Meet Jessica Boone | Creative Consultant | Graphic Designer | Brand Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Boone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One of my favorite quotes is “Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think you’ve lost time. There is no short-cutting to life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time.”- Asha Tyson

I came across this quote in my first year in college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. To me, it’s a reminder that everything that I have gone through and encountered has brought me to the exact moment I’m supposed to be in. This quote definitely carried me through my entire 20s, the ages when you are constantly comparing your journey to others. Especially when it seems as if everyone else’s life is going great. People getting dream jobs, buying homes, getting married and accomplishing all those things society uses as markers of success.

Now in my 30s, I appreciate divine timing. I appreciate the journey, what I’m learning, and the people I’ve met along the way. I appreciate knowing I’m where I’m meant to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as a creative has been untraditional. I’m from the Myspace era so I loved creating and designing pages. I remember learning to code so I could have “H!5 Pr!N(3s5” fall down the page with Nivea’s Complicated embedded in the background to play when you first opened my page. I would spend hours coordinating the perfect fonts, visuals, and songs to represent who I was. I got so good I’d even design pages for friends. But back then that wasn’t a career or opportunity that was presented as an option for me. I was encouraged to focus on “real careers” where I could get good benefits and a pension.

As an adult, I became an Educator, and because my pay was so low I had to take on another opportunity to supplement my income. My friend told me about a Network Marketing opportunity and I jumped all in. Over the years I was able to practice crafting my own story, I learned how to brand, market, and graphic design. From that, I started creating my own journals, websites, flyers, and posters, and then others started asking if I could help with theirs too. My time doing network marketing also gave me the experience to help others develop their own stories and personal brands. From that, I was then able to start utilizing what I learned to help others who were trying to identify their brands for themselves and their small businesses.

I was able to transition into Marketing and Advertising where I learned to strategize, plan, and build campaigns and all the ins and outs of managing ads on all social platforms.

So now here I am with a Creative Agency where I get to combine everything I’ve gained throughout my experience and help others tell their stories and create something beautiful that represents them and where they are in their journey.

I have branded, rebranded, gone back to work, been laid off, had big contracts, and had months where I made $0, and despite it all I’ve gotten to show up as me and do what I love and that’s my absolute favorite part. I get to be ME and the people who align with me and need me always find me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was coming to visit I’d encourage them to sleep in. I am not an early morning Girlie LOL! But I’d definitely start them off with a nice brunch at Stir or an early lunch Seol Grill for that Seol Chicken Bento Box (*chefs kiss*)! Throughout the week we’d visit the museums and find hidden gems we see on TikTok. On the weekend we’d go to the House of Art for a nice vibe and an even better drink. Before they leave I’d have to take them over to Skinfluent to see Tina D’Von for an amazing brow service and by the Shanell Majors Photography Studio to meet her and get a picture on my favorite floral swing!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shout out, of course, my friends and family, who always support me. My daughter, Jaziya Mae, my motivation. My Big Sister, Janze Taylor, owner of Embodi Hydration, has always pushed me to be public about my talents.

Last summer after a major life change I met Shanell Majors, owner of Shanell Majors Photography Studio, and let me just say she has provided so much love, support, and encouragement. Her studio has been a haven for me to reset and thrive creatively. Her eagerness to always mention my name in whatever room she is in will always be appreciated.

I’d like to shoutout Denitresse Ferrell, owner of Culture Refinery, for pushing me to always take the next step. Her wisdom and experience have been motivating and inspiring.

Rosha Christian, one of the best Realtors in the RDU area, also deserves a shoutout for being a part of my journey, she has always jumped in and asked how can she help take me and my business to the next level while providing encouragement, insight, and resources.

I’m forever grateful!

Website: www.jessicalegail.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaboone