We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jaclyn O’Reilly. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Jaclyn, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
The simplest answer to this question for me is “the creative process.” I lose track of time while I’m building websites. It sucks me in. I can see in my mind’s eye the user experience I’m hoping to create, and the detailed, time-consuming, challenging task of bringing my vision (or my team’s vision) to life completely dominates my attention. It’s hard work, but at the same time, I enjoy the process. Suddenly, several hours have gone by as I chase the satisfaction of achieving my goal. Similarly, I often lose track of time while I’m gardening. Again, there’s an end goal, but the joy lies in the work of shaping the earth and growing things into something beautiful. In these creative tasks, I often experience a sense of belonging, as if I’m where I’m meant to be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jaclyn O’Reilly, a marketing professional who is passionate about helping businesses tell their stories and grow. I’m the co-founder of Mix Creative Group, a full-service marketing collective headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI.
My career has been a dynamic (read: chaotic) journey spanning the last 15 years, working everywhere from in-house corporate teams to agencies across the US, UK, and Ireland. I’ve worn many hats—from a copywriter and freelance marketing strategist to Head of Marketing at a finance firm in Dublin. All that varied experience, whether it was managing digital strategy for a Fortune 500 company or helping a startup define its brand, was the perfect foundation for starting Mix Creative. Now, at Mix, I focus on creative execution and strategic oversight to ensure we deliver exceptional results for every client.
I think what makes Mix Creative interesting is our story and how we work. My business partner, Stephanie Boer, and I launched the company to fill a gap we saw in the agency world: true expertise paired with personalized partnerships. Our team brings the deep knowledge, high efficiency, and strategic firepower of a large agency but with the agility and personal attention of a small firm. We’re very lucky to have access to a talented group of creatives and marketing experts—from graphic designers and photographers to digital strategists—who help us create original, impactful work that drives growth for our clients and their businesses. We love surprising clients with a creative approach that also drives success for their organization.
As much as I love diving into a new branding challenge or website design, I’m also someone who firmly believes in maintaining a good work-life balance. If I’m not working, I’m probably enjoying a morning coffee with my husband, traveling, reading, gardening, or spending time with family and friends. My story (and the story of Mix Creative) is about combining diverse experiences and a genuine passion for people to deliver something that is both beautiful and impactful.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
It’s more of an experience than a moment, but what springs to mind is my first trip to Europe. Born in Detroit and raised from the age of 5 in Grand Rapids, MI, my upbringing was extremely suburban —a typical Midwestern ’90s experience that consisted of unsupervised bike rides and neighborhood fun, summer swim lessons, and church on Sundays. I loved to read, though, and always showed an interest in art and history. So, when my dad offered to let me tag along on a business trip to Europe when I was 9, I was excited. I skipped my last week of 4th grade to visit Paris, Madrid, Turin, and Milan. I carried a sketchbook wherever we went and religiously journaled at the end of every day.
In Paris, I toured the Louvre, climbed the Eiffel Tower, and sat on my dad’s shoulders for a service at Notre Dame (so I could see over the crowds). In Madrid, I got a private tour of the Museo Nacional del Prado while my dad was in meetings. In Italy, we walked through palaces, cathedrals, and markets. I was fascinated by the history and art, but also by the cafes and fashion of late 1990s Europe. All of it was so far removed from my suburban upbringing, which seemed very, very far away. For the first time, I gained a sense of how vast the world really is—and how diverse and wonderful humans and our different cultures can be. It was eye-opening in a way that nine-year-old me probably couldn’t even comprehend. It was a formative trip, one I often think back on. Not only did it awaken in me a love of travel that would have an incredible impact on the rest of my life, but it also inspired me artistically. It really did shape how I see the world.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
It was 2018. I was living in Dublin, Ireland, and had just finished my second Master’s degree. Since 2014, I had lived in Europe and supported myself solely through copywriting and freelance marketing work. Breaking into a new market, making professional connections, and finding work weren’t always easy. I barely had enough work to cover rent. In desperation, I got a job at a local restaurant to help cover expenses—and I felt like a failure. I had multiple degrees and had been working in marketing for almost 10 years. But instead of putting all of this experience to good use, I was working in a bar. It was definitely a low moment!
I thought about doing something completely different—maybe teaching or getting an office job. Instead, I kept at it. In between grueling shifts in the service industry, I continued to offer copywriting, web design, and marketing services to my freelance clients. I put myself out there, sent my resumé out, and let friends and acquaintances know I was looking for job opportunities. Eventually, I landed a marketing director position, which offered me financial stability and a chance to use my creative skills. That job also allowed me to save up for a move back to the States with my fiancé, and gave me the reinvigorated confidence I needed to launch Mix Creative Group with my co-founder in 2020. In 2018, I almost gave up. Now, I’m really glad I didn’t.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Radical acceptance. Provided we aren’t hurting others in the process, I value the freedom for every person to live their life however makes them happy. I believe our beautiful, collective differences are exactly what make the world so interesting and vibrant—let’s embrace that and encourage the people around us to express themselves openly, without fear.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Doomscrolling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mixcreativegroup.com
- Instagram: @mixcreativegroup
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mix-creative-group
Image Credits
Headshots and team photos taken by the talented Jill DeVries Photography.
