How She Went From Posting TikToks To Building A Business Empire

Jenna Palek went from posting TikToks and working at TikTok… to building an audience, quitting corporate, hosting massive IRL events, and now launching a business designed to live way beyond her influencer career.
in this episode, we get into how she built the personal brand in the first place, why creators eventually need something they own, and how she turned Fun on Weekdays into events, community, Bar to Brunch, and now Anyday.
we also talk about the less glamorous parts of building... spending $40K–$60K on events, walking away from a $200K product idea, figuring out what your audience will pay for, and learning when to pivot instead of forcing an idea that isn’t working.
if you’re building an audience right now, this is the episode on what comes NEXT.
📘 Career Cheat Codes - IT’S OUT!!!
My new book Career Cheat Codes is now available to order. It’s a practical guide to building career leverage, growing your visibility, and turning your expertise into real opportunities.
Order yours → penguinrandomhouse.com/books/807588/career-cheat-codes-by-courtney-johnson/
02:25 The TikTok resume that changed Jenna’s career 
07:14 Applying before you feel qualified 
11:55 Getting over the cringe of posting 
14:14 Her first paid brand deals 
17:03 Going from influencer to business owner 
19:03 Why creators eventually want something they own 
21:43 Why she ended her podcast 
25:06 Building IRL community through events 
29:04 Sharing the real finances behind her events 
32:39 Building Anyday 
38:53 Walking away from a $200K product idea 
39:26 Why some events cost $40K–$60K 
43:31 How to start building your own community 
46:34 Trademarks, cease & desists + protecting your brand
About Jenna Palek
Jenna Palek is a creator, entrepreneur, and community builder known for Fun on Weekdays and her IRL events including Bar to Brunch. After starting her career at TikTok, she built a personal brand centered around making life more fun, creating connection, and bringing women together. She is now building Anyday, a fitness and lifestyle platform combining workouts, wellness content, and access to community experiences and events.
Connect with Jenna
👍 Instagram: @jennapalek

🎶 TikTok: @jennapalek
💼 LinkedIn: Jenna Palek 

🎧 Fun On Weekdays 

👍 Instagram: @funonweekdays
Stay connected with me
📧 Contact: courtney@smoothmedia.co
👍 Instagram: @builtinpublicpod
👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson
💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson
🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson