My whole life I’ve loved the power of having an idea and running with it. My entrepreneurial mindset began at a young age when I wanted to become a Barbie… 

Yup! You read that correctly, but seriously Barbie is EVERYTHING! She’s a total boss babe who ran her own fashion line, was a doctor, lawyer, a princess, etc…you name it! 

All jokes aside I wanted to become an event planner. With much discouragement from my loved ones I was convinced to choose a career that provided “security” and “guaranteed” me a job after college. So I took the traditional route just like any adolescent would in this day and age. I moved away from home to live that college dorm life in the good old San Francisco Bay Area.

“It wasn’t until 4 months post graduation did I realize I might have made a big mistake.” 

I was so confused by that because I was the goodie two shoes kind of kid who always did as I was told and check marked all the boxes.

1. Get good grades, check.
2. Graduate from High School, check.
3. Go to college and study hard, check.
4. Get a well paid job after graduation, check.

Okay? But why do I still feel unhappy? At the time I made great money and super proud of how far I came, but something still seemed off…

I was working +12/day. Hoping from client to client. Being told when to show up and when I could leave. Being told “do you even understand what you’re doing,” and just feeling so overwhelmed and frustrated. I felt ignored and alone. In short, accounting was not my cup of tea.

After a year in, I just about had it. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Dreading the “clock in-clock out” type of work. I knew this just wasn’t my path. 

“I was laser focused on my career more than anything.”

My health, family, relationships, responsibilities all came after being an accountant. Which I later realized my job was detrimental to my health physically and mentally that I needed out. But where was I going to go? I felt lost and that I didn’t belong.

“This job was detrimental to my health mentally & physically…”

Right around a crucial time in my life of feeling lost, my friend Bree came up with an idea of creating a women empowerment project called, Iconic Wine Beauties. It was first was an idea turned into reality of having a support system of women who can come together to lift others up and go after their biggest and wildest dreams. I fell in love with this idea and thought, “how many women are out there longing for an opportunity like this? Praying or manifesting this? Maybe ask yourself this, how many friends do you have who cheer you on and celebrate YOUR wins with you instead of bringing you down?

“Enough was enough… I packed my bags and quit my job.”

I moved out of the Bay Area and back to my hometown in Los Angeles. Feeling centered again and figure out my priorities is what I needed. Over time I realized just how important mental health is. I needed to spend time on my family, my relationship, but most importantly my well being. I felt that if I couldn’t help myself, how could I expect to be the best version possible for those around me? 

The Transition

After working on those qualities I decided to put my full focus on Iconic Wine Beauties. Since launching I gained many friendships, girl trips, the value of personal development, and most of all living a life by design. 

As it took me awhile to realize this, I had to go back to the root of what I dreamt of doing as I was a child. I remembered wedding planning was on the list, but knew I never even gave it a chance. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew I wanted it so bad. Remember those wedding shows I use to watch? Well one of the TV hosts was David Tutera, and secretively I’ve always aspired to be like him one day. On a hunch I went on Google and typed his name to see if he had any internships. I swear it was like the universe worked their magic that day because he had a Symposium coming up in 2 months. 

​I told Bree about this dream and she instantly egged me on, so I signed up. In 2017 I met David and I felt like little 12 year old Jessica was just screaming on the inside, but in 2018 I attended his  symposium again. This time David selected 2 attendees who would gain the chance to work with him in a future event. Guess who was one of the two? THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE! Ahhh, you should have seen my reaction.

“Looking back at how things have drastically changed, I can honestly say when one door closes another will open.”

Now I have my own wedding Planning business called Not JESS A Planner (I know cute name right?!)….jk. Something I actually manifested came true? Everything Iconic Wine Beauties had taught me was actually a reality? I use to think girls like me don’t get the chance to have this to happen to. But man did it feel good to see all this hard work pay off. 

If you’ve learned anything from my story I hope it’s to go after your dreams! If someone like me can do it, YOU can do it! 

​Hugs, Jess