I'm Jess.

I have a bit of a diverse background - ranging from a graphic designer, high school art/EBD teacher, event/project coordinator, social media + marketing coordinator, to bartender for several years. 

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I have my BFA in Graphic Design and have freelanced for nearly 10 years. Why didn't I go straight into design after graduating? 

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Well, I did. I spent a year at Thompson Cigar while also bartending/managing at WOB in addition to freelance work. Working 3 jobs just wasn't sustainable. So, I went back to the service industry full-time because it paid the bills. Then I turned 30 and thought I needed a more structured job, so I tried teaching for 2 years - while again bartending part-time to pay the bills. Needless to say, I became extremely burnt out, and while I adored my students (most of the time), the public school system is backward. 

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So - back to bartending full-time. I was at a lovely brewery in Tampa, making great money with full benefits. Doesn't get better than that in the service industry. During this time, I also met the love of my life. That kind of schedule isn't sustainable to people who have normal 9-5ers, so I had begun thinking about how I could shift careers back into marketing + design but hadn't fully taken the leap yet. 

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Then, COVID. I was laid off and took a couple of jobs because I needed a job. Haven't found the best fit yet, but learned A TON in the process about business process, marketing, communication, and myself, to say the least!

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Here I am, actively searching for the right fit where I am valued, mentored, and can contribute my knowledge from all my experiences to a community and a place that sees value in those experiences. In the meantime, I am also pursuing certifications and ranger status in Salesforce (since just about every job I apply for these days wants that) to help make me more marketable. I really am searching for a company that will give me a chance. I can do anything I put my mind to. 

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In my free time, I enjoy playing disc golf, spending time outside, going on new adventures (especially national parks), drinking + eating tasty treats, personal development, a good book, and certainly not least, my friends and family. 

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Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. <3