Episode Summary
In this inspiring conversation, host Russel Dubree sits down with Sarah Jolly, co-founder of Jolly Creative Agency, a remote design and marketing firm that has grown steadily over the past decade by focusing on quality, relationships, and creative excellence.
From selling flowers as a 10-year-old to leading a team that designs and manages beautiful WordPress websites, Sarah opens up about her entrepreneurial evolution, her journey from folk musician to agency leader, and how she’s crafted a company culture that prioritizes kindness, autonomy, and lasting client relationships.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why slow hiring, deep training, and open culture are Jolly’s competitive edge
- How to evolve your agency by refining one core service at a time
- The magic of process-building—and why every project is a snowflake
Agency Info
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Company: Jolly Creative Agency
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Guest: Sarah Jolly
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Year Started: 2012
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Employees: 1-10
You’re not just hiring for skill, you’re hiring for who someone is when no one’s watching.
Sarah Jolly
Key Takeaways
Lead with Purpose and Personality
Sarah didn’t just want to build an agency—she wanted to create a business that aligned with who she is. Jolly Creative Agency grew with intention, hiring slowly and embracing a “work with your friends” ethos to create a team that supports each other and their clients.
Process Is Power (But Keep It Flexible)
Jolly’s growth came from documenting everything. Post-launch debriefs, team feedback, and flexible systems allowed them to evolve processes without becoming rigid. Their philosophy? Be better than your last project.
Training Is the New Onboarding
Rather than throwing new hires into the deep end, Sarah personally trains every team member over two intensive weeks—ensuring each person feels seen, supported, and fully prepared. Empowerment starts on day one.
Say No to “Yes to Everything”
Jolly Creative Agency deliberately niched into WordPress website design before adding services. That discipline gave them time to become excellent at one thing before expanding to more.
Empower the Team, Serve the Client
Team members are encouraged to go above and beyond without asking for permission—whether that’s doing extra work for a beloved client or adding small touches that surprise and delight. It’s process meets humanity.
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