Jeanne Micallef

From the very beginning my journey as a solopreneur has been very personal. Naming my company IMJ Communications after my three nieces: Isabella, Marina, and Juliana constantly inspires me to show up every day. In turn I hope my career journey inspires them (and other women) that nothing is out of reach -- that they can do whatever they set their mind to.

That philosophy and inspiration has led to my most notable professional achievement in my career -- venturing out on my own, taking the risk, and sustaining a career for 22 years. I am grateful for it every day, and for those who have been with me along the way -- my clients.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with many of my clients long-term, while others return for repeat projects and refer me to others —something I never take for granted. I believe the foundation of strong client relationships is mutual respect, genuine connection, and communication.

This level of personalized attention not only helps me deliver results, but also fosters lasting partnerships where clients know they have a trusted professional in their corner. I stay in touch with clients beyond the scope of a project—checking in, sharing industry insights, and celebrating their successes. It’s never just about the work; it’s about the relationship, which is the foundation of public relations.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s possible to build a career doing something you truly love while creating opportunities to grow and shape your own business. I’ve embraced this philosophy throughout my professional journey, recognizing that passion, dedication, and the willingness to take calculated risks can lead to meaningful work, personal fulfillment, and the ability to craft a career on your own terms.

Know your worth—because not everyone will. There will always be someone who will try to minimize you or make you question yourself. Don’t let them. That says more about them than it does about you. And honestly, when that happens, it usually means you’re doing something right. I’ve learned that when that happens, it’s a sign to stand even firmer in who I am.

Success comes from dedication, belief in yourself, persistence, and the ability to navigate obstacles while maintaining your passion and integrity so always show up, and never stop learning or listening. There’s always something to gain if you’re paying attention.

I think one of the biggest challenges is that a lot of people don’t fully understand what PR, publicity, and media relations really are. There’s often a misconception that it’s just about getting press, when in reality it’s about strategy, storytelling, and building meaningful visibility over time. That can make conversations with potential clients a little more nuanced, especially as a solopreneur.

At the same time, that’s also the opportunity—there’s space to educate, to shift that perception, and to show the real value of this work. It allows me to be more intentional about who I work with and to build relationships with clients who truly understand and respect the process.

Of course, there are moments where people may not see the value right away, but I’ve learned to stand firm in what I bring to the table. If it’s not the right fit, that’s okay—it just means we’re not aligned.

The values that are most important to me are integrity, kindness, and respect. They guide how I show up for my clients, how I communicate, and how I navigate both business and life. I believe you can be successful and still lead with empathy, treat people well, and do the right thing—even when it’s not the easiest path.