Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Thomas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was in elementary, my teacher asked us to write a “ten years from now” goal list. Surprisingly, I was very specific about the things I wanted to accomplish; being a fashion stylist/influencer, going to school for the arts (design), moving to Cali, & starting my own boutique. What’s scary is the fact that all these things have come to pass, I can only imagine what else is in store for me. To get back to the question at hand, I knew from a very young age what I wanted to do with my life, which is become a fashion stylist. I’m at a place where I can not and will not limit myself to just one career. I’ve always loved fashion and anything artsy; I can dance, draw, design, I am just an all-around visionary. As of today, my story is still being written. Nevertheless, I have lived in LA, I did attend an art institute for fashion design, and I started an online vintage boutique called “The Rinky-Dink Sunflower.” But “Styled By J” is my primary brand. For a little kid, I guess my goal list wasn’t too far off.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing in life is smooth sailing, but I think the road bumps are essential to growth. What I mean by that is, if everything was smooth & perfect, that it would be boring. I find joy in knowing that trouble won’t last always; also just knowing that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. But as far as my personal journey, I was blessed to give life and have two beautiful baby boys who are my biggest motivation. At the end of 2017, I made the conscious decision to let go of my current residence, I was seven-eight months pregnant and no one wanted to hire me or keep me. So, I literally hit rock bottom and had to move back home with my parents after the birth of my second son. In that time, I struggled with feeling less than a woman, this was my second C-section, I went through postpartum depression, chopped my hair off, and so on and so forth.
Then one day, I stopped feeling sorry for myself, I had to learn to love again, be happy again, forgive, HEAL, but most importantly, I had to learn to love the new me. Self-love is so important in this day and age. Being a stay at home mother is very trying; it has its ups and downs just like anything in life, but I am very grateful for all of these things. It pushed me to start my own business, it pushed me to find other ways to make money, it pushed me to be my own boss, it pushed me to be a better woman, it pushed me to be a better mother, entrepreneur, listener, partner, just an all-around better version of me. If I had not gone through all of these things, then I wouldn’t be who I am today.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Styled By J – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
As I stated once before, I have two businesses; “Styled By J” & “The Rinky-Dink Sunflower”. Styled By J specializes in image consulting for all & behind the scenes for different events (fashion shows, video shoots, photo shoots, etc.). I am known for my unique sense and style, creative direction, & huge personality. Everyone I have worked with in passing always applauds me for being authentic and bold; not afraid to be who I really am. My other business, “The Rinky-Dink Sunflower” is an online vintage boutique. Anyone who knows me knows my love for thrifting and vintage items. Thrifting is such an art within itself, I absolutely love it! So, why not make something of it???? Why not bless the universe with my amazing eye for finding spectacular vintage threads & allowing individuals to purchase them for themselves. I’m being super-duper extra but you catch my drift, lol.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future is to keep being consistent and to stop putting limitations on my life. So, what I have two kids, that doesn’t mean my life is over; just means I have to go harder than ever before. I plan to branch out in new career paths and expand myself/my businesses worldwide. I plan to own my first home in the near future, witness my handpicked looks on the red carpet, seeing myself on the tv screen; the possibilities are endless! Stay tuned!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://poshmark.com/closet/vintagegal247
- Email: styledbyjxo@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamstyledbyjxo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StyledByJXO
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/therinky_dinksunflower/
Image Credit:
@AweMostPerfect_Photography, @IamStyledByJXO, @Michaeldamiron
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