Meet Jen Peterson | Social Media Content and Ad Strategist

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

Hi Jen, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my social media coaching and ad business is helping business owners simplify and sustain their marketing strategy in a way that feels natural and doable.

So many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by social media—either they don’t know what to post, don’t have time, or don’t see results. My approach is rooted in authenticity, clarity, and strategy. I help my clients cut through the noise, focus on what actually moves the needle, and create a social media presence that attracts their ideal audience without burning them out.

Another key factor? Personalized coaching and hands-on support. Social media isn’t one-size-fits-all. I take the time to truly get to know my clients—not just their businesses, but who they are as owners. Understanding their voice, values, and personality allows us to create content that fosters real connection, and connection is what drives engagement, trust, and ultimately, results.

Beyond just growing individual brands, my work has a larger impact: more small businesses get seen, grow, and enter the market because they’re no longer limited by a lack of social media marketing knowledge. Instead of struggling to reach their audience, they can focus on what they do best—serving their customers—while I help ensure their brand is visible, engaging, and positioned for success.

At the core of it all, my success comes from teaching business owners how to show up confidently, tell their story, and connect with their audience in a way that leads to real business growth.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Slay Social with Jen, is all about helping business owners confidently market themselves online without feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or lost in the ever-changing world of social media. I specialize in social media coaching, digital ads, and brand strategy, helping entrepreneurs not only grow their audience but actually convert that audience into paying customers.

What Sets Me Apart
What makes my business different is the personalized, hands-on approach I take with each client. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all strategies because every business is unique. I take the time to truly understand my clients—not just their products or services, but who they are as business owners and what makes their brand stand out. That depth of understanding allows me to craft strategies that resonate with their audience on a deeper level, because connection is what drives engagement and sales.

I also emphasize sustainability and simplicity in marketing. Many business owners feel like they have to be everywhere, posting constantly, and learning every new trend. I help them cut through the noise and build a strategy that fits into their daily lives, allowing them to market smarter, not harder.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the impact my work has had—not just for my clients but for small businesses as a whole. So many amazing businesses never get the visibility they deserve simply because they don’t understand how to use social media effectively. Through my coaching, I’ve helped business owners get seen, build their brands, and increase their revenue, allowing them to grow and thrive in ways they never thought possible.

But beyond that, I’m incredibly proud of building such an impactful business while raising six children. The grit and grind it has taken to juggle family life, find daycare, and get out into the world to leverage in-person networking opportunities hasn’t been easy. Every step has required sacrifice, late nights, and pushing through exhaustion to make it work.

My Journey & Challenges
Getting here was not easy. I’ve had a lot of late nights learning, testing, and making mistakes. I had to figure out—sometimes the hard way—which clients most closely aligned with my personal style and which weren’t the right fit. There was no shortcut for this process, just experience, trial, and error.

I also struggled with having the money to put toward education, courses, and the software I needed to grow. We’ve built our entire business with our own money—no outside funding, no capital. And while I’m proud of that, it meant things took longer than they might have otherwise. There were moments when I had to be incredibly resourceful, learn for free, and stretch every dollar to make it work.

Balancing all of this while being a mom meant that I had to use every bit of free time to educate myself. I’ve listened to classes while changing diapers, doing dishes, folding laundry—any moment I had, I was learning. I knew that if I wanted to succeed, I had to stay ahead of trends and constantly refine my skills.

There were also seasons of serious burnout. There were times I pushed too hard and wasn’t as productive because I was running on empty. I’ve learned that I have to keep as much balance as possible—because when I don’t, my business, my family, and my well-being all suffer.

Lessons Learned
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that showing up consistently and authentically is the key to success. People don’t just buy products or services; they buy from people they trust. The more you lean into your story, your voice, and your unique way of serving others, the more you attract the right audience.

I’ve also learned that strategy beats hustle every time. Working harder doesn’t always mean getting better results. But working smarter—having a clear, focused strategy and knowing how to use tools like social media ads—can create massive growth with less stress.

What I Want the World to Know
At the heart of Slay Social with Jen is this belief: Your brand deserves to be seen, and social media shouldn’t feel like an impossible task. Whether through organic content or paid ads, I help business owners build confidence in their marketing so they can grow their businesses without feeling lost or burnt out.

I built this business from the ground up, in between nap times and networking events, through late-night learning and early-morning client calls. I know what it’s like to feel stretched thin, to wonder if you’re doing the right thing, and to push through self-doubt. But I also know what’s possible when you stay committed, keep learning, and surround yourself with the right support.

Now, I get to help other business owners step into their power, build their brands, and find success on their own terms. And that’s what drives me every single day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were coming to visit Monument, CO, for a whole week, I’d make sure they got to experience the best of our town, plus a little adventure in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs for a well-rounded Colorado experience.

Day 1: Welcome to Monument – Coffee, Community & Shopping
We’d start the trip off right with a coffee date at Wesley Owens Coffee & Café, soaking in the cozy atmosphere and catching up before heading to lunch at Black Forest Foods for some delicious, locally sourced bites.

After lunch, we’d take a stroll through Corina’s Salon and Boutique to shop for some stylish finds and maybe even get a little pampering. Since I believe in supporting local businesses, I’d introduce my friend to Tara at Style Elevation with Tara for some expert fashion advice and then head over to Valerie at Stay Golden Tans Co. to get a perfect glow for the rest of the trip.

We’d wrap up the day by meeting up with the Uplift Tri-Lakes women’s entrepreneur group, where my friend could meet some of the powerhouse women business owners who are shaping our community. It’s always inspiring to hear their stories and see firsthand the support and collaboration that makes Monument such a special place to be an entrepreneur.

Day 2: Exploring Nature – Hiking & Views in Colorado Springs
A Colorado visit wouldn’t be complete without a good hike, so we’d start the day by heading into Colorado Springs for a morning adventure. Depending on what my friend is up for, we might:

Hike through Garden of the Gods for stunning rock formations and classic Colorado views.
Take a trek up Red Rock Canyon Open Space for some breathtaking scenery and fewer crowds.
Drive up to Pikes Peak if we’re feeling extra adventurous and want to experience that famous 14,000-ft summit.
After working up an appetite, we’d grab a bite in Colorado Springs at one of my favorite local spots before heading back to Monument to relax for the evening.

Day 3: A Day of Relaxation in Manitou Springs
After an active day, we’d take things a little slower by heading over to Manitou Springs for a spa day at SunWater Spa. The hot tubs fed by natural mineral water are the perfect way to soak, unwind, and take in the mountain views.

While in Manitou, we’d explore the town’s charming streets, check out the unique local shops, and maybe even sip on some of the famous mineral spring water from the various public fountains.

In the evening, we’d grab dinner at one of Manitou’s great little restaurants before heading back to Monument.

Day 4: Local Vendor Events & Small Business Spotlights
One of my favorite things about Monument is its strong small business community, so we’d spend this day checking out some local vendor events, where the many women I get to share my business journey with showcase their products and services.

This would be a great way to shop, connect, and support local entrepreneurs while getting a feel for the town’s tight-knit business scene.

After a full day of networking, we’d grab dinner and maybe wind down with some wine or a cocktail to celebrate a great day.

Day 5: Adventure & Thrill in Colorado Springs
For a little excitement, we’d spend the day checking out some fun activities in Colorado Springs. Depending on what my friend is up for, we might:

Go ziplining at Adventures Out West for an adrenaline rush.
Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and feed the giraffes while taking in the amazing mountain views.
Explore the Cave of the Winds for a mix of underground adventure and stunning scenery.
After a fun-filled day, we’d head back to Monument to grab dinner and relax.

Day 6: More Exploring & Final Shopping
As the trip winds down, we’d take time to check out any places we missed, revisit favorite spots, or do some last-minute shopping. We might stop by Monument’s Farmers Market (if it’s in season) or explore local art galleries and boutiques.

A relaxing lunch at Black Forest Foods would be the perfect midday break before an evening of reflecting on the trip over dinner.

Day 7: Brunch & A Slow Goodbye
Before heading out, we’d have a final brunch in Monument, soaking up the last bit of our time together over a great meal and coffee. We’d reminisce about all the fun we had—from hikes and spa days to shopping and networking—and plan for the next time my friend visits.

This trip would be the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, community, and supporting local businesses, giving my friend a true taste of why I love living and working in Monument, CO.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have played a role in my journey, but if I had to give a shoutout, it would be to the small business owners who trust me with their brands and allow me to be part of their growth.

Every entrepreneur I work with inspires me. They show up, put in the work, and take the leap to grow their businesses, even when social media feels overwhelming. Their dedication, creativity, and willingness to embrace new strategies keep me motivated to do what I do.

I also have to give credit to my family—especially my husband, who co-owns our business with me. His support, both in life and business, allows me to pursue my passion while balancing everything that comes with being an entrepreneur and a mom of six.

A huge and heartfelt shoutout goes to the RAW Local entrepreneurship group and even more so the Uplift Tri-Lakes women’s networking group. The women in these groups have not only supported me but have also taught me, mentored me, and recommended me to their clients. Their belief in my work not only helped build my client list but also strengthened my confidence as a business owner. Their encouragement has been invaluable, and I’m beyond grateful for the community they’ve created.

And finally, a big thank you to the mentors, peers, and fellow marketers who have shared their knowledge and experiences. Whether through collaborations, books, or industry insights, I’ve learned so much from others in this space, and I’m grateful for the entrepreneurial community that believes in the power of connection and visibility.

At the end of the day, my success is built on relationships—with my clients, my family, and the incredible business community that has lifted me up—and I couldn’t do it without them.

Website: https://slaysocialwithjen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slaysocialwithjen?igsh=MTJicWJ4MTg2d2NrMA==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slay-social-with-jen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1UULAxijk4/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/1ROSAUhgFdE?si=Jwrra4sDOhpU14a1

Image Credits
Jamie Smith Photography
CasaBay Photography