Meet Jessica Alexander of Operation Evolve

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Alexander.

Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2012 I found my self working as a car saleswoman at a small dealership in Auburn, Alabama. I had been rejected from my dream position with an NFL team. But, my stubbornness would not allow me to accept “any ol position.” So, I sold cars and worked at a restaurant as I waited for an opportunity that never manifested. And, I absolutely hated my job. I knew that there was no way I was placed on this planet to hustle Hondas my entire life. So, after being fed up with going through the motions, I humbled myself and asked God to reveal the purpose of my life. That is where Operation Evolve was born.

I knew I had a passion to empower women so they never found themselves in a similar position that I was in at that moment. I gathered the courage to leave the car dealership, shared my ideas for this new business with friends, family, colleagues, and was met with questions that I did not have the answer to.

“How are you going to do it?”

“Why would people come to you for these services?”

“What is your experience?”

I was completely overwhelmed and began to doubt that the vision would ever come to fruition. So, I put it on the backburner, returned to my restaurant job, shoutout to Olive Garden #1701, and applied for more positions.

The following summer, I landed a position with a wireless company as a Market Manager where I led the NCAA activation at colleges in the area. From there, I gained more experience as I worked with major brands across the country. By the end of the year, I competed for an won, Miss Black Alabama USA 2014. Then, my passion to work on my business was reignited.

During my reign, I was able to speak at different conferences, workshops, schools, and community organizations. I knew I was on the right track. However, I still had my doubts. I would speak with community leaders, people in the business community, and others and was met with the same questions that stopped me in 2012. I didn’t know if things would work out for me. So, I continued to play small.

By 2016, I had enough of shrinking my potential. I was tired of the networking events where individuals decided who they would speak to based on their outfit or nametag. I specifically recall an experience where a woman walked away mid-sentence as I shared my brand. I knew at that moment, I never wanted other women launching their brands to experience that if I had anything to do with it.

I spoke to my friend about hosting an event and I mustered up the courage to design a flyer and create an event on Facebook. 27 days later, I hosted the very first Boss Babes Brunch. 35 women from diverse backgrounds came together for an afternoon of Motivation, Mingling, and Mimosas. In 2018, I decided to take this event to more women across the country and created the Boss Babes Brunch Tour. I packed my car and drove across the country to 24 cities. In 2019, this event will reach 20 cities across the United States and Canada.

Boss Babes Brunch Tour is the premier networking and empowerment brunch for women entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders. Each event features local vendors, speakers, and a delicious mimosa brunch. It is a place where you can go to meet like-minded women, but also develop your professional toolkit as you grow your brand. It is a place for women to grow without judgment, get their questions answered, and meet Boss Babes who can help them grow through mentorship, accountability, and coaching.

In addition to this event, I am also a brand strategist and empowerment coach for entrepreneurs. I am the author of “Boss Up! Pursue Your Purpose with Confidence.” and the reigning Miss Natural Hair and Health Expo Beauty. This year, Operation Evolve is launching its first membership organization for entrepreneurs and more information will be available on our website. We will continue to create programs, events, and opportunities that help our clients gain clarity, discover their passions and walk in their purpose.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has been like a rollercoaster. Being a solopreneur is very difficult. You are doing 20 jobs and sometimes getting paid for half of one. It can be very overwhelming to manage all aspects of the business. Being a very independent woman who finds it very difficult to ask for help, one of my biggest challenges is opening my mouth and asking those around me for support.

It is easy to be a control freak and think that you have to manage every single detail of the business. However, you have to know that you are not good at everything. I had to get to the point where my pride would no stop me from bringing in smarter people. That way, you are able to focus on your craft, bring in more revenue, reduce your stress, and salvage your edges.

With that being said, I am grateful for every single struggle I have faced. I am more resilient than I could have ever imagined. And even better, I have more experience to share with current and future clients. So, another piece of advice: Don’t despise your tough seasons, they do not last forever.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Operation Evolve – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Operation Evolve exists to provides individuals with personal and professional development opportunities through events, digital courses, mentorship, and one-on-one coaching. We specialize in branding and communications strategies for small businesses and empowerment coaching for girls and women.

We are known for our signature event, Boss Babes Brunch Tour.

As the founder of this organization, I am proud of our innovation, consistency, and diligence as this brand was started from a simple idea that has traveled across the country. I am also very proud and protective over the heart of this organization. We are here to help our clients grow. We do not look for opportunities to judge, only opportunities to help anyone in our paths grow into the people God has called them to be.

We are set apart by our experience. Our clients can be assured that the information that is being given to them through any of our services have been tested by our team and proven to be successful. Whether you are a pageant contestant, small business, or an aspiring politician, we are confident that we will provide you with the results you desire.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
My proudest moment was leaving my state to host the Boss Babes Brunch Tour. I left my comfort zone, traveled to cities with no network, and hosted successful events that made a difference. I am proud of myself for trusting God. In turn, I have been provided with a platform that continues to grow. I am proud that I didn’t quit.

Pricing:

• Boss Babes Brunch Tour tickets $75
• Boss Babes Brunch Tour vendor $150
• Operation Evolve consultation $150
• “Boss Up! Pursue Your Purpose with Confidence” $12.99

Contact Info:

• Website: www.operationevolve.com
• Phone: 3346031826
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @operationevolve @bossbabesbrunchtour @jessicacalexander
• Facebook:  Facebook.com/operationevolve , Facebook.com/bossbabesbrunchtour
• Twitter: twitter.com/dontcallherjess

Image Credit:
Charles Williams – Lush Photography

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