“Save for your bloody taxes! Honestly, money is such a big part of starting a business, and yeah, you’ll need to spend to grow…” – Jess Bruno

Founder@ Interview

With Jess Bruno

“Save for your bloody taxes! Honestly, money is such a big part of starting a business, and yeah, you’ll need to spend to grow. But babe, if you’re ambitious and taking that messy action, you’ll probably grow faster than you expect. And trust me, when that juicy tax bill hits, it’ll floor you if you’re not prepared. So, I’m begging you, be smart—set aside for your taxes from the get-go, because that bill will come quicker than you think!” – Jess Bruno

Today we feature Jess Bruno, the founder at Jessica Bruno / The Content Club / Ne’Twerking. We hear their story in their own words, their successes, their challenges and their insights.

Let’s start by getting to know you. Can you please tell us a little bit about you and what you do?

I’m on a mission to make content profitable & f*cking FUN for small biz owners. I’m here to remove the distractions associated with social media, and give you the confidence & ENERGY to show up as unapologetically you.

When you’re rolling with me as your coach, you can say goodbye to stress and hello to fun, easy, and effective content creation that actually brings in sales! There are 3 ways I work with my clients, 1:1, in a group container and in my membership. I also host a networking event called Ne’Twerking, it’s basically a day rave for small biz babes.

A great introduction and start to this interview. Can you please tell us, how did you start, from what age, and what made you decide to change direction and start?

I started my business on the toilet…let me explain! I’ve been living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) since I was a teenager. Throughout my 20s, I powered through working in the fast-paced world of marketing and events. But in 2019, I got so ill that I realised I couldn’t work in traditional employment anymore.

I was sick (pun intended) of not performing my best and calling in sick all the time. So I said ‘goodbye’ to the corporate world and ‘hello’ to online business. I loved being able to call the shots and make my own schedule, but I was still super ill.

On an average day, I was running to the bathroom upwards of 30 times a day. I was in there so much, that I’d be balancing my laptop on my knees, doing work while sat on the toilet. Because I was still a workaholic and felt that because of my chronic illness, I’d have to work 10 times harder than everyone else.

Then in October 2022, my bowels said NO MORE. I had to have emergency surgery to get most of my large colon removed, a stoma bag put in, and take 12 unexpected weeks off from my business. *My Little Stomi* (sang to the tune of My Little Pony) literally changed my life. Not only has it decreased my daily pain and massively improved my quality of life, it made me realise that I could take breaks from my biz and not have it be the end of the world.

Do I look down some days and freak out? Yes. Do I cringe when I think too hard about the bag of sh*t I’m carrying around with me 24/7 365? All the time! But I wouldn’t be HUMAN without it 💜

Running a small business is hard, but running a small business with a chronic illness is intense. Time works differently when your body is against you. Because I have less “free and able bodied” time than people without a disability, if I give a client or project my time, it’s even MORE valuable. I’ve taught myself how to get DAYS of work done in hours (it’s a superpower really) and created a system that allows me to take last-minute days – or weeks – off when necessary.

Thank you for that insight. So can you tell us…What does your business do and where is your company based?

I’m a London babe! I work with Small Business Owners on content, through a blend of coaching and strategy work. Stress-free I create social media strategies that are sustainable, easy-to-follow and not based on vanity metrics. I’m here to make your life a breeze, offering strategies, innovative tools, and a laid-back vibe that’ll have you mend your relationship with marketing whilst growing your account.

I’m all about Inspiring small business babes to find their own voice, own their personality, and step into the spotlight through social media. Offering strategies, innovative tools, and a laid-back vibe that’ll have you mend your relationship with marketing whilst growing your account.

Achievable From my industry experience, I take all the big business knowledge and share it with small business owners, helping them to create a sustainable strategy and supporting them through the highs and lows of what it means to be ‘seen’ on social. 

What’s the story behind your success? What led to your aha moment? how did you get to where you are now?

I never imagined I’d be a business owner. I couldn’t grasp the possibility of running my own business, let alone becoming a consultant or strategist. However, in 2020, after years in marketing, people began asking for my advice, and I was suddenly in demand. That was when my business truly kicked off, despite me feeling like the idea of being an independent consultant made no sense.

I started by sliding into the DMs of people I admired, networking relentlessly, and charging by the hour—severely undercharging myself due to my chronic illnesses, including ulcerative colitis, which I’ve lived with for years. Before my surgery in October 2022 to have my large bowel removed and a stoma bag fitted, I was working at the brink of my health.

The real turning point came during my recovery, when I realized that women in business with chronic illnesses bring immense value and deserve to be paid accordingly. That affirmation changed my entire approach. I restructured my business, creating a three-tier offer suite (membership, group, and one-to-one) that aligned with my worth and has since allowed me to help over 300 small business owners.

One of the most pivotal strategies I’ve adopted is “messy action”—throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. Letting go of perfectionism and embracing failure as part of the process helped me grow my business and boosted my confidence. I teach my clients, many of whom are small business owners in their early stages, to do the same. While I aim for success, I’ve also learned to accept that not every email, post, or offer will land perfectly—and that’s okay.

I’ve had incredible support along the way, with my business coach Mae James helping me navigate what it truly means to run a business, and my best friend, Jaz Marfo, being my go-to for celebrating wins and sharing lows. My accountant team at Orenda, especially Abby, has been crucial, as I’ve had to lean on their expertise given my challenges with numbers and dyslexia.

On the flip side, the social media algorithm has been one of the most toxic influences, constantly pushing me towards unrealistic goals of hitting 10k months or gaining thousands of followers.

I’ve had to reframe my relationship with social media by setting boundaries and focusing more on posting content rather than consuming it. In the process of growing this business, I’ve sacrificed a lot, especially my social life. I went from being a plugged-in socialite in London’s party scene to having a small, tight-knit circle of friends who truly support me. I

’ve also invested heavily in personal development and support services, knowing that the path to success requires constant learning and the right team to manage areas where I struggle. Although I largely run my business solo—with the help of one freelancer—it brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Despite the sacrifices, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Thank you for sharing that. What’s been your life’s biggest lesson so far?

Women in business with chronic illness deserve to charge more because our time, energy, and focus work differently from others. Living with a chronic condition teaches us to be incredibly efficient with the time we have, often achieving in hours what might take others much longer.

We’ve mastered the art of prioritising tasks, cutting out distractions, and maximising our limited energy. This ability to deliver high-quality results in less time should not be undervalued—it’s a strength that warrants higher compensation for the unique value we provide.

Don’t charge per hour!!!

If you were to go back in time, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self: you are enough, even when you don’t feel it. Starting a business takes immense courage and resilience, and just having the idea is a huge first step.

No one outright doubted me, but I was always my toughest critic, feeling like I wasn’t good enough—even after pursuing music all the way to a degree.

But earlier this year, I realised I am enough, and so are you. Celebrate all the wins, both big and small, and even embrace the failures. Every day you get to choose how you move forward, and that’s something to be proud of.

What do you know now that you wished you had known before?

Don’t charge per hour!!!

What has been your greatest or proudest achievement or moment?

I recently hosted my first event (sold out I’ll add!) called Ne’Twerking, it was a room full of past clients (and maybe future ones too!) where girls, gays and theys in business got together to let their hair down whilst exchanging business cards – it was HUGE!

What future life goals do you want to achieve and why?

Looking ahead, I have some ambitious and exciting goals. One of my biggest dreams is to give a TED Talk about being a woman in business with a chronic illness. I want to shift the narrative—I’m not “the poor little sick girl.” Instead, I want to show that people with chronic illnesses are powerful, capable, and can achieve success on their own terms.

We operate on our own clock, and I’ve done it, so I’d love to share that wisdom. Another goal is to retire by the age of 50. I know that’s a big ambition, but I envision either selling my business or taking it in new directions to achieve that freedom. I’ve already trademarked my networking name, and I’m excited about turning it into its own entity, reaching even higher heights in the future.

I’m also focused on expanding my membership, the Content Club. Right now, I have 100 amazing members, and I’d love to grow that to 300 by 2025. Each year, I make it a goal, and I’m determined to see it happen.

To finish our inspire questions…”We believe that sharing inspiring words can inspire others.” If there was one positive thing you would say to someone to inspire and empower them what would it be and why?

Save for your bloody taxes! Honestly, money is such a big part of starting a business, and yeah, you’ll need to spend to grow. But babe, if you’re ambitious and taking that messy action, you’ll probably grow faster than you expect.

And trust me, when that juicy tax bill hits, it’ll floor you if you’re not prepared. So, I’m begging you, be smart—set aside for your taxes from the get-go, because that bill will come quicker than you think!

“Thank you it has been great learning more about your founder story and Jessica Bruno / The Content Club / Ne’Twerking”

To learn more about Jessica Bruno / The Content Club / Ne’Twerking Visit jessicabruno.co.uk

Find on social media @ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwithjessbruno

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasophiabruno/

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