Local StoriesOctober 7, 2022

Daily Inspiration: Meet John Gramlich

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Gramlich.

Hi John, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My story started in 2016 when I was working in property management as a Marketing Manager and wasn’t feeling creatively satisfied with my day-to-day work. I have a design and media production background and wasn’t utilizing those skills or passions regularly. So, after networking and locking down some clients, I leaped and started my business, JGramCo. It was a blur and, thankfully, had some early success. There was a clear need for small businesses and start-ups to have thoughtful, crafted, and branded assets for their business, but at a price point that didn’t break their budget. And that was the whole point of why I started JGramCo – being able to provide high-quality, full-service creative assets on a budget that allowed a start-up to make it past that phase! My favorite part of starting my business was seeing businesses succeed and still succeed, even through a pandemic. They had proper assets like a website, marketing materials, communications strategy, etc., in place to retain their customers and, in most cases, even grow!

After a few years of operating the full business time solo – I came to a decision point: either go brick and mortar, plant a flag in Oklahoma City, where I lived at the time, and say, “ok, this is my career now” or – make a change. Candidly, I missed a bigger city, I missed coworkers, and I missed working for a larger corporation. So, I took 2 weeks to visit and considered cities all over: Seattle, Charleston, Atlanta (where I’m originally from), Kansas City, and St. Louis. I visited STL and immediately fell in love. My passion for entrepreneurship was here, the people were warm and welcoming, and the city size was perfect for me. And that was all it took – I found a job and moved up here! Three years later, I’ve found a community of lifelong friends, bought my first house and met my future husband (We get married a year from the day I’m filling this interview out!)

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, it’s been a bumpy road. There is so much I learned and struggled with in leaping to follow my passion and start my business. And the business has since shaped up very differently than I initially anticipated. But, every bump or obstacle has been a very effective learning opportunity, and I wouldn’t change anything about it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Senior UX Writer & Designer for an automotive-tech company called Driveway. I specialize in communication, user experience design, and portrait photography. I additionally still own and operate JGramCo as well. I’m most proud of how my full-time job lends itself well to directing photoshoots and capturing people in their most authentic form. I know it sounds cheesy, but I love working with clients who say, “I hate having my photo taken” – I’ve got you! Making people realize their power, potential, sexiness, and confidence is my strength, and I guarantee we’ll have a memorable experience and laugh a ton!

We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is answering this question with a resounding YES. Do you feel joy in what you do every day? If the answer is no, head back to the drawing board. If the answer is yes, that’s incredible. You’re where you need to be! We get one life, so why not spend it searching, exploring, and ultimately following your passion for what you want to do, you know?

Pricing: