We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Ann and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’m grateful that I had all of my dream jobs in my 20s. I was obsessed with news as a kid so when I landed a job at a news station while still in college, I thought I had it made. I planned to be a journalist.
I quickly learned that “news” is not glamorous or anything I expected.
I didn’t want to be censored by corporate media so I launched my own company, Jessica Ann Media. The media tends to placate to low frequencies and emotions and I didn’t want to be a part of the problem. So instead of trying to find another job that led to burnout and self-censorship, I took a chance on myself. I launched my company with zero experience in business at the time – but the results were instantaneous and magical.
I started publishing my ideas in articles online during the glory days of blogging, and I soon found “the others” through my stories. Sharing my stories allows me to live an “inside out” life – and to run my business through my core values of authenticity and integrity. This approach to doing business fuels my soul and has kept me going for a decade!
I soon was working with leaders in various industries that were in their infancy. One of my first opportunities was Bitcoin. I worked with Mihai Alisie to help bring the concept into the mainstream consciousness in 2012, before he left to start Ethereum. Today I love working with creative visionaries and clients in the technology and Blockchain industries who are ready to grow their businesses.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m humbled that I can now be in flow with each moment of running a business vs. striving and seeking external validation. This didn’t happen overnight and it can only come with time but I’m excited that the more feminine side of “Being” in my business is how I exist today.
Much of this way of Being for me comes from nearly 20 years of practicing yoga. My deep love for health and fitness allows for intuition and embodiment to be brought into business, which are factors that are often overlooked.
When I learned about my natural energetic signature through tools like Human Design and The Gene Keys, I surrendered into doing business my way and not apologizing. This allows me to authentically express my truth whether it’s for one person or 1 million. I’m not for everyone and I’m okay with that. I often use social media as a therapeutic platform for me to express my most authentic self in my most vulnerable moments.
My strategy is not calculated or cookie-cutter. Over the years I’ve learned that it’s better to be fully seen by a few people who resonate vs. being partly seen by many. You can toss aside the “rulebook” of marketing and still achieve your version of success.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My miniature dachshund and I have had so many San Diego adventures and I’m thrilled to share our experiences! One of the main reasons I moved here is to surf! Obviously my dog would stay home for this adventure but we’d start off the week surfing at La Jolla Shores or Tourmaline Surf Park. If you’re new to surfing, highly recommend lessons with Uriah of Del Mar Surf Sessions. After working up an appetite we’d hit up Claire’s on Cedros in Solana Beach for breakfast/lunch. Their food and service is always top notch.
The roof deck at Monarch in Del Mar is one of my favorite spots to watch the sunset. They do a toast/poetry slam every night when the sun goes down which is a beautiful reminder to be grateful for the incredible SoCal vibes.
Tuesday it’s City Tacos in Encinitas. It sounds weird but their mahi mahi tacos are topped with pickled onions and strawberries. Vegan options like street corn and mushroom tacos are also delicious. Right next to City Tacos is Broad Street Dough Co for dessert. The donuts are baked fresh and hot and they’re named after where I grew up in Monmouth County, NJ. My favorite is the West Park donut (chocolate w/ bavarian cream). All donuts can be made to order vegan and gluten-free.
Wednesday we’d work off those donuts with a 6.5 mile hike to see the waterfall on the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. There’s a ton of wildlife and we always see coyotes and mountain lions – so make sure to keep your dogs near you or on a leash. After working up an appetite, Trilogy in La Jolla has delicious smoothies w/ rooftop views.
Thursday we’d grab a golden milk latte and bagel or avo toast at Liquid Bean in Del Mar. And then go to Maurizio’s Trattoria Italiana in Encinitas for dinner, which rivals northern Italian dining. The ravioli is unforgettable plus if you’re vegan you can make your own vegan pasta.
Friday we’d go to Nomad Bagels in North Park. I’m a bagel snob and these are the best! Then for lunch we’d hit up Tajima Ramen in North Park or The Yasai: Plant-Based Japanese sushi on Convoy Street, followed by some vintage clothes shopping at Hunt & Gather. For dinner there’s an incredible hidden gem of an Italian restaurant called Ciccia Osteria in Logan Heights.
Saturday we’d spend playing beach volleyball, paddleboarding, or at the dog beach at Liberty Station or Fiesta Island Park. Little Italy on a Saturday night is always lively and some of my favorite spots are Civico 1845 and Juniper & Ivy.
Sunday mornings there’s outdoor yoga at Cuvier Park. After vinyasa-ing up an appetite, we’d go to Sugar and Scribe in La Jolla for brunch and then the La Jolla Farmer’s Market to pick up fresh flowers for the week and a turmeric juice from Rootshine Turmeric. Sunday nights are for dancing! I love going dancing with friends with the Church of Music.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My podcast, the Art of Humanity, is a tribute to my mentors and colleagues who have inspired me over the years. The Art of Humanity explores the deeper truths of society and culture to expand our consciousness and evolve the new paradigm of humanity. I’ve interviewed world-class marketers like Seth Godin and James Altucher, and some of my favorite spiritual teachers like Richard Rudd, author of The Gene Keys and Paul Levy. My guests have expanded my mind and our conversations help guide listeners to unique perspectives that are not available in the mainstream narrative.
Website: www.jessicaannmedia.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/beingishuman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beingishuman/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beingishuman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofhumanitypodcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicaannmedia
Other: www.artofhumanity.io