Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessi Sheridan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
In the summer of 2022, I was sick with COVID-19 and found myself with a lot of time to think in quarantine. Roe v. Wade had been overturned the week prior, and I was lying in bed feeling helpless. How was it that women were reversing direction in time? How were we losing our rights to make decisions about our own bodies in 2022?
I knew I had to focus on what I could control. I knew I couldn’t change what was happening on Capitol Hill, so I decided to focus on what I could do in my own city within my personal network. I decided right then that I would start a project to amplify the voices of women in Philadelphia, to give voice to their story and create a sense of community, in a time when many women felt they had neither.
Habituelle, the story-telling platform, launched in September of 2022 and since then, has given a platform for more than 150 women and women-owned small businesses to share their stories.
Habituelle is French for habitual, meaning doing constantly or as a habit. In this case, the habit is leadership. This habit does not form easily, but it’s strengthened and comes more naturally as we nurture it through practice. As we form this habit within ourselves, we can pour into others. This is how we vitalize our communities.
Habituelle’s mission is to amplify the voices of women in Philadelphia from a multitude of industries, backgrounds, perspectives, and thoughts, while sharing their habits, lessons, and challenges.
In a world where I can be anything, I choose to be the megaphone for incredible women who are working hard, leading in their communities, and choosing to lift others as they climb.
Jessi , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Having Elle woke me up to the idea that it’s up to me to design my own life, how I spend my time, what matters to me, and where I want to place my energy.
On my journey I did a lot of inner work – reflection, meditation, and journaling. The support of my community and being around like-minded individuals played a pivotal role. The desire to connect with others who were navigating their own transformative journeys ignited a fire within me – a fire fueled by the belief that our stories have the power to inspire, resonate, and transform.
I am passionate about women’s leadership. My personal mission is to help women rise up to reach their fullest potential and design a more fulfilled life. On this mission, I created a storytelling platform, Habituelle, to amplify the voices and stories of women leaders in the Philadelphia region.
The name Habituelle comes from two places: one, that I believe in the power of habits and that if you consistently show up for yourself, you will reach success; and two, my daughter’s name is Elle. I wanted to squeeze her name in the title as an ode to the person who made me wake up and find clarity in how I wanted to live my life.
Creating Habituelle and hearing so many stories, themes, and desires gave me the front row seat into what women needed to design a life they are proud of. Working with ambitious women who want more out of life than a career title is truly my niche. You can have what you want in life. Getting there can be tough, but with a coach by your side, it certainly can make for a smoother ride.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Habituelle is a community of individuals who believe in the power of women supporting women. I realize that because the platform features women from Philadelphia, I could be limiting the reach. That said, building an audience for Habituelle on social media was a journey focused on authenticity, vulnerability, and connection, directed towards the target market: women seeking empowerment, inspiration, and community.
I focus on authentic storytelling, engagement and interaction, showing up consistently, and developing partnerships that align with the brand.
Advice I would give for those starting to build out their presence would be to remain true to your authentic approach. You don’t need to post every day – but when you do post, make it matter. People want to read authentic content and will feel it when it doesn’t align with the purpose and mission of the brand.
I never set out to have over a thousand followers. I simply wanted to give women a place to feel seen, heard, and valued. I’m gaining followers who believe in that, too. Habituelle won’t be for everyone, and that is okay with me. I want followers who believe in the mission of Habituelle, and understand the value of lifting others as they climb.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
The women who are featured on Habituelle show up so vulnerably, so it is important to me that I tell their story with integrity and authenticity. I am committed to sharing genuine stories that resonate with my audience and establish trust within those following along. It is so powerful to see the comments below the stories, knowing that you aren’t alone in your challenges, and that other women are there supporting you and cheering you on.
My hope is that by sharing vulnerable and unfiltered stories, Habituelle can add value to those who follow along. By sharing insightful perspectives, thought-provoking blog articles, and empowering stories, we have the ability to start conversations that are desperately needed to change the lives and future trajectory of women in society.
Consistency (Read: HABITS) is key to building a strong reputation. Habituelle maintains a consistent brand identity across all channels, from social media to the blog and beyond. The Habituelle messaging reflects the values, mission, and commitment to women’s empowerment, reinforcing our reputation as an authentic and thought-provoking brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://habituelleleadership.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_habituelle_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/habituelle/