Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jessica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Yes, I am undeniably happier as a business owner. There’s a profound sense of ownership and fulfillment that comes from building something from the ground up. However, that doesn’t mean it’s always sunshine and rainbows.
Yes, I absolutely have those moments where the thought of a ‘regular job’ creeps in. The last time it happened vividly was about three weeks ago. I’d been battling with some frustrating algorithm changes that were impacting my content reach. Then, I received a barrage of, let’s just say, ‘less than constructive’ comments on a video I’d poured my heart into. Finally, several project realignments had me battling with changes to our calendar and itineraries that we had spent days constructing.

I remember feeling this wave of exhaustion. The to-do list was endless, the technology was fighting me, and I was dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of online feedback. It felt like I was constantly navigating a digital minefield.
In that moment, the thought of a ‘regular job’ was incredibly appealing. But it wasn’t just the idea of less stress. It was also the memory of my previous 9-to-5 life. I remember the fluorescent lighting that gave me constant headaches, the cubicle that felt like a tiny box, and the limited opportunities for travel. I remember feeling trapped, knowing that my weekends were the only time I could truly experience the world. While I also imagined the weekends free from work, the evenings spent relaxing, and the absence of that constant, low-level anxiety that comes with entrepreneurship, the idea of going back to that, of sitting in an office for 20 or more years, honestly, it made me feel a deep sense of sadness and almost a physical sense of illness.

Then, as the initial wave of exhaustion subsided, I started to reflect. I thought about the moments of exhilaration when a video resonated deeply with my audience, the joy of sharing the beauty of Texas and beyond, and the feeling of connection I have with the incredible people who follow my journey. I remembered the creative freedom, the ability to shape my own narrative, and the impact I was making by inspiring others to explore.

I realized that while a ‘regular job’ might offer temporary relief from the stress, it wouldn’t provide the same level of fulfillment. More importantly, it wouldn’t give me the freedom I cherish. I wouldn’t be able to travel and experience the world as I do now, sharing those experiences with my audience. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to connect with such amazing people, and to see my content inspire travel and create a sense of community. I wouldn’t be able to use my creativity, learn, and grow as I do through my media company. And honestly, the wonderful audience I’ve built, the positive connections, and the ability to share my passion for travel, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

The conclusion I came to was that the challenges of content creation and entrepreneurship are the price I pay for the rewards. It’s a trade-off, and for me, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. I’ve since implemented better content backup processes, and have found ways to filter out the most damaging comments. And I have also spent more time learning about algorithm changes. Each of these things make my business stronger.

Ultimately, I’ve learned that it’s not about avoiding stress altogether, but about managing it effectively and staying focused on the bigger picture. And, to be honest, I’ll choose the roller coaster of creating and sharing my passion over a traditional job every time.

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 Jessica Serna, a proud native Texan from San Antonio and the founder of My Curly Adventures, a media company focused on sharing the wonders of Texas travel. As the original and #1 Texas Travel Influencer, I’ve dedicated myself to inspiring people to explore the incredible destinations right here in our own backyard, supporting local businesses along the way.

My journey began after a life-changing five-month stay in Granada, Spain during college. Returning to Dallas, I craved that adventurous spirit but realized constant international travel wasn’t feasible with a 9-to-5 job. That’s when I discovered the wealth of experiences Texas had to offer for weekend getaways. Sharing these adventures on Instagram ignited a passion and revealed a need for local travel resources, leading to the birth of My Curly Adventures.

What sets me apart is my deep connection to Texas and my commitment to making travel accessible. Unlike many travel resources that focused on far-off destinations, I honed in on Texas, creating in-depth travel guides and resources that help thousands discover exciting activities nearby. My husband and I spend nearly every week exploring different Texas cities, uncovering hidden gems, waterfalls, and unique experiences. I’m passionate about highlighting places that may be overlooked and inspiring people to consider destinations they hadn’t thought of before.

I provide a range of services and creative works, including detailed travel blogs, engaging social media content, and a Texas travel guide carried in stores across the state. I’ve also served as a Texas spokesperson for brands like Lonely Planet, appeared on news stations, and contributed to publications like Dallas Observer and Travel Texas. Beyond content creation, I offer social media and business strategy courses, speaking engagements, and corporate training, empowering other aspiring content creators and businesses.

I’m most proud of building a community of over 1 million Texans and hearing stories of how I’ve inspired them to travel and support local businesses. I want potential followers to know that my brand is all about authentic experiences, genuine passion for Texas, and a commitment to making travel accessible to everyone. I’m not just sharing destinations; I’m building a community and fostering a love for the Lone Star State.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is something I’m deeply passionate about, especially in a creative industry like media. My approach centers around fostering a supportive and empowering environment.

First and foremost, open communication is key. I strive to create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and even concerns. This means being transparent about business decisions and actively listening to team feedback. I believe in providing an open relationship where teammates feel comfortable asking me or other team members questions without hesitation. No question is too small or insignificant.

I also understand the importance of flexibility. I allow team members to work hours at their discretion and preference, recognizing that everyone has different rhythms and peak productivity times. Similarly, I support a “work from anywhere” policy. Whether it’s from their home office, a coffee shop, or even while traveling, I trust my team to get the job done wherever they feel most inspired.

Encouraging travel and work-life balance is not just a perk, it’s a core value. I believe that stepping away from the desk and experiencing new places can spark creativity and prevent burnout. I actively encourage my team to take time off, explore, and prioritize their personal lives.

Finally, I strongly believe in giving my team freedom of creativity and input. I value their unique perspectives and encourage them to contribute ideas and take ownership of their projects. When people feel empowered to be creative and have a say in their work, they are more engaged and motivated. This not only leads to higher morale but also to better, more innovative outcomes.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation within any market takes time and dedication, and I’m proud of how My Curly Adventures has grown. I believe several key factors have contributed to building my reputation within the Texas travel market.

Initially, it was simply sharing my local travels and finding that people genuinely loved it and wanted more. That organic response was incredibly validating and spurred me to continue creating authentic content. I focused on real-life, relatable locations that people could actually visit, and I presented them in a visually appealing and upbeat way.

Authenticity has always been paramount. I made a point to share both the good and sometimes less-positive aspects of the places we visited, but I always framed it in a positive light. People appreciated the honesty and felt like they were getting a genuine perspective.

Being one of the first to really niche down to the smaller Texas towns also played a huge role. While others focused on major cities and international travel, sharing the well-known tourist spots, I found a unique space by highlighting the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. This resonated with people who were looking for something different and helped me establish myself as an expert in those areas.

Including my husband and myself in our videos and keeping the brand cohesive and consistent made My Curly Adventures more personal and relatable. People felt like they were following a journey with real people, not just a faceless brand.

Engagement has been crucial. I made a conscious effort to respond to all comments, and I genuinely considered the responses, suggestions, and interests of my followers. Their feedback has shaped so much of what I do.

Finally, I started encouraging brands and experiences to provide giveaways for my audience. This wasn’t just about me getting to explore; it was about sharing the fun and creating a sense of community. By giving back to my followers, I strengthened our connection and built trust. All of these elements combined have helped me build a reputation as a trusted and authentic voice in the Texas travel market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mycurlyadventures.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycurlyadventures_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyCurlyAdventures/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mycurlyadventures/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyCurlyAdventures