I RUN THIS Series

Joyful Jessie

March 14, 2018

Salt + Sirena's I RUN THIS Series features women entrepreneurs, influencers, and small business owners doing what they love, and excelling at it. I hope to not only spread the word about what these amazing women do, but to inspire you to take the leap and follow your own bliss!

This month's feature is on Jessie Wagner - women empowerment coach, make-up artist, and all-around spreader of good vibes.

Jessie is an authentic, inspiring presence on social media, and I am so grateful for the positive influence she has on my life. Neither of us remember who found who on Instagram years ago, but I am so glad we did! From day one, she's been incredibly kind and supportive, and our friendship has only grown since then with our shared love of Harry Potter, Parks & Rec, and pizza. Read on for a heartfelt interview with Jessie about her motivation, the importance of balance, and choosing joy.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself, and what draws you to coaching and empowering women.

I am a wife, dog mom (I’m definitely that girl whose dogs are my children), make-up artist, and women’s empowerment coach. From a young age I noticed a lack of self worth from most of the women that surrounded me, and as I have gotten older, I have realized how much more severe it really is. Most women do not believe that they are worthy of the things that they desire; they are told that their ideas are outlandish, that they’re too emotional, that they’re not thin enough, that they need a man to fix things for them, and the list goes on and on. I believe that women are capable of shifting that dialogue and are able to do whatever it is that they want. It’s a great age to be a woman and it’s inspiring to see the tides beginning to change. I am honored to be a small part of that.

2. I love how often you talk about, and encourage, balance in our lives, not just as a routine, but as a mindset. What role do you believe 'balance' plays in self-love?

Thank you so much for saying that, I truly believe that balance is everything. If you don’t fill your own cup, how in the world will you fill other people’s cups? Your mind is one of the most powerful tools that you have and I believe that we need to allow ourselves to do all of the things that we want to do. There is a common misconception that, especially as women, we have no time for ourselves. While I do wish that there were more hours in the day, we must make time for the things that are important to us. If that means waking up ten minutes earlier so that you can have some peace and quiet, do it. If that means going to yoga class instead of doing work, please for your sanity, do it. The work will be there waiting for you, but if you don’t take care of yourself, you’re going to find yourself spread too thin and burnt out. And what kind of life is that? Show yourself love, and take the time to honor your body, mind, and spirit. It will also demonstrate to other people how you want to be treated. The greatest form of self-love is showing yourself that you matter, too.

3. Who are some of your role models, and in what way have they impacted your life?

My grandma was one of my greatest role models. She was the definition of beauty, inside and out. She didn’t take herself too seriously, she never left the house without her eyebrows on, and she was a phenomenal friend. She showed me what it means to wholeheartedly be yourself and not apologize for it. With that, my Mom is also one of my biggest role models - she does not have a mean bone in her body. If I am half the woman that she is, I am 100% okay with that. Lastly, my role models also include my peers. I am so inspired by the women that surround me, both in person and digitally. Women are so much stronger together and my hope is that we can all be role models to one another.

4. What do you feel is the most challenging thing about being a small business owner? How do you push through?

Time is the biggest challenge I face as an entrepreneur. I wish I had more, but alas, I do not. The best way I push through is making a current to-do list every single day. I pick the top three most important things, and I tackle those first. Work will always be there, so I just do my best to tackle everything that I can each day. If something doesn’t get done, I move it to the next day until it does. Give yourself grace when you can’t do it all. You are only one person after all!

5. Lastly, what do you like to do for fun?

For fun, I love to read - I’m a Potterhead like you! I also enjoy shopping, riding my bike, and spending time with family and friends.