In this episode of Hey Julie by Moss Bags, I’m joined by Jessi McNeal of Jessi McNeal Marketing + Bookkeeping.

Jessi started as a maker, artist, singer, and songwriter before evolving into marketing and bookkeeping support for other small businesses. Today, she helps product-based business owners with websites, email marketing, wholesale pitching, bookkeeping, and the behind-the-scenes systems that make business feel less overwhelming.

We talk about what makers often overthink in marketing, how to start when everything feels like too much, what’s working in wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales, and how small business owners can use AI without losing their own voice.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Jessi’s journey from music and art to product-based business
• Why her handmade pet products gained traction
• The reality of labor-heavy products and burnout
• How she shifted into marketing and bookkeeping support
• What makers are overthinking in their marketing
• Why your website is often the best place to start
• Wholesale pitching tips for makers and product-based brands
• How to use Faire without losing track of your margins
• Why email marketing still matters
• How AI can help small businesses without replacing their voice

Favorite quote:
“Deep breath, number one. Quiet the voices. Maybe take a little Instagram break from all the business influencers and your peers, and just get a little quiet.”

Connect with Jessi
Website: jessimcneal.com
Instagram: jessimcnealmarketing

Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:
Website: https://mossbags.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bags

Photography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com