Hey there! Kathy here.
Today our VIP Spotlight shines on fellow solopreneur, Jessie Richards.
Jessie is a solopreneur specializing in Online Branding, Website Design, and Conversion Optimization. Her journey began in 2015, driven by a desire to be present for her son, Colin, diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome.
Transitioning from a corporate job to freelancing, Jessie defied doubt, emerging as a go-to designer for startups and influencer brands. Her story is one of resilience, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship while balancing motherhood. Join Jessie for a condensed yet insightful dive into her transformative journey.
Let's dive into the interview!
What are you currently doing as an entrepreneur and how long have you been involved with this particular endeavor and what inspired you to pursue it?
I'm Jessie, an expert in Online Branding, Website Design, and Conversion Optimization. My journey began in 2015 to be with my son, Colin, who was diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome. I left my corporate job to manage his medical needs and sought a way to earn from home.
In high school, I enjoyed learning how to use Photoshop and Premiere Pro (and continued designing and creating as a hobby after graduation) but never considered it a career. However, needing to support Colin and work from home, I revisited my creative skills as an income opportunity. I started as a freelance designer for startups and influencers, specializing in online branding, websites, graphic design, and sales funnels.
Working at odd hours and navigating challenges, I found success and financial stability, supported by my husband's encouragement. This experience not only provided for my family but also helped me discover a fulfilling career path.
Describe your typical daily routine, including your morning and evening habits? Are there any specific habits and/or routines that particularly contribute to your business success and your peace of mind within your busy schedule?
In 2012, Jeff Olson's book “The Slight Edge” introduced me to the power of small, consistent actions for achieving great things. Its pivotal quote, “For things to change, you’ve got to change. For things to get better, you’ve got to get better,” profoundly influenced me.
Balancing life with four energetic boys, my routine varies, especially during summer. Yet, I maintain certain practices: daily gratitude journaling, listing five things I'm thankful for and ten goals, and meditating for 10-15 minutes. While working, I listen to positive podcasts or use my MindValley App.
My day ends with 20-30 minutes of personal development reading, followed by sleep to the sound of 432 Hz or 639 Hz frequencies through the MindValley App.
What are the top three sources that inspire you in your business journey, whether individuals, experiences, locations, etc?
With eight years in business, I've learned that positivity fuels my success. High-frequency living enhances my workflow and enriches my interactions, influenced by the music I listen to, the books I read, and the company I keep.
I recommend the MindValley App for work-friendly background music, diverse online courses, and Hz frequencies for meditation and sleep.
My go-to online mentors are Jenna Kutcher, Mel Robbins, Abigail Peugh, Gabby Bernstein, Jordan Maylea, Kathy Schneider, Elizabeth McCravy, and Marisa Peer for their invaluable insights.
Are there any business tools or resources that you rely on to facilitate your day-to-day operations?
I manage my daily business using various tools: Slack for communication, Basecamp for project management, Google Drive and Dropbox for storage, Showit for web and funnel design, Zoom for client meetings, Photoshop and Canva for graphics, Premiere Pro for video editing, Audacity for audio/podcast editing, and Loom for screen recordings and training.
Every Friday, I plan the next week in my daily planner, a physical, pen-to-paper method that helps me visualize my workload and carve out personal time.
Since starting this practice in 2018, I've become more organized, feel calmer on Mondays, and have boosted my productivity.
Throughout your journey as an entrepreneur, what are key lessons you have learned that have steered you to your current success?
As my business began to grow, I struggled to identify what was attracting customers, feeling overwhelmed while juggling responsibilities as a mother of four. Determined to improve, I immersed myself in studying online branding, marketing, and buyer psychology. I read extensively, used Audible for audiobooks on the go, and actively applied new insights to my work.
This effort paid off, attracting 6 and 7-figure brands. My strategies helped these brands significantly enhance their recognition, and customer loyalty, and triple their revenue by creating effective, on-brand content.
The key lesson: Learn what you don't know, apply your knowledge, and then share your insights.
On challenging days, weeks, or months, have you ever contemplated giving up? If so, how do you gather your strength and remain resilient to continue to pursue your entrepreneurial journey?
In 2021, after welcoming our fourth son, my husband and I were working over 50-hour weeks in toxic job environments, leading us both to burnout and dissatisfaction. Despite our six-figure income, the endless demands of our jobs made the money lose its appeal.
The turning point came in early 2022 with the sudden loss of both my in-laws. That experience turned my world upside down and reminded me of the importance of having joy and fulfillment in your life and work.
By late 2022, I decided to leave the draining job and return to what I love – online marketing and creative design, but on my terms.
Don't be afraid to pivot when faced with resistance in your life or your business. My loss came with great clarity about where my life was and the changes I needed to make. It reinforced my belief that life should be abundant and happy, and that settling for less is never an option.
To round off, let's bring in a few personal aspects. What's your definition of success? Do you have a personal mantra that you live by? Can you also share a recent or favorite book you read that provided you with new insights or perspectives?
My life motto is Be The Energy You Want To Attract.
You can do absolutely anything with the right people in your corner, but you have to be willing to put yourself out there. Put yourself in rooms with people who have what you want to have, connect with people who have a desire for growth, and create a desire within yourself to be the best version of yourself.
Some of the books that helped me develop a mindset for growth: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins, The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein, The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis, and Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas.
Where can others connect with you online? Please provide links to the social media platforms you are most active on and a link to your website, if you have one.
- Website: jessierichardsdesigns.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jessierichardsdesigns
- Facebook: facebook.com/JessieRichardsDesigns
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@jessierichardsdesigns
- Free Gift! My Social Media Template Bundle: jessierichardsdesigns.com/social-media-templates
Beyond The Boundaries Of Solopreneurship
Every solopreneur's success story is a symphony of hard work and dedication. By sharing these interviews, I aim to not only honor these exceptional individuals but also to impart actionable insights to fellow solopreneurs who aspire to optimize their businesses and create more time for what truly matters.
I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the pearls of wisdom our VIP Solopreneur, Jessie Richards, has generously shared. Her journey is a reminder that success is often a result of resilience, unwavering passion, and the courage to silence doubts while pursuing one's true calling. So, whether you're just starting on your solopreneurial expedition or are a seasoned traveler on this path, remember that the key lies not only in your destination but also in the brilliance of your journey.
Helpful Resources To Grow Your Business
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Join the High Performance Solopreneurs Community
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Join the VIP Entrepreneur Spotlight
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Ready to be in the spotlight? Sign up for the VIP Entrepreneur Spotlight and share your success story with our community. We believe in celebrating your achievements, and your story could be the motivation someone else needs.
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