Jess Curtis is building websites – and community – with J-Bird Digital Designs
Growing up in Madisonville, Curtis always felt like Knoxville was the “big city,” and now, she’s living her dream in it.
Jess Curtis is a bundle of energy. Every week, she walks into the Base Coworking Space on Broadway, moseys down to Partial Coffee on the first floor, and chats with just about everyone.
That same friendly spirit has helped her build a thriving web development business, J-Bird Digital Designs.
“J-Bird Digital Designs works with entrepreneurs, makers, and small businesses to make sure they feel supported through digital marketing, consultation, and web development,” Curtis said.
She grew up in Madisonville, a small town in Monroe County, where her high school graduating class had about 50 people.
For Curtis, Knoxville always felt like the “big city,” and now, she’s living her dream in it.
Curtis began her career at a large marketing agency but quickly realized that her heart wasn’t in working with big corporations.
“They would turn down the people I wanted to work with the most,” she said. “So, I started J-Bird to help the founders and entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of their businesses.”
That was about three years ago. Since then, she has built more than 100 websites for small business clients across the region. It’s an accomplishment she finds deeply fulfilling.
“I get joy from working with these entrepreneurs from start to finish—from seed stage into a fully grown business,” she said. “Being even just a small part of that transformation brings me so much joy.”
Some of her clients include New2Knox, Knox Base, and Muse Knoxville, as well as hundreds of other small businesses throughout East Tennessee.
“I feel like Knoxville is growing a lot, and I really love seeing the city’s integrity stay the same even as the community changes,” she said.
Beyond website development, Curtis has carved out a niche helping clients with SEO landing pages, eCommerce builds, analytics setup, and branding.
She’s also a strong advocate for community over competition. Curtis is deeply involved in Women in Entrepreneurship (WiE), the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, and The Maker City. During our interview, she couldn’t help but name-drop other local businesses she believes deserve a spotlight on teknovation.biz.
It all circles back to who she is… someone who values relationships, shares opportunities, and believes that a rising tide lifts all boats.
“Of course, J-Bird is a business,” she said. “But there’s a certain joy that comes from knowing you’ve helped someone. That’s the part that keeps me going.”
Learn more about J Bird Digital Designs.
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