From Laid Off to 8-Figure CEO: Jaclyn Johnson Shares Her Blueprint for Turning Setbacks into Success
Listen to the episode here: 👉 https://youtu.be/ztUqA70zaN8?feature=shared
In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Jaclyn Johnson, founder of the renowned platform Create & Cultivate, which empowers female entrepreneurs through inspiring events and impactful content. Jaclyn’s impressive journey includes scaling two multimillion-dollar companies, navigating the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, and becoming a respected investor and advisor to women-led startups. We dive into exactly how she leveraged Instagram and strategic celebrity partnerships to grow Create & Cultivate into an iconic brand with eight-figure revenue.
Inside This Episode, We Discuss:
• Jaclyn’s story of accidental entrepreneurship after unexpectedly getting laid off.
• The organic evolution of Create & Cultivate from a passion project into a profitable business.
• Why community-driven events became the core strategy behind the company’s explosive growth.
• How she secured celebrity partnerships like Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Chelsea Handler.
• Jaclyn’s insights on omnichannel marketing and why influencer marketing alone is not enough.
• The realities of bootstrapping versus raising venture capital and when each makes sense.
About Jaclyn Johnson:
Jaclyn Johnson is the innovative entrepreneur behind Create & Cultivate, a groundbreaking platform supporting female entrepreneurs, which scaled to eight-figure revenue and partnerships with major brands like Amazon and Microsoft. Recognized by Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Adweek as a Disruptor, Jaclyn has dedicated her career to uplifting women-led businesses. Today, Jaclyn invests in and advises promising female-founded startups through her newest venture, Cherub, a marketplace connecting founders and investors.
Jaclyn’s Story:
Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, Jaclyn learned business basics early on. After being laid off from her corporate job, she began freelancing, which organically evolved into her first agency, No Subject, eventually paving the way for Create & Cultivate. Through strategic use of social media and celebrity-driven events, Jaclyn positioned her brand as a leading authority for ambitious women entrepreneurs.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs:
• Building authentic partnerships with aligned influencers and brands can dramatically accelerate growth.
• Community events can offer high-impact, cost-effective opportunities for brand exposure and credibility.
• Diversifying your marketing channels protects your business from reliance on a single platform or strategy.
Final Thoughts:
Jaclyn’s journey emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and community building as core elements of sustainable business success. Her insights into scaling companies, attracting strategic celebrity partnerships, and effectively leveraging social media offer invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs at any stage.
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Connect with Jaclyn:
• Instagram: @jaclynrjohnson
• Website: jaclynrjohnson.com
• LinkedIn: Jaclyn Johnson
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