We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Hensley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

My journey into starting Business Buddy was driven by a blend of passion, hard-won experience, and a deep-seated desire to support small business owners. My background is rich with formal education and a genuine love for design, coding, and marketing. However, it was the unexpected turns in life that truly positioned me to embark on this venture.

Fresh out of college, I took a bold step by purchasing an existing franchise business. This thrust me into the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, a realm where lessons come hard and fast. The following three years were filled with incredible challenges, culminating in the difficult decision to close the business and file for bankruptcy. This period was tough, but it was also transformative. I encountered many mentors who cautioned me that there are no friends in business. Despite the harshness of this advice, I struggled to accept it, always believing in the potential for good in the business landscape.

When I launched Business Buddy, it was with a clear vision: to be the friend in business that I had once sought. My aim was not just to provide services but to offer genuine support and partnership to businesses striving to succeed. The concept for Business Buddy was born out of my own trials and the conviction that if I could help other business owners avoid even a fraction of the difficulties I faced, then I would be making a real difference.

At the heart of Business Buddy is the motto that we are your friend in business. This means we’re here to lend an ear when you need to talk and to offer our suite of services to support your business at every step. I took my educational background, my passions, and the lessons learned from my own experiences to create a company that stands by business owners, guiding and supporting them as they navigate their own journeys to success. This is the essence of Business Buddy, and it’s why I wake up every day excited to make a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
This passion for various art forms has been a constant source of peace and inspiration, guiding me through life’s ups and downs. My experiences with art projects and the diverse music from around the globe have not only enriched my soul but also shaped my creative outlook.

My time at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) was transformative. It was there that I confronted the daunting yet exhilarating challenge of a blank canvas. That initial intimidation, the vast expanse of untouched potential, taught me valuable lessons about creativity and the artistic process. SCAD also instilled in me an appreciation for the black canvas — a symbol of endless possibilities and a reminder to embrace the imperfect journey towards completion.

These lessons have seamlessly woven into the fabric of my business ethos. I thrive on custom work, finding a unique joy in creating something from nothing. Unlike templates, which I often find restrictive, starting with a blank canvas allows me to fully realize my vision. This approach mirrors the way I began painting in college, treating each project as an opportunity to explore, innovate, and bring something new into the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Morning Breakfast at Stax Omega Diner
Falls Park on the Reedy

Midday
Upcountry History Museum
Lunch at Grill Marks on Main St

Afternoon
Swamp Rabbit Trail Bike Ride
Drinks at SIP Whiskey & Wine Bar

Evening
Dinner at Tsunami Restaurant

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For me, the heart of my shoutout goes to the city of Greenville. It’s been nearly 17 years since I first came to Greenville and made it my home. Even without immediate family in the area, Greenville has embraced me in a way that has profoundly shaped my life and career.

The people of Greenville, across its diverse communities and circles, have been incredibly supportive. They’ve offered their care, support, and confidence, which have been indispensable in my journey as a business owner. The warmth and encouragement I’ve received here have not only bolstered my determination but have also nurtured my belief in the power of community.

Greenville is more than just a backdrop to my story; it’s a character in its own right. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, its supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, and the genuine kindness of its residents have all played a crucial role in enabling me to become the business owner I am today.

Website: businessbuddysc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessbuddysc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessbuddysc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/businessbuddysc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKoGH8u-1PAfz4yOBWxLlSA

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.