Jessica Klimesh Proofreading and Editing. Sylvania Ohio. Commercial Branding Photography.

Meet Jessica Klimesh. You might remember her from a previous post with her dog, Rosie. Jessica has recently launched her own business Jessica Klimesh Proofreading and Editing. She needed some personalized images to use on her new website and in her marketing materials. Jessica gives off a carefree, fun-loving vibe. As you get to know her though, you will realize how serious she is about her work and how much she cares about quality and professionalism. Take a moment to get to know Jessica through this interview and be sure to check out her website and social media!

Special thanks to Chandler Cafe and Downtown Sylvania for hosting our commercial photo shoot!

What is your business/profession? How long have you been doing it?
Jessica Klimesh Proofreading and Editing offers writing services: editing, proofreading, and consulting. A lot of my work is of an academic nature (e.g., theses, dissertations, other academic writing), but my services are not limited to academia. I’ve also edited and/or proofread fiction, essays, personal statements, cover letters, CVs/resumes, and several full-length memoirs.
I launched my website in January (2019), so I consider that to be the “official” start of my business in a full-time capacity, but I’ve been doing freelance editing, proofreading, and writing (i.e., copywriting) since 2011. Prior to January, the writing and editing work was part-time in nature, as I was working a full-time job at the same time.
Why do you love what you do?
Effective writing is—and has always been—my passion. Effective writing is good writing. It’s writing that expresses thoughts and ideas clearly and accurately. But writing, especially effective writing, is hard for most people. I’ve taught a number of academic writing classes, and students have generally approached the classes with trepidation and fear. But even when people are writing because they want to, when they’re highly motivated, there’s still usually a lot of anxiety and frustration, especially if they aren’t practiced writers. I absolutely love walking people through the writing process. A huge part of the writing process is editing/revision, and that’s my absolute favorite part. I can take the writer’s thoughts and ideas and help them shape those thoughts and ideas in more effective ways. It’s very difficult to edit your own work. It’s also difficult to proofread your own work, to catch the spelling errors or misplaced (or missing) commas (and more!). I’m here so that people do not have to write alone.
What is one professional struggle you have had and how did you overcome it? Did it make you stronger?
For me, the hardest part is self-promotion—putting myself out there. There’s a sense of vulnerability connected with business ownership, especially when you’re the sole owner. The onus of accountability falls on you alone, which can be scary. To overcome this fear, I’ve had to think logically and tell myself that if I don’t put myself out there, I won’t gain new clients; and then my business will fail. I’ve learned that I cannot let fear dictate my path, not if I want to succeed. The best thing, though, is that it gets easier. Now when someone asks me what I do, I answer confidently. I feel much less vulnerable than I did five months ago. Combatting this fear has definitely made me stronger.

Who is someone you look up to professionally and why?
I look up to all the entrepreneurs and small business owners out there but especially the women. In particular, I look up to Rebecca Trumbull (and I’m not just saying that because she’s conducting this interview!). I have watched her business grow over the last few years and have learned from her. I know other women, too, who have let their skills and interests lead them into business. Being in business is about always learning and improving. It’s a seven-day-a-week job. It’s not just doing the work (and doing it well), but it’s also about promoting your work, maintaining your website and social media, conducting community engagement, and networking. Most importantly, one has to learn to do all of these things successfully. It seems clear to me that Rebecca does all of these things (and more) with the utmost skill, and that, to me, is impressive.
What is one tip you would give other self-employed professionals who are just starting out?
Business can be rocky, especially at the beginning, so it’s important to keep developing ideas—to be innovative, to try new things. Don’t become stagnant. Keep learning—attend conferences, workshops, webinars. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else. Observe and learn what your clients want, and adjust your services accordingly. I’ve learned in life that things often don’t go as planned. This is true in business as well. Don’t fight it; go with it! Being stuck in one certain mindset can be damaging to your business’s success.
Why did you seek to work with a professional photographer? (As opposed to creating your own images or using stock photos?)
The short one-word answer: Professionalism.
The longer answer: I’m an experienced professional; thus, I want to present a professional image to my clients. I want my clients to know I’m invested in them and that I’m invested in quality. I want them to know that I take my work seriously. I provide quality services, so having quality photographs on my site helps me project that image. I have received many compliments on my website—many have said how “professional” it looks. I believe that is due in large part to Rebecca’s quality photography.