Today we’d like to introduce you to Jac & Jess Kalaher & Swearingen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
St. John’s BFF (Business. Faith. Friendship) It started with a lunch for women who wanted more, and turned into a movement that’s serving both locally and globally. Whether you have a business or buy from businesses, we want you in the room, whether you have faith or need it, we want you in the room. We love our Jesus but Matthew 7 is clear, not our job to judge others so it’s simple, we don’t. Friendship, we want the depth, not the breadth. 1000’s of followers on social is great but what we really need is a close knit group of friends who can be in our corner when we’re in need.
St. Johns BFF has grown to over 8.2k+ social media followers, 5.6k+ members, 100+ local partners, and 65k+ social media reach. The community has become a thriving 5,600-member women’s networking group that serves as more than just networking—it’s become a supportive ecosystem for business growth, faith-based connections, and genuine friendships.
The organization has evolved from a simple lunch gathering into a comprehensive community that offers networking events, a preferred vendor program, and a drama-free space where women can connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses together—always prioritizing depth of relationship over surface-level connections.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Ha! The first year we ran this business it was all over text. We had no systems. No clue what we were doing as far as the background of creating a massive movement.
Building St. Johns BFF has been a fun, fast and furious educational experience. What started as a simple lunch gathering quickly grew beyond what we could have imagined, and we found ourselves scrambling to keep up with the rapid expansion. Those early days were characterized by learning on the fly—managing everything through text messages, figuring out logistics in real-time, and essentially building the plane while flying it.
The challenge wasn’t just about scaling a business; it was about nurturing a genuine community while maintaining the authentic, supportive culture we’d set out to create. We had to learn how to:
• Develop systems and processes for a growing membership base
• Balance the “business” aspect with the “faith and friendship” pillars
• Navigate the complexities of running both local and global initiatives
• Create structure without losing the organic, welcoming feel that made our community special
• Handle the unexpected challenges
that come with managing thousands of members across different platforms
The beauty of our story lies not in having a perfect roadmap, but in our willingness to adapt, learn, and grow alongside our community. Every obstacle became a learning opportunity, and every challenge helped shape the strong foundation that St. Johns BFF stands on today.
Our transparency about the messy, imperfect beginning makes our current success even more inspiring—proving that you don’t need to have it all figured out from day one to create something meaningful and impactful.
We’ve been impressed with your work, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Jac: Speaking: Business strategist and community builder helping entrepreneurs align their business models with their authentic purpose. With expertise in developing innovative membership programs like St. Johns BFF, I transform how businesses engage with customers and generate revenue.
• Coaching: Tap into 25 years of marketing mastery and 11 years of network marketing excellence from someone who has consistently reached the top 1% and achieved top ranks in two different companies. Our personalized coaching services include 1-on-1 Coaching, VIP Intensive Days for rapid transformation, and targeted Strategy Sessions.
• Social Media Marketing: Leverage over 11 years of expertise in the social realm with our START UP Package for emerging businesses and our ELITE Package for established businesses ready to dominate their market.
What Sets Us Apart:
• Mission-driven approach: The Mission Social exists to help ambitious entrepreneurs transform their unique vision into measurable success. Through strategic marketing and expert consulting, we empower business leaders to expand their market presence, amplify their brand voice, and create lasting impact in their industries.
• Authenticity over algorithms: While others chase vanity metrics, we focus on building genuine connections and meaningful engagement
Jess: I’m a seasoned realtor with 11 years of experience who embarked on my real estate journey through property management before thriving under one of the largest investment companies for six years. Currently associated with Ponte Vedra Club Realty, I’ve transitioned my focus exclusively to sales. With a diverse clientele ranging from $200k to $2.5 million, I take pride in my commitment to communication, responsiveness, and transparency.
My Expertise & What Sets Me Apart:
• Expert Home Finding: I’m passionate about finding my clients the perfect home that truly fits their family’s needs and lifestyle
• Wellness-Focused Approach: As a wellness addict, I understand that your home environment directly impacts your family’s wellbeing, and I make sure your family is well taken care of throughout the entire process
• Jacksonville Neighbor & Area Expert: As a Jacksonville, FL native, I have intimate knowledge of the area and live right here in the community I serve. As your Jacksonville neighbor, I know the schools, the neighborhoods, the hidden gems, and exactly what makes each area special for families
• Top Performance Track Record: I was consistently rated as one of the top performers in my company, showing exemplary performances in customer contacts, completed leasing agreements, customer background validation, and customer service.
• Relationship-Centered: Whether they were renters I helped years ago or buyers I’ve worked with, I stay connected through Instagram. I like and comment on their posts, so they see my name and know I’m still engaged in their lives.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Collab with: reach out via email [email protected] to partner on an event with us!
We’re always looking to showcase new locations (restaurants, boutiques, crafts, etc!) and drive traffic to help businesses thrive!
How to support us: become a preferred vendor and get showcased in front of our 5,600 private members, social media. Followers, and our robust email list.
Pricing:
- $60/mo silver package
- $300/mo gold
- $1,500/mo diamond
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.stjohnsbff.com
- Instagram: Stjohnsbff
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AzzCCfbgX/
