Southern California-based, Jennifer Thorington, was born and raised in the laid-back beach culture capital of the world but quickly became known for her veracious intelligence, dynamic entrepreneurial abilities and drive to see the world. Shortly after graduating high school, Jennifer became a renown makeup artist, working on network TV Shows such as Take Home Chef and applying her trade to A-List musicians like Prince and The Pussycat Dolls. Jennifer’s love of music soon spilled into the other areas of the industry, and after a decade spent as a professional makeup artist, she co-founded the music publicity firm Working Brilliantly in 2010. Over the course of the past decade, Working Brilliantly has become one of the most sought after publicity firms in the world, serving independent musicians and labels with integrity, class and creativity. Most recently Jennifer and her husband have formed the directing duo Markus Thorington, creating compelling music content that has been featured by the likes of LA Buzzbands, Paste, OC Weekly and Noisey. Jennifer has further diversified her business operations this year, becoming a founding ‘hempress’ in a company specializing in high-quality, organic, nano-enhanced CBD-rich hemp oil and expanded her spiritual practice by becoming certified as a Reiki Master.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have been self-employed since I was in my very early 20’s – so that is literally all I know. When I was in school, I was programmed from an early age to go to college, get a degree and then work for someone doing something that will make me financially secure. There was no passion, nothing that taught me to go after my heart’s desire. When I graduated and was unable to get into the colleges of my choice, even though my GPA and SAT scores were extremely high, I had a time of anger, frustration and reflection on life that led me to a wonderful realization and an amazing (yet challenging!) life of freedom through being self employed – it was my path to follow my passions!
Tell us about your business.
Which one!? Working Brilliantly is a music publicity, licensing and production company that I co-own with my life partner Samuel. We work with artists around the globe and assist them in many different aspects of their career goals – from album marketing, TV/Film placements, radio outreach, graphic design work, website design, music video production and career guidance. I am also a musician and am involved with the band, The Morning Birds. And, I am just getting into another venture marketing and selling some of the highest quality CBD-rich Hemp Oil on the market. It is pretty exciting!
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Working Brilliantly is currently running a promo campaign with Reverbnation – so if you are a musician and have an account, I highly encourage you to apply. I would also love to offer a 10% discount off our publicity services as well, just shoot me an email and mention Lady Boss Blogger! I am also offering a rebate on Hemp Oil purchases, so if anyone is interested in that, reach out!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Mary Austin Excellence in Directing Award from IIFC 2016
- Reiki Master Certification 2016
- NAHA Makeup Artist of the Year Nominee 2007
Where is your business based?
Online primarily – but we are in Southern California in a small artist community on the top of a mountain.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I always jump in with both feet and learn as I go, really. Every single business endeavor I have ever been involved in just organically began, as most destined opportunities do – I just showed up! With Working Brilliantly, we set up all the legalities and had contracts drafted as well as created a solid press contact list. Once our website was done and all the paperwork completed, we were off to the races!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Word of mouth is ALWAYS the best way. We also have been extremely fortunate to create partnerships with brands that have offered us exposure to many of our amazing clients. We tend to steer clear of traditional advertising and find our own ways of connecting with people that are in alignment with our vision.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Expanding! This past year has been a huge learning curve for us – we hired our first employees so that we could continue to grow. This has been one of the hardest things to navigate, but it has been an amazing blessing!
How did you overcome these challenges?
Addressing issues that arise immediately, focusing on the end result we are aiming for and discussing solutions on how to get there. Daily meditation and breaks are essential.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Again, meditation and focus are primary in all challenging times. I really feel that your big picture should always, always, always be at the forefront of your mind. I find that when we are going through difficulties, I get hyper focused on solutions and then make sure I remind myself of my “why” every single day. Being grateful for what I have and where I am headed really helps.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I think this just comes naturally if you express from your heart. We don’t ever compare ourselves to anyone and I really don’t buy into the idea of competition. I sincerely believe that whoever is meant to be our clients will be. End of story.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
A ‘no’ is one person closer to a ‘yes’!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Follow your heart, find a passion and share it with others. Research ways to do this that feel right – there is no set way to do this – break boundaries, stretch yourself and always stay true to your vision.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Meditation. I am one who truly believes that you can find all guidance and answers within.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“The Book of Knowing and Worth”. Life changing!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
We are always looking for music journalists to connect with, artists looking for release support. I am currently looking for driven individuals that are looking for a once in a lifetime opportunity in the hemp industry!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I would like to create my core team of 11 people for my Hemp business within the next month. I already have 4, 7 more to go!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @workingbrilliantly, @markusthorington, @themorningbirds
Twitter @wbartists, @themorningbirds, @markingtonfilm
Facebook @workingbrilliantly, @themorningbirds, @MarkusThorington
Website www.workingbrilliantly.com, www.themorningbirds.com, www.markusthorington.com, www.wholeness.primemybody.com/home
Email Jennifer@workingbrilliantly.com, wholenesshemp@gmail.com