an ongoing collaboration that blends custom brand photo and video sessions with monthly brand strategy support. It’s perfect for the business owner who’s done going it alone—and ready for a brand partner to map out the strategy, create aligned content, and show up with confidence and consistency.

As part of the partnership, I provide Visual Brand Audits and implementation support to help brand partners refine how they’re showing up across their website, social media, and marketing—ensuring every touchpoint reflects their brand’s true purpose, presence, and power.

Whether we’re capturing content or building strategy, my mission is simple: to help women show up fully, stand out confidently, and scale brands that make a real impact.

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 elements in my journey have been:

The ability to take imperfect action.
I used to believe everything had to be fully polished before I could launch, promote, or move forward. But the truth is, clarity comes from action not perfection. Some of the biggest breakthroughs in my business came when I did it scared, said yes before I felt ready, and refined as I went. My advice? Don’t wait to be “fully ready.” Start before you’re comfortable. You’ll grow into the version of you who can handle it.

Understanding brand strategy, not just design.
Early on, I thought branding was about logos, colors, and beautiful visuals. But once I understood that branding is strategy first, everything changed. I learned how to align visuals with messaging, business goals, and buyer psychology and that alignment is what drives results. If you’re just starting out, invest in understanding why branding matters, not just how it looks. That foundation will support you as your business evolves.

The skill of building relationships.
People talk a lot about funnels and algorithms, but at the end of the day people buy from people they know, like and trust. Whether it’s nurturing your network, collaborating with aligned creatives, or serving your current clients well, relationships have been the most powerful asset in my business. For those early in the journey: Show up with integrity, give generously, and trust that the connections you make now will fuel your growth down the road.

You don’t need to have it all figured out to make a meaningful impact. You just need to be willing to keep learning, stay aligned, and move with purpose.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes! I’m always open to aligned collaborations! Especially with creative professionals, agencies, consultants, and business service providers who serve women entrepreneurs and believe in the power of intentional branding.

I love partnering with web designers, copywriters, stylists, makeup artists, social media managers, and business coaches who want to elevate their client experience by bringing in strategic brand visuals and storytelling. If your clients need support showing up with confidence and clarity, there’s a strong chance we can create something powerful together.

I’m also open to podcast interviews, brand collabs, speaking opportunities, and guest expert features where I can share my perspective on building a bold, aligned, and profitable brand.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This could be a fit,” I’d love to hear from you. Reach out via my website at brandingbyjo.com or connect with me directly on Instagram @brandingbyjo.

Let’s lift as we climb. 🔥

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Lisa Lord & Kaley Lopez

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