Hidden Gems: Meet Jenae Thompson of SayQuoi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenae Thompson. 

Hi Jenae, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I attended Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California first to study Business and Communications. 

A little later, I switched gears and studied Theater Arts and English (with a Creative Writing emphasis). 

I left school and immediately hit the theatre circuit; booking shows and having the immense and unforgettable opportunity to travel performing professionally. 

Theatre, television, and film opened up the entire world to me and gave me a safe haven and an outlet to truly discover and be myself. I fell head over heels in love with it and had some of the best times of my entire life, to date on stage and in front of the camera. (I’m still a massive theatre kid at heart!) 

I very soon realized, though, that once one makes the life-altering decision to become an artist, they essentially also make the decision to become their own small business. Even faster, I discovered that many of us had inadvertently stumbled on becoming our own small businesses and had no idea what came next or how to have longevity with such a large responsibility of marketing oneself 24/7. 

I came to understand that there was a lack of resources and guidance on the art of unique content marketing, brand distinction, and navigating social media for optimal success, and that said lack affected me too. 

So, I got to work. 

I studied and studied and messed around on any and every platform I could get my hands on. I acquired a couple of phenomenal mentors, made a million mistakes, and asked a million more questions. 

There was a major issue that I knew I could help with. 

I could add value in a massive way and on a larger scale. 

…And then came the pandemic. 

Despite what was going on around me, I felt called to provide servitude and support to small business owners, artists, and creatives— to give back to the very communities that had nurtured me and that I had learned so much from since my days at A.P.U. 

Our world was falling apart. Jobs were lost, as were senses of purpose and inner spark. 

I felt there simply had to be another way for all of us to thrive, not only financially; but emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and artistically…to stay connected to that certain “je ne sais quoi” we each have inside of us. 

I knew that if I could find a way to help folks keep that spark alive, we could get through it together. 

Et, voilà! 

SayQuoi was born. 

Over the last two-ish years, I’ve expanded my service offerings to social media management, content creation, brand coaching, social media coaching, and creative direction; and have opened up said service offerings beyond the artistic realm. I have worked closely with some incredible businesses across the United States using my love for business marketing, content marketing and creation, and unique creative flourishes. 

I’ve also recently become an official company recognized by the state! 

What was once SayQuoi Entertainment is now SayQuoi L.L.C.🎉 

Some SayQuoi clientele and collaborators (past and present) include PopViewers (NYC), Parity Productions (NYC), Dr. Neeta Bhushan, Mental Shifts Mental Health and Wellness Center (Las Vegas), Cherry Orchard Creatives (NYC), BrandYou (NYC) and more gorgeous, gorgeous movers and shakers. 

SayQuoi’s mission not only involved marketing for businesses but also is centered on servitude. It also serves to help elevate other small businesses, artists, and creatives and giving back to the community by providing goods and companionship to unhoused and underserved communities in Los Angeles. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has most definitely not been a smooth road for SayQuoi 😂 

Starting a business is HARD WORK. 

I quickly understood why folks call their work/businesses/projects their “babies”. SayQuoi feels like my child. I created her, nurture her, think about her constantly, am always looking for ways to help her to grow, and am hoping and praying that she’s out in the world adding value and doing extreme good. 

As you know, we’re big fans of SayQuoi L.L.C. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
SayQuoi L.L.C. helps businesses, artists and creatives elevate their online presence by way of social media management and coaching, brand coaching, creative direction, and mindset shifts for business owners. 

I have helped multiple businesses and brands across the United States create content that is representative of who they are and of their bright futures ahead, gain followers online, cement their vision for their business and creative endeavors, and much more. It has been a shining time period in my life; of which I am extremely proud. 

SayQuoi also has a branch called SayQuoi Cares and holds an annual drive that uses donations from friends and patrons of SayQuoi alike to assemble and distribute what we call Hope Bags–bags of food, goods, toiletries, and anonymous messages of hope to our unhoused neighbors in Los Angeles. 

One of the ways we raise funds is by collaborating with fellow small business owners and creatives to host events, and splitting the profits. This helps both businesses cross-promote and raise funds for our respective endeavors. Proceeds made from Hope Bag Collabs all go straight to the assembly and distribution of Hope Bags. 

If you have a need for a creative third eye on your socials, online presence, and creative endeavors; or would like to get involved with SayQuoi Cares, please reach out! I am always looking to add value to companies and individuals with a mission, and donations and volunteers for this year’s drive are needed. 💙 

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t know that I’m all that lucky, but I can say with an unshakeable conviction that I am extremely blessed. 

I have an incredible support system in my family, my amazing partner, and my friends. They calm me down and rev me up (as the circumstances call for), keep me centered and grounded, and are always game to hear my cooky ideas and help out. 

I also have my background in the Arts to thank. Theatre and film–that is being on stage, in front of and behind the camera opened up my entire world and truly helped me to find myself and find my own way of connecting with people and seeing “The Big Picture”. All of those life and creative skills have come into play in a HUGE way in running and operating SayQuoi. 

I don’t know that I’m all that “lucky”, but I do know that nothing that’s meant for me is going to pass me by–and this path, my amazing support system, and my rockstar clients were all very clearly meant for me. I hope every day I’m able to add at least a splash of the joy, intellectual challenge, love, and value they all add to me on a daily basis. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.say-quoi.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/_sayquoi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087152382245
• TikTok: @sayquoi
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/_sayquoi
• Other: www.say-quoi.com/sayquoicares

Image Credits
Curtis Thompson