Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Shelley

Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I’ve always loved learning, and growing up, school was my safe place—especially since I moved around a lot. No matter where I went, I knew what to expect in the classroom, and that structure really helped me thrive. The teachers I had throughout those years made a huge impact on me, and I knew early on that I wanted to do the same for other kids, especially those who felt overlooked.

I became a teacher because I wanted to be the one who encouraged kids to see their own potential and take charge of their future. But over time, I hit a wall. The traditional school system often made it hard to truly involve families in their children’s education, which I believe is essential for a child’s success. I kept seeing gaps between what kids needed and what schools were able to provide, and I felt there had to be a better way to support both children and parents.

That’s when I took a leap and moved into the edtech world. I joined a company called Dailies when it was just getting started, helping to scale the learning app curriculum. That experience opened the door to building a platform where families could be truly involved in their child’s learning journey. Today, we offer personalized learning with certified teachers that not only meet kids where they are but also empower parents to feel confident in supporting their child’s education at home.

As a mom of five (almost six!), I understand the challenges of balancing it all—work, motherhood, and making sure my kids are getting what they need to grow. It’s a lot! But my faith keeps me grounded and reminds me why I’m doing this work in the first place—to help more families feel connected to their kids’ education and to foster that love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! Like any big transition, moving from being a classroom teacher to leading an edtech company came with a lot of challenges. One of the biggest struggles for me was shifting my mindset. As a teacher, I was used to having a structured day and clear expectations, but running a company is a whole different world. I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable—learning to make decisions without all the answers, taking risks, and accepting that mistakes are just part of the process.

Personally, the learning curve of running a business was steep. I had to dive into areas that I wasn’t familiar with, like operations and finance, which stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. But over time, I learned that no one has it all figured out, and that’s okay! It’s about being willing to learn, to grow, and to reach out to others for guidance when needed.

Beyond that, building a company while raising a family has its own set of challenges. Balancing work and family time is always a juggle, but I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries and being fully present wherever I am—whether that’s at work or around the dinner table with my family. It’s not always easy, but I try to stay grounded in the mission of helping families and teachers, and that’s what keeps me going through the rough patches.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

My work is all about helping families connect with their children in ways that feel real and meaningful. Whether it’s through learning, daily routines, or just spending time together, I believe that when families are more involved, kids thrive. I have a special passion for inclusive learning—making sure that every child feels welcome and supported, no matter where they’re starting from. With a master’s in special education, supporting kids who are often overlooked has always been close to my heart.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made. This year, we were recognized by Forbes for Education in their 30 Under 30 list, which felt surreal. But honestly, the real pride comes from knowing we’re making a difference for families—helping them feel more connected and giving kids the confidence to believe in themselves.

I think what sets me apart is that I genuinely care about people. I’ve been where a lot of parents are—trying to juggle everything and feeling the pressure to do it all right. As both a mom and a teacher, I know how overwhelming it can be, and that’s why I’m so passionate about supporting families. I want every child to feel successful and confident, and I believe that starts at home. When parents have the tools they need to support their kids, everyone wins. That’s what keeps me going—knowing that by helping families, we’re helping children, and that’s everything to me.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

My advice for finding a mentor or networking is to start by reaching out to people whose work you genuinely admire. It’s less about finding someone with a specific title and more about connecting with people who align with your values and goals. Don’t be afraid to send that email or message—it might feel intimidating, but most people are more willing to help than we realize.

For me, one thing that’s worked well is being open to learning from others in unexpected places. Early on, I didn’t have a formal mentor, but I leaned on peers, other parents, and colleagues for guidance and support. Over time, I realized mentorship can come from many directions, not just from people with more experience, but even from those going through similar struggles.

Networking, in general, has been about building genuine relationships rather than trying to make a “business connection.” It’s about showing up, being yourself, and offering value where you can. I’ve found that the best connections are the ones that feel natural, where you’re supporting each other’s growth rather than just looking for what you can get out of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dailiespods.com