Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Jackson.
Hi Karen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I came to Nashville in 1994 to attend Fisk University, and that was really the start of everything for me. Fisk was where I had the time of my young adult life. After graduating, I took a job at Cokesbury publishing, but soon after, I landed in the music industry—completely by accident. I didn’t know a thing about it. Honestly, I got hired because the other candidate wore too much perfume. That one twist launched me into 15 years of working with incredible artists, first at EMI and later at Motown Gospel. Somewhere in there, I also went back to school and earned my MBA from Auburn University in 2015.
Eventually, though, I found myself drawn back to books. I’ve always said books are my love language, if there is such a thing. That’s a funny thing to admit because I didn’t learn to read until the ninth grade. But somewhere along the way, I became someone who now reads three to five books a week. At HarperCollins, where I served as Senior Director of Marketing, I had the privilege of working on books with Gary Sinise, Phil Robertson, Jen Hatmaker, Bob Goff, and Donald Miller. I loved it there and thought I’d stay forever.
But then the University of California came calling. They recruited me to be their Director over marketing, publicity, and sales. It felt like a dream job at first—wonderful people, important books, and a chance to lead at a high level. But what I discovered was that I’m a trade marketer at heart. I missed being close to authors, building strategies, and creating the kind of campaigns that actually move books into readers’ hands. When I got my first New York Times bestseller, I felt like I’d just won the Super Bowl. That’s the competitive side of me—I love to win. But more than that, I love when the work doesn’t feel like work because it’s so much fun.
In December 2024, I left UC Press without really knowing what would come next. And by January, I had launched The Vonnie & Ollie Agency. I named it after my parents—my mom, Yvonne, who was a lifelong book lover, and my dad, Ollie, who was really the first content creator in our family. He took the photos, shot the videos, and built just about everything we needed. He even built my mom a headboard that doubled as a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. Starting the agency in their honor felt like the right way to carry forward what they poured into me.
Now, starting your own company is equal parts terrifying and freeing. I had no roadmap, but I learned quickly that the most important thing you can do is show up. Be present at events, signings, gatherings—support other people. I also learned that the way you build something in the beginning is the way it will run, so you have to be intentional. I had to get comfortable admitting I didn’t know everything, which meant asking questions and keeping a notebook handy because you never know when you’ll learn something that matters. And maybe most importantly, I’ve learned that serving others—helping when you don’t have to—is how people learn to know you and trust you. That’s how relationships are built.
For me, the work is still about connecting books to readers—the ones who will not only enjoy the story but also share it, learn from it, and carry it forward. Every book feels like a startup; no two are the same. And that’s what keeps me passionate about what I do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think the road to anything worthwhile is ever smooth, and starting my own agency was definitely no exception. In fact, I made more mistakes in the beginning than I’d like to admit—mostly because I thought I already knew what I was doing. I had managed departments and led teams, so I figured, how different could this be? Turns out, very different. Not asking questions—or not asking the right questions—can stall you before you even get started.
My first big struggle was simply getting started. I wasn’t landing clients, and I had to narrow the focus of my agency. Meanwhile, the bills didn’t stop coming, and the fear of not making it was very real. I even avoided conversations about what I did, because if you can’t explain your business clearly in one to three sentences, you need to head back to the lab and keep cooking. That’s exactly what I did. I went back to the drawing board, worked with mentors, connected with other freelancers, and got vulnerable about what I wanted this agency to become.
But the hardest part wasn’t just the external challenges—it was the internal ones. The self-doubt was heavy. It led to anxiety and depression at times, and I had to face the fact that I was being unkind to myself. That’s where my faith had to kick in. I don’t really consider myself a religious person, but I believe in God. I created affirmations and prayers that I recited daily, because I didn’t know where clients would come from, but I had to trust they would. That daily practice grounded me and reminded me to keep going, even when I couldn’t see the results yet.
I also learned to be kinder to myself. I talk to myself—and let’s be honest, most of us do—but I realized the way I spoke to myself needed to be encouraging, not critical. My mother used to joke that talking to yourself is fine, answering yourself is fine, but the minute you ask, “Who said that?” you’ve got a problem. Now that I’m older, I get the humor in that.
Through it all, I’ve learned that building a business requires more than strategy and hustle—it requires faith, honesty with yourself, and grace. You have to keep showing up, keep trusting the process, and believe that the right people and opportunities will meet you along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
1. Please tell us more about your business or organization.
At Vonnie & Ollie, we believe every author has a story worth amplifying—and we make sure it’s heard. We work side by side with authors to expand their reach, grow their brand beyond the book, and connect with the readers who matter most. Whether you’re self-published, with a Big 5 publisher, or working with an independent or hybrid press, our mission is the same: to position your work in a way that captures attention and creates lasting impact. We design customized marketing strategies that not only showcase an author’s unique voice but also equip them with the tools to navigate publishing with confidence. At Vonnie & Ollie, we’re passionate about turning stories into movements and books into long-term success—because when authors thrive, their stories live well beyond the page.
2. What should we know?
I’m a lifelong book lover. I’m here for the stories, and nothing energizes me more than working alongside authors to bring them to life. I also believe a story can sell at any time—it’s all about finding the right way to connect it with readers.
3. What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
I specialize in book marketing—everything from memoirs to thrillers. I’m known for digging into what makes each book unique and building strategies that highlight those differences. My work isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about discovering the spark that makes each story stand out.
4. What sets you apart from others?
I don’t just focus on the book—I focus on the author as a whole. I align with their larger goals, whether that’s building their business, growing their agency, or expanding their speaking career. To me, the book is one piece of a bigger story, and I want all the pieces to work together.
5. What are you most proud of brand-wise?
I’m proud that Vonnie & Ollie is inspired by my parents. My mom, Yvonne (Vonnie), loved books deeply, and my dad, Ollie, was what I call the first content creator in our family. Naming the agency after them keeps me grounded in why I do this work. I’m also proud that I made the choice to work in a space I love—one that continues to energize me every day.
6. What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
I want people to know that everyone has a story. You don’t have to write a book for your story to matter, but when you do, it becomes a powerful tool for impact. At Vonnie & Ollie, our services are designed to help authors not only share their stories but also build sustainable platforms that support their long-term success.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that faith, patience, and self-kindness matter just as much as strategy. When I launched my agency, I thought my experience running departments had prepared me for everything—but entrepreneurship is a completely different road. I had to learn to ask better questions, lean on mentors, and give myself grace when things didn’t go perfectly.
What kept me moving forward was faith. I don’t consider myself religious, but I believe in God. I created affirmations and prayers that I repeated daily, because even when I couldn’t see where clients would come from, I had to trust they would. That practice helped me show up every day with consistency and persistence, even when doubt felt louder than confidence.
If I had to sum it up, I’d say the lesson is simple: you can’t build anything worthwhile without showing up, staying grounded, and believing in the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it grows out of faith, grace, and the willingness to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://VonnieOllieAgency.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevonnieollieagency/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572401897793
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-jackson/
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/vonnieollieagency.bsky.social
