Meet Jessica Gardner | Educator, Author, Content Creator

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

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
tarting my own business came from a deep passion for education, personal growth, and helping others. I wanted to create something meaningful that combined my skills as a teacher, my experience as a self-published author, and my commitment to supporting students—especially those with unique challenges, like neurodivergence or emotional regulation issues.

Essentially Blessed Jessica Education emerged from my desire to offer resources, like books and motivational content, that would empower children and their families. I saw a gap in what was available, particularly for young learners needing more emotional support, and I wanted to fill that void with something that not only teaches but inspires.

My background in special education also played a big role. I’ve witnessed firsthand how students struggle when they don’t have the right resources, and I wanted my business to contribute positively to the lives of kids by making sure they had the tools they need to thrive—whether through books, content, or community events.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Essentially Blessed Jessica Education, is all about empowering students, parents, and educators by offering resources that focus on emotional development, holistic learning, and inclusivity. I started it because I saw a real need for tools that could help young children—especially those who are neurodivergent or struggle with emotional regulation—navigate their feelings and challenges in a healthy way. Through my books, like Learning How to Control My Emotions, and other content, I aim to provide support that can positively impact their learning experience and overall well-being.

What sets my business apart is its combination of education and emotional intelligence. I don’t just create books and content that teach academic lessons; I integrate mindfulness, emotional awareness, and practical tools that can help children build self-confidence and resilience. As someone who has worked in special education and with children from diverse backgrounds, I know how critical it is to meet kids where they are and give them the skills they need to succeed not only in school but in life. I’m most proud of how my work speaks directly to children’s social-emotional needs, which is something I think often gets overlooked.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Building a business while balancing my teaching career, self-publishing, and my personal life has been incredibly challenging. One of the biggest obstacles has been finding the time and resources to grow my brand while still giving my all in the classroom. Early on, I had to learn how to juggle multiple responsibilities and make sure that the quality of my work didn’t suffer, which wasn’t always smooth. But I’ve always had a clear vision, and that’s helped me overcome every setback.

The support of my family, friends, and mentors was crucial in pushing me through the tougher times. I learned the importance of asking for help when I needed it and surrounding myself with people who believe in my vision. Another big lesson I’ve learned is the importance of persistence. There were times when I questioned whether my business would succeed, but staying connected to my “why”—why I started, who I’m doing this for—kept me moving forward.

What I want the world to know about Essentially Blessed Jessica Education is that it’s more than just a business. It’s a passion project that’s rooted in my own experiences as a teacher and as someone who has faced challenges and found ways to overcome them. My brand is about creating spaces where children can feel seen, heard, and supported. I’m excited about the future and the impact I can make in education and beyond. Whether it’s through my books, motivational content, or community events, I want to leave a lasting mark that helps children and educators thrive.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d plan a mix of relaxing beach days and fun experiences on a family farm. We’d spend time enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the beach, soaking up the sun, swimming, and walking along the shore. For meals, I’d take them to local seafood spots, where we’d enjoy fresh dishes by the ocean.

On other days, we’d visit a family farm, where we could explore the countryside, learn about sustainable farming, and maybe even pick fresh produce. It would be a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and great food, offering both beach relaxation and farm life fun.

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?
A huge shoutout goes to my mentors and colleagues at the Poole Family YMCA. Through my work as a swim coach and instructor there, I’ve experienced incredible growth, both personally and professionally. The YMCA gave me a platform to step into leadership roles, like coaching an age group swim team and helping young swimmers build confidence and discipline. These roles taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of mentorship. I also had the unique opportunity to meet and learn from Olympians, whose dedication to their craft has been a constant source of inspiration. The relationships I’ve built at the YMCA have truly helped shape who I am today, pushing me to strive for excellence in everything I do.

I also want to give credit to my friends and mentors at Western Governors University (WGU), especially those involved with the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. Being invited to join this prestigious group was a significant moment in my life. The encouragement and motivation I’ve received from my peers and mentors there have kept me focused on my goals, even when things have been tough. They’ve pushed me to challenge myself academically and professionally, reminding me that every setback is an opportunity for growth. Their belief in my potential has made all the difference, and I’m grateful for the community I’ve found at WGU.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essentiallyblessedjessicaedu/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicathomas1635/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Essentiallyblessedjessicaeducation

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@essentiallyblessedjessica

Image Credits
Tyson’s Photography