Meet Justine “Jay” Arrisola | Social Media Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justine “Jay” Arrisola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wish I had an “ah-ha” moment that I could pinpoint but mainly my process was seeing my friends, family, and other small business owners try to grow on social media or through traditional marketing means but didn’t fully understand where to start. I’m a firm believer in the power of social media and showcasing a cohesive brand identity so assisting people who have little knowledge in that area is the least that I could do to make sure their small business thrives.

In 2014, I started by teaching myself graphic design and basic social media use in high school to help my family’s Haunted House. In 2018, I started making flyers and t-shirt designs to help my sorority in college, then I extended my services to my friends in other campus organizations – for payment I usually just asked for a Chick-fil-a meal or a venti Starbucks. Once my friends got it through my skull I should be charging for the hours I poured into my work I slowly moved to take on freelance projects. Now, I have two freelance clients as a Social Media Specialist and owner of Broken Skull Marketing; I work full-time as a Social Media Manager at 3Headed Monster Advertising Agency in Dallas, Tx.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others.

My fire sets me apart. In the Spring of 2017, I had personal setbacks that lead me to find myself sitting on the side of the road. Contemplating if my story has already been written or if I still had an opportunity to change my outcome. A very intense thought to self-realize at the ripe age of 19. I distinctly remember standing up and walking until my feet were sore – I felt a burning flame starting inside me so I set my sights on leaving my hometown of Corpus Christi to attend UT Arlington.

what you are most proud of or excited about?

I am proud of myself for always pushing forward and nurturing that fire. In college, I worked 2-3 jobs at a time, was an active member of 3 organizations, started my own business Broken Skull Designs -now, Broken Skull Marketing- part-time, went to school full-time and was an active member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. I wrapped up my undergrad during COVID and in that time I forced myself to push even harder to reach my goal of working in an Ad agency. I’m proud of the 2017 version of me who got up and lit that fire in my heart to get me where I am today.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

The road to where I am as a professional in my Ad Agency as well as my company was an extensive process. It was filled with countless tears, all-nighters, rejections, and too many restless phone calls to my best friends and partner. I believe I am far from where I truly want to be. I’m constantly learning and unlearning communication tactics and discovering new ways to improve myself as a growing professional.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

For years I learned that to be taken seriously as a professional you had to fit in THE box. The box of outdated rules such as no colored hair, no piercings, no tattoos, and business casual dress ONLY. I forced myself to fit into this box- I thought it was the only way to get to where I needed to be. As an outspoken, loud, and weird individual, this was always the part I dreaded. Now, my whole personality is embraced at my Agency. My clients love that I can be myself yet be professional in the same breath and I can do it all with my purple hair peeking out.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I am a firm believer that humans subconsciously judge the quality of businesses on if they have an aesthetically pleasing and fun presence before trying out their product. Even if their product is amazing this initial judgment can taint or enhance the average consumer’s experience. Assisting these small businesses in their social presence or brand identity can easily set them up for success. When a small business succeeds, it can change the course of the finances of a family just trying to make it. When logos, colors, and tone of voice come through cohesively consumers feel more at ease with spending their hard-earned money at a business. I saw this firsthand with my family’s haunted house and with my business, I aim to assist others in growing to their full potential while having fun with their brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Arlington is a great place to visit not only are there amazing restaurants and places to go but it’s also 30 minutes from either Fort Worth or Dallas so it’s the perfect middle meeting area!

Here is the little itinerary I’d take my bestie:

Monday:
Lunch at Mellow Mushroom for their stone-baked pizza
Then we will walk it off by taking a tour of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium
We would probably take a rest and dinner at BFF Asian Grill & Sports Bar

Tuesday:
Brunch at la Madeleine for their all-day breakfast
Then we would walk around the Parks Mall and do some much-needed shopping at the iconic Wild West Weebs Anime HQ the perfect place in Arlington to get all our Anime merch!
After that dinner would be at the legendary Cheesecake Factory

Wednesday:
After two days of fun, Wednesday is the perfect day to start the day at River Legacy Park. With an ice chest filled with snacks, water, and picnic materials it’s the perfect way to spend the day walking and enjoying their pavilions!

Thursday:
On Thursday we’d spend the day relaxing and recharging but at night we would head on down to Texas Live! for Dinner while watching the latest and greatest sports on their countless TVs then we would walk around to one of their many themed bars to drink and have fun! After Texas Live! we would catch an uber to Panchos Tacos off of Pioneer of some authentic Mexican tacos.

Friday:
IHop is the cure to any late-night outing and a great way to end the week and start the weekend. Then its off to the Highlands to walk around and sightsee the interesting shops and food, once lunch rolls around Pluckers is the destination to chow down on huge wings and wonderful service.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel like countless people have shaped me into the person I am today. My parents Abie & Cristina: for making me headstrong and unafraid to try, My brother-in-law Aaron: for letting me sit and watch him create graphics and for helping start me on my journey; My grandma Arrisola: for teaching me not to take any bs from anyone; My siblings at Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.: for teaching me how to lean on others for guidance; My coworker Tyler Weatherly: for helping me navigate being in an agency as well as helping me find my voice. My loving and patient fiance Trill Caudillo: for always telling me to look up when I’m staring at the ground. I honestly could go on and on. I am very grateful for all of my friends who have pushed me and constantly urge me to believe in myself.

My words of advice for others: My professor once told me “find out what you like to do – then figure out a way to get paid for it” I’ve taken that advice to heart in every client, project, job or opportunity that comes my way. I think that’s truly the key for success in any field. If your going to spend 40 hours on a job you might as well love what you are doing!

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

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/justine-jay-arrisola156

Other: I am always open to new clients who can reach me at arrisola156@gmail.com