We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Fernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
You’ve asked me what I think about risk, and the role it’s played in my life. Honestly, I think life is a series of risks, some small and day-to-day, and some are major that change the whole trajectory of your lifetime. I look back on some of the risks I took when I was a teenager without a fully-developed frontal lobe, the places I went and the people I spent time with, and I’m amazed that I’m still here. Many of those risks were impulsive and some were just plain dumb, but even those that I can now look back on as mistakes molded me and taught me something. Maybe not at the time, but as I’ve understood them better as I’ve grown and reflected. Then I think about some of the biggest risks I’ve taken. I left an abusive marriage with my three children, knowing I was going to have to figure out a new life for all of us. The kids were very young at the time, and I was pretty broken emotionally. Still, I was fortunate that I had my family standing by me, and they’ve helped me and my kids on our path to healing and sustainability. My family created the space and the support that’s made my business possible, and I’m incredible grateful to have such a strong unit. The most rewarding, beautiful risk I’ve ever taken has been starting my own business. I’ve always been creative and loved art, but it took several years after my divorce to build the confidence to create something for myself and call myself an artist. I’m at my best when I’m creating and when I’m bringing joy to others through my work, and it’s taken a series of strategic risks to get here. I remember once having only 11 days to prepare for an art show in Los Angeles. The promoter took a chance on me, knowing I didn’t have enough art to fill the booth. He challenged me to make it happen, and somehow, I did. It took some sleepless nights and a few tears, but I pulled it together. That show was my first chance to dip my toe into networking and building relationships with other artists that are still good friends and collaborators today. It was overwhelming and a little scary at the time, but I’m so glad I took that chance. I want to continue to have courage and take smart risks. Sometimes that’s the only way to move forward and to give space and fuel to transformation. I admit, I tend to overthink and spin a bit when I’m pondering something big. I might talk to my friends and family to get their thoughts, but when it comes down to it, I need to feel it in my gut before I’m ready to take a leap. When it feels right, I’m all in, and I rarely look back. It keeps me learning, and passionate, and growing. Life is a risk worth taking.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. 
I specialize in aromatherapy jewelry, vintage finds, custom painted guitars and a unique art form that I came up with called “breaststroke” paintings. I believe that what sets my company apart from others is my passion to customize jewelry and art for my clients. I like to make it a more personal experience rather than just something that you’d get at any store in the mall. I believe that each piece from my collection tells a story. I have been so blessed to watch my company blossom into what it is today… seeing people’s excitement over the pieces I create keeps me creating. I love working one-on-one with my clients so I can get a true sense of what they are looking for and what will make their soul shine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My Pre-Coronavirus San Diego Dream Itinerary Sunday – brunch at the Gaslamp Breakfast Company then walk off our food at Seaport Village before taking a boat taxi to Coronado to rent bikes Monday – tide pools in La Jolla then lunch at the taco stand off Pearl Street Tuesday – Del Mar beach day with a homemade vegan picnic Wednesday – Water park at Aquatic San Diego followed by dinner at Bella’s Pizza in Chula Vista and a night cap at the Silver Fox Thursday – A vegan salt & pepper shrimp lunch at Sipz Fusion Cafe and then walking the trails all around Old Town followed by dinner in Hillcrest Friday – Pick fresh strawberries in Carlsbad followed by kayaking on the Carlsbad lagoon Saturday – Watch a reggae band at Winston’s in Ocean Beach followed by dinner at the OB Noodle House and Sake Bar

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is definitely going to go to my family. I can always trust that they will be by my side and encouraging me to follow my dreams. They may might not always follow along with all of my creative whims but they are always there to hear me out and give me the love and push that keeps me moving forward.

Website: www.jmfdesignsstudio.com
Instagram: @jessicamariefernandez
Facebook: JMFDesignsStudio
Other: Etsy @ JMFDesignsStudio