Turning Loss into Purpose: How Jamie Kolnick Built Resilient, Impactful Brands While Balancing Motherhood
Listen to the episode here: 👉 https://youtu.be/g1PA27LnvRE?feature=shared
Starting a business is tough, but growing it into a nationwide brand? That takes resilience, creativity, and a whole lot of passion. In this episode of Silly Little Social, I sit down with Jamie Kolnick, the founder of Jam with Jamie and Little Jam Fest, to unpack her journey from NYC performer to CEO of a thriving children’s entertainment empire.
Jamie isn’t just a business owner—she’s a creator, a mother, and a powerhouse of energy who has built multiple businesses centered around joy and connection. But behind her success is a story of profound loss, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to giving back.
Inside This Episode, We Discuss:
✔️ From Theater Kid to CEO: How Jamie started Jam with Jamie while working as a babysitter, waitress, and struggling performer in NYC.
✔️ Social Media’s Role in Business Growth: How Instagram, influencer partnerships, and strategic PR helped her scale.
✔️ Navigating Loss and Entrepreneurship: How Jamie turned personal tragedy into a mission-driven business that gives back.
✔️ Launching Little Jam Fest: What it takes to build a family-friendly music festival from scratch.
✔️ The Power of Saying No: Why setting boundaries in business (and life) is a game-changer.
About Jamie:
Jamie Kolnick is a passionate entrepreneur, performer, and community leader dedicated to bringing joy and connection to families nationwide. As the Founder and CEO of Jam with Jamie, a leading children’s music entertainment and education company, and the creator of Little Jam Fest, Jamie has built a platform that inspires creativity and celebrates the power of music to unite communities.
Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Jamie is the Co-founder of the Epstein “Reach for the Stars Scholarship Foundation, which has supported South Florida high school graduates since 1998, helping students achieve their academic and professional dreams.
Through her personal storytelling in essays and podcasts, Jamie shares her experiences navigating life’s challenges, offering a relatable voice that resonates with many. A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, she now resides in Miami with her husband, Shaun, and their three children—Zach, Evan, and Zoey.
Jamie’s commitment to fostering creativity, connection, and joy shines through every endeavor, making her a true leader in family entertainment and community impact.
Jamie’s Story: Turning Passion Into a Thriving Business
Jamie’s journey into entrepreneurship started with a guitar, a few puppets, and a love for entertaining kids. Encouraged by her late mother, she launched Jam with Jamie, offering interactive music experiences for children’s parties. What started as a solo operation quickly grew into a nationwide business with over 100 performers.
She attributes much of her business growth to leveraging social media, PR, and influencer partnerships, including collaborations with major figures like Arielle Charnas. During the pandemic, Jamie doubled down on virtual classes, which skyrocketed her Instagram following from 9K to over 13K and brought in a wave of new clients.
Loss, Resilience, and Living With Intention
Jamie’s success is even more inspiring when you learn about the challenges she’s faced. After losing her brother, father, and mother at a young age, she chose to channel her grief into purpose. Her family’s nonprofit, the Epstein Reach for the Stars Scholarship Foundation, has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to South Florida students.
Her personal experiences have shaped her approach to business and motherhood, instilling a deep appreciation for living each day with intention, embracing creativity, and making an impact.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Social Media, Branding & Growth
Jamie and I also dive into the realities of running a business in the social media age. While Instagram has been a powerful tool for growth, she’s the first to admit she has a love-hate relationship with it. She shares her biggest takeaways:
💡 Social Media as a Business Tool: Use it as a marketing tool, not a comparison trap.
💡 The Power of Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with the right influencers and PR teams can be a game-changer.
💡 Growth Takes Time: Jamie’s business didn’t explode overnight—it was years of slow, steady progress.
💡 Saying No is a Strength: Not every opportunity is worth it. Protect your energy and resources.
Final Thoughts: A Reminder to Just Go for It
Whether you’re a business owner, a creative, or just someone looking for a little inspiration, Jamie’s story is a testament to the power of taking risks, embracing beginner energy, and creating something meaningful.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now and connect with Jamie below!
👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eA3xDsyx
OR
👉 Find it on your favorite podcast platform: https://lnkd.in/ej_fmNTS
🔗 Connect with Jamie:
💡 Resources
Level up your content game with our:
📧 FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – Get exclusive content prompts, trend forecasts, and insider tips delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at http://www.showupauthentic.com/sls-sign-up
🎯 AUTHENTIC CREATORS NETWORK – Looking for friends and resources as you grow your creator career? Join our premium community at http://www.showupauthentic.com/acn
🚀 AGENCY SERVICES – Need professional support to scale your social media presence? Visit http://www.showupauthentic.com
Whether you're a seasoned content creator, aspiring influencer, or business owner looking to master social media marketing, Silly Little Social delivers the perfect mix of entertainment, education, and inspiration to help you navigate and thrive in the digital landscape.
Subscribe now and join our community of forward-thinking creators who understand that in today's world, there's nothing "silly" about the power of social media to transform lives and businesses.
Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/showupauthentic and on TikTok www.tiktok.com/@showupauthentic
