Forever Natural Blog : Girls who ROCK: Jessica Watson "Take Chances, Follow your Passion"

I would describe Jessica as a curly girl on a quest for discovery and adventure. I'm proud and excited to share this because not only is Jessica my mentor, but also someone who I truly admire. She has played a major role in me starting my own company and I'm so glad to know her! Please enjoy this story about taking risks and following your passion.

Introduce yourself:

My name is Jessica Watson, and I'm the CEO/Creative Director of JWatson Creative (http://jwatsoncreative.com), a design + consulting studio in Baltimore, MD. I also manage B'More Creatives (http://bmorecreatives.com), a networking group for women in the creative profession. In 2013, I operated my business solely from the road for the entire year, living for a month at a time in a different city. I've had the pleasure of bike riding at night through the French Quarter, kayaking in Miami, hiking in California, driving the Pacific Coast Highway, and so much more. My eyes have seen such breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and the experience has shaped who I am as a person today. I blogged about the journey here: Design By Travel (http://designbytravel.com)

Why do you ROCK?

I rock because somewhere along the way in this journey of life, I discovered that I had the power and the capacity to do much more than I ever thought possible. When I challenged myself and my beliefs, my future became even brighter, opportunities became clear as day, and I got very excited about what I could do in this lifetime. In addition to my work, I'm passionate about giving back to communities, and empowering others to chase their dreams through believing in themselves.

Motivational Typography created by Jessica

Why did you travel around the country?

When I decided to start JWatson Creative almost 4 years ago, I was sold on this notion of having an amazing life full of adventure and excitement. I thought being a business owner was my ticket to freedom. I'm also a huge believer in setting intentions and positive energy, so I fell in love with inspirational quotes telling me to go live my dreams and explore the unknown. 2.5 years into my business, and I felt tied down to my location with my MacBook Pro attached to my hip. "This isn't what all the books said," I thought to myself, "I want a life where my work and personal worlds meet on the corner of fun and adventure." I didn't realize how much the quality of my life was dependent upon me. After some mindful reflecting, I decided to do exactly what those quotes told me to do, I packed up my car and ventured out into the unknown.

What cities did you live in, and how did you pick them?

My January started in Miami South Beach, which was a nice way to start the year (I mean, it's January and I'm wearing flip flops!). From there I went on to Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin, Boulder, Long Beach, Portland, Seattle, Chicago and Memphis. My car was my mode of transportation. I chose cities that I had always been curious about, but was never sure when I would get to them. When would I go to New Orleans, for example, and really experience the authenticity that is New Orleans?

In all honesty, when I started in January 2013 I only had a couple cities in mind for my trip. I found it so taxing to plan anything beyond 3 months of the year because of all the coordinating and details involved (which is so not how I used to live my life). I have grown to be comfortable with the uncertainty that comes with living in the now, and to appreciate the present moments we are given.

Did you have any goals while traveling?

My goal was to not be a tourist. I wanted to live like a local without being local. I volunteered, socialized, and networked like I would do when I was at home. I found my favorite local cafes and restaurants, and also met some great new friends along the way. I get a lot of questions asking if I picked up new clients or tried to sell my business while I was traveling. I'm no sales person in the traditional sense. I believe in building relationships and connections, and feel that those will ripple forward creating several opportunities in the years to come. I also believe that the best selling tactic is your integrity, and showing who you are as a person verses talking about it. Actions always speak louder than words. I'm already starting to see the fruits of my journey, and I look forward to engaging in what happens next.

What advice do you have for anyone starting a business or going out on their own?

You have to be crazy to be an entrepreneur, but I promise it's the good kind of crazy. It's the wonderful, unpredictable, hopeful, wide-eyed, heck-yeah, let's do this like of crazy. It's not for everyone, but if it's for you, you'll feel it. It will light your fire. There will be times when things won't add up, when you'll fall down and wonder how to get back up, or when things don't go as planned. Steady yourself and work through it. Keep your eyes on the prize. Don't be afraid to treat your business like a fluid concept (as in, something that can change and grow and adapt based on life lessons and experience). In addition to the hiccups, there are also these beautiful moments of amazing synergy where everything is going right and you're on top of the world. Those are the moments I live for, but I appreciate both circumstances. Everything that didn't go according to my plan has taught me so much, and has eventually led to experiences and projects beyond what I could've imagined for myself.

Have people in your corner, preferably those who have wisdom and experience, who can advise you and provide constructive feedback. Think positive thoughts, and be thankful for what you do have.

What's your favorite quote?

"You must give up the life you planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for you." - Joseph Campbell

"I am learning to trust the journey even when I don't understand it." - Mila Bron

"Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason." - unknown

What's next?

I'm back in Baltimore for the time being, presently planning to do some travel in Europe later this year, and also considering participating in a service project abroad. I've learned that strangers really aren't that strange at all. We're all connected in more ways than we know. We are all human. And the more you discover the humanity in all of us, the easier it is to relate to people, go with the flow, and embrace the concept that no matter what happens everything really will be alright.