Daily Inspiration: Meet Jessica “Jess” Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica “Jess” Davis.

Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In realizing the lack of attention females received in the video gaming industry, I had a vision to bring awareness to females such as myself who played video games. GameHer was founded in 2013 from the vision of creating clothing and a platform for females to unite within the video game world. My passion for video gaming started at a very young age when I was introduced to the Nintendo gaming system by my older brother. Growing up in the household with an older brother, sibling competitiveness was created through video gaming and sports. The passion for gaming continued throughout grade school – college as graphics & games developed, more systems were launched and online gameplay was eventually introduced.

As an avid player of online gameplay in NBA 2K/Madden, I quickly noticed the lack of female competitors and wanted to find more female GameHers out there, which eventually sparked the creation of GameHer in 2013. “I’m truly passionate about video gaming, so to create a company that has merchandise while highlighting and connecting with females that share the same passion in a safe space is really dope! The video gaming industry is known to be male dominant. I’ve witnessed this first hand in the tournaments I’ve competed in, and my male friends who I’ve played against for the last 15 years, so my goal is to change the narrative and bring awareness to all the females out there that play too.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all! When I first started in 2013, I was the only thing out there doing what I was doing. Social media was nothing like what it is in 2021 and women in gaming wasn’t as popular as it is today. With my company behind online based, I was figuring out ways to be innovative in a space that wasn’t “a thing” in 2013. I like to say I was ahead of my time, and now in 2021, I’m on time! 🙂 I’ve learned a lot about running a business from LLC to Trademarks to protecting my trademark, everyday I’m constantly learning something new.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m currently the Manager of Youth Basketball Operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Born in Atlanta, GA raised in Stone Mountain, GA, I graduated from Redan High School and went on to graduate from Florida State University. I specialize in impacting lives through the game of basketball. I’ve been coaching basketball since 2011 where I started at Emory University. I’ve coached at the D3, High School, AAU and D1 level. I’m most proud of the lives I’ve had a chance to impact through basketball and GameHer. I grew up playing video games and basketball. To have a company focused on females in gaming and working in basketball is a win/win situation for me and a true definition of Following Your Passion.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Life makes me happy. My support system (Family) and friends make me happy. Having the opportunity to do what I love makes me happy. Seeing the results of my hard work makes me happy. Helping others makes me happy. Knowing “My Why” makes me happy. These all give me a feeling that is indescribable, but I know they all make me feel good!

Contact Info:

• Email: jessdavis@gameher.com
• Website: www.gameher.com
• Instagram: gameher
• Facebook: gameherllc
• Twitter: gameherr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiSxPp2ZhVE