We had the good fortune of connecting with Bree Flemings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bree, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process was and has always been to make an impact, make a difference. If not, I won’t be motivated to pursue it. When I thought about Jem originally, I was at a gas station in Doral, FL working a job I completely hated and was more so upset that I wasn’t making enough money doing what I loved which was DJ’ing. The reason I couldn’t solely rely on DJ’ing is because I couldn’t find a way to continue finding consistent gigs. That is the issue with most people in the Creator Economy. That was a few years ago, I then, thought about this again last year when I was heading to New York and was like “I wish I could find an app to network with Creators in the city” and then it hit me to create this platform where you can do both. Networking is a big part of your success in your career or business endeavors and so if finding gigs/jobs. I figured I build a platform for Creators to do so focusing on Musicians, Artists, Photographers, Videographers and Influencers for now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is my drive. I do not quit on anything I am passionate about. I am also aware of my capacity. I believe you can do your best work when you understand your own capacity. I learned what I can and cannot maintain and what I know I can and cannot commit too. I will go above and beyond for anything I am committed too. Today, I am the founder of a startup, Jem, a marketplace for Creators to find gig and networking opportunities. We launched our MVP in November and have had numerous challenges. We are a bootstrapped startup meaning we have not received outside funding however, this has been a blessing in disguise because we own 100% of our product and get to speak to our users on what they want to succeed in their creative careers. We believe you should be able to not just do what you love but, get paid for it. Because of this, we niched down to who we know we can serve for now and as time goes on we will expand into new markets. I have learned that receiving funding is not the most important part of my venture, developing a relationship with my users is the most important part. If you ever want to succeed in business, ask your customers (especially paying ones) what will keep them and help them the most. They pay for a service for a reason!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my best friends come in town I like to take them to places based upon their interests not mine. They are on vacation, not me. I will shout out some spots that have been worth taking my best friends to.

El Otro Tiesto (Hookah, Drinks, Food)
Viscaya (Museum)
Beach House (Drinks, Food)
The Alchemist or Paradis B&B (for coffee)
Bayside Marketplace
YG Farmers Market
Velvet Lounge

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout my parents. My Dad passed away June 28th, 2023 and until then he continuously supported my app and my creative endeavors no matter what. My mother as well has been an incredible supporter of mine, she is creative herself and wish something like this exists when she was in her 20’s, 30’s even 40’s. The support from my parents makes my heart warm and I do not take that for granted. I’d also like to shoutout our early users who are patient with our product. We are a bootstrapped startup and care for all their feedback and cannot wait to continue building the best product for them to receive gig opportunities and network locally and globally.

Website: https://jem.social

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jemsocialapp

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.