Jenna Stakias shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jenna, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
We are not just a social media management business, we are creative directors and truly take every part and detail of our client’s brand into consideration when creating their content.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jenna Stakias, founder of The True Empire™—a creative marketing collective built on authenticity, storytelling, and strategy. I’m a self-taught entrepreneur, social media strategist, content creator, photographer and podcast host who helps brands and individuals show up online in a way that actually feels like them—not a watered-down version chasing trends.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding The True Empire, growing my personal brand as a speaker and creator, and building platforms and resources that empower others to step into their purpose and build something meaningful—on their own terms.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Trust for sure. When words stop matching actions, when honesty fades, or when people feel unseen, unheard, or unsafe being themselves. Once trust is fractured, connection weakens, communication shuts down, and distance quietly grows.
What restores those bonds is rebuilding trust through consistency, accountability, and vulnerability. It’s choosing transparency over ego, listening with intention, and showing up—again and again—with integrity. Trust is repaired not by grand gestures, but by small, repeated actions that prove someone is willing to meet you with honesty, respect, and care.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—there were moments when I seriously questioned everything. Times when the doubt was loud, the path felt unclear, and I wondered if I was forcing something that wasn’t meant for me. Building something from nothing, especially as a self-taught entrepreneur, can feel isolating and overwhelming, and there were points where walking away felt easier than pushing forward.
What stopped me from giving up was remembering why I started—to build something rooted in truth, freedom, and purpose, not just success. I learned that almost giving up didn’t mean I was failing; it meant I was growing. Those moments forced me to trust myself, refine my vision, and keep going even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to the belief that staying true to yourself—even when it’s difficult or uncertain—is what leads to a meaningful and sustainable life. I’m building work, platforms, and projects that give people permission to trust their instincts, face fear head-on, and create paths that feel aligned instead of forced.
That commitment shapes everything I’m working on, from The True Empire to the conversations I host and the long-term ideas I’m bringing to life. I’m less focused on how fast it grows and more focused on building something honest, impactful, and enduring.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand that clarity doesn’t come before action—it comes from action. Most people wait to feel ready, confident, or certain before they move, but real growth happens when you’re willing to step forward without guarantees. Discomfort isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong; it’s often proof you’re doing something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thetrueempiretm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennastakias/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-stakias-738595120
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@truetalkwithjenna
Image Credits
True Smile Photography & Nicokam Photography
