We recently connected with Jessica Williams-speakman and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I’ve thought about the timing of my creative journey a lot. I currently balance my passion for creative work with a full-time role as Director of Operations at MedFluencers and the demands (and joys) of being a mom. The reality is that for me, there’s never been a perfect time to dive wholeheartedly into creative pursuits—life always seems to have a way of filling up the calendar.

I started experimenting with my creative side a few years ago, but it wasn’t until recently that I began taking it more seriously. Before that, I was focused on my career and family. That real-world experience—learning how to manage teams and projects and juggling the day-to-day responsibilities of motherhood—shaped both my work ethic and my perspective. These experiences gave me the discipline and problem-solving skills I rely on now in my creative ventures.

Do I ever wish I had started sooner? Of course, sometimes I wonder how far along I’d be if I had begun right out of college or before I had kids. But the flip side is that my professional background and motherhood have been invaluable in fueling my creativity. My roles have taught me resilience, time management, and empathy—qualities that influence everything I create.

Looking back, I honestly feel that I started right on time. Every path has its lessons, and the path I chose gave me a steady foundation from which to launch my creative career. While it’s definitely a balancing act to maintain a full-time job, raise children, and pursue my art, I’ve realized that the diverse experiences I bring to the table are what make my work unique. If I could rewind the clock, I’d do it the same way—maybe with a dash more courage, but I’d keep the same timing. It’s all part of the journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Jess, the creative mind and soul behind J. Williams Gallery. By day, I’m Director of Operations at MedFluencers and also a busy mom, but whenever I have a free moment, you can find me in my studio working with oil paint—my medium of choice. My journey into art began with the smallest ember of childhood adventures, where dreams were wild, love was abundant, and creativity flowed from every corner of my imagination.

Today, my gallery is nestled in the marshes of southern Louisiana, serving an ever-expanding range of customers who share my passion for color, vibrancy, and natural beauty. I strive to provide that beauty and color through brush strokes of imagination—taking inspiration from the land I grew up in. There’s something magical about returning to southern roots and all that is natural and pure, especially the neon sunsets of the Louisiana bayous, the gently shifting umber grass of late southern summer, and the calming pace of dripping rain after an immense storm. These elements remind me of life’s simple joys, and they fuel my creative process every day.

At the heart of J. Williams Gallery is a promise: to share the love and beauty of Louisiana. My work is deeply influenced by completely wild yet loving spaces—moments that often get overlooked in our fast-paced world. Each piece of art I create in oil is a gentle invitation to slow down and find wholeness in simplicity, to immerse yourself in the present moment, and to rediscover the small wonders around us. I believe there’s a real therapy in nature’s abundance if only we pause to notice it.

I like to say that J. Williams Gallery is built on intention, inspiration, and authenticity. My time as a Director of Operations has taught me the value of structure, communication, and vision—qualities that help me run the gallery smoothly while ensuring every client feels heard and appreciated. Meanwhile, being a mom has given me a deeper understanding of balance, patience, and genuine connection—elements I try to infuse into every brushstroke and every interaction with those who support my work.

What I Offer & What Sets Me Apart:

Custom Oil Paintings & Collections: Whether it’s a commissioned piece to capture a beloved landscape or a curated collection that draws on Louisiana’s natural beauty, my goal is to bring color and solace into people’s lives.
A Personal Touch: From collaborating on one-of-a-kind artwork to choosing the perfect piece for your home or office, I prioritize open communication so each creation truly reflects your vision.
Rooted in Southern Charm: Everything I paint carries a bit of Louisiana’s spirit: warm, inviting, and full of life.
I’m most proud of the way my art resonates with people who yearn for a moment of pause and reflection. It’s been an honor to see my work hanging in homes and offices, where it becomes a small oasis of calm in a busy world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the chance to create meaningful connections—both with myself and with others—through the power of art. There’s a sense of magic when a painting, shaped by my own experiences and the inspiration I draw from Louisiana’s marshes and neon sunsets, resonates so strongly with a viewer that it evokes a memory, a sense of peace, or even a spark of hope in them.

On a personal level, painting provides a kind of therapy and mindfulness. With every brushstroke, I’m able to slow down, reflect on the beauty of the world around me, and process life’s ups and downs—whether it’s the stillness of a calm bayou morning or the vivid glow of a southern sunset. This mindfulness pours into my work at J. Williams Gallery and extends to my role as a mother and Director of Operations at MedFluencers. There’s real fulfillment in seeing how channeling my creativity positively influences other areas of my life.

But the true reward goes beyond my own experience. When someone tells me a piece of art helped them feel more present or reminded them of a cherished memory, it affirms why I do what I do. In a world that’s often moving too quickly, being able to offer a moment of pause, reflection, and connection through art is an incredible privilege. It reminds me that creativity has the power to bring people together—even if just for a moment—and I’m so grateful to be part of that exchange.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe a thriving creative ecosystem relies on more than just individual talent—it requires communal support, access to resources, and a culture that values the impact of art. One of the most powerful things society can do is recognize the importance of creativity in everyday life. That might look like supporting arts education in schools, offering community workshops, or providing accessible spaces for creators to share their work.
Another key aspect is visibility—if people can’t see or experience the work of local creatives, they might not realize the impact art can have on a neighborhood or community. Events like gallery openings, art walks, and local festivals allow for that vital interaction. When someone steps into a gallery (like my own, J. Williams Gallery) and feels a sense of connection, that moment can be transformative.
Finally, community engagement can’t be overstated. From local governments incorporating public art in development projects to neighbors choosing to decorate their spaces with pieces from area artists, there’s a multiplier effect when people actively seek out and champion local creativity. Every bit of support—from a kind word on social media to a purchase—helps foster an environment where art isn’t just a luxury, but a celebrated, integral part of daily life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jwilliamsgallery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesswilliams_art/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-williams-speakman-3130444a/