Meet Jessica Gibson | Executive Director&Hair Stylist

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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was a call to action. I had been in corporate america 20 plus years. I became unfulfilled and began a soul searching journey to discover my next. I discovered that God wanted me to leave my 9 to 5 to serve his people through human service. I left my job of 15 years to start a nonprofit Just Do It Movement.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Just Do It Movement Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our most vulnerable populations by helping them obtain vital documents. These documents are often a significant barrier to securing stable housing and employment, and our work makes it possible for individuals to regain independence and self-sufficiency. Additionally, I own Essence Beauté LLC, a hair business that partners with my nonprofit to provide hairstyles and haircuts to our clients. This initiative helps restore confidence and self-esteem, empowering individuals to step into new opportunities with dignity.

I am also a proud author of Chile, Take That Leap! My story is one of faith, obedience, and trusting God’s plan. After spending 15 years in corporate banking, I felt a divine calling to do something different. I remember praying and asking God for direction—should I leave my job to start the nonprofit? One day, as I was driving down I-77 South, a car pulled in front of me with a bumper sticker that said, Just Do It. I immediately felt that God was speaking to me. Still, I kept praying for confirmation. Three days later, the same car with the same message pulled in front of me again. At that moment, I knew God was making it clear—I needed to step out on faith.

So, I left my job, birthed my nonprofit, and never looked back. Not long after, I also launched Essence Beauté LLC, expanding my mission to uplift and empower others. What sets my businesses apart is our holistic approach to transformation—we don’t just provide services; we restore dignity, inspire confidence, and create pathways to self-sufficiency.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey of hard work, resilience, networking, and accountability. It has not been easy. There were moments of uncertainty and doubt, but I overcame challenges by leaning on faith, perseverance, and a strong support system of business partners, community, and friends. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that taking a leap of faith is worth it—you never know what’s possible if you just trust God and move forward.

My biggest challenge was believing in the gifts God had given me, but once I did, everything aligned. My advice? Put God first in all your endeavors, trust your journey, and never be afraid to take the leap.

At the end of the day, I want the world to know that my businesses are more than just services—they are a movement of hope, restoration, and empowerment. Through Just Do It Movement Inc. and Essence Beauté LLC, I am committed to making a lasting impact, one life at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have a few favorite spots I’d love to take her to! First, we’d start with a great meal at Fun Deluxe Dining Restaurant, then head over to Beat the Bomb for a fun and interactive experience. After that, we’d explore Uptown Charlotte and soak in the city vibes. I also enjoy a good night in—turning on some music, chilling at home, and doing some line dancing to keep the fun going!

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 would like to shoutout my husband Lemel Gibson for supporting me in my entrepreneur journey, Isa Moore for being my push I needed to take my leap of faith, Ravon Barnes for mentoring me for years and realizing the entrepeneurer in me prior to me recognizing it. Sabrina Taylor for supporting me every step of the way. Kenny Robinson for taking me under his wing and advocating for me in rooms and at tables where I was not present. He mentored me in the nonprofit sector to expand and grow in the fundamentals of fundraising and nonprofit management and Lastly, Jessica Lefkowitz for encouraging and advocating for me. I have a dream team of a circle.

Website: https://www.jdimovement.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdim2020

Linkedin: Just Do it Movement

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

Image Credits
Sarah Stephens
Aaron Atkins
Jessica Gibson