We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Keesee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back into time, I would’ve started in 2018 when I wanted to. I didn’t believe in myself enough to do it and Mother’s Day of 2020 during Covid, I decided to bet on myself. I wish I would have had the courage to start when I originally wanted to not when it finally felt safe to me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jessica Keesee, and I am a Certified Life Coach and the proud Director of Living Well With Jess Foundation. I’m also a published author of 3 books, a motivational speaker, a podcast and TV show host, and a wedding officiant. I’d love to share a bit about myself, how I ventured into this transformative field, and what Living Well With Jess stands for. The journey into life coaching began during one of the most challenging times in recent history—the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, as the world grappled with uncertainty and isolation, I realized the profound need for effective communication, self-love, and healthy boundaries. These core values became the foundation of Living Well With Jess, a platform dedicated to helping individuals navigate their personal and emotional landscapes.

At Living Well With Jess, we offer services designed to empower, inspire, and transform lives. Our primary focus is on teaching individuals how to express themselves clearly and constructively through effective communication. We guide clients in creating healthy boundaries that protect their well-being, ensuring they can maintain positive relationships without compromising their own needs. Additionally, we encourage self-love and acceptance, helping people embrace their true selves and find inner strength. By fostering empowerment, we enable individuals to lean into their inherent strengths and capabilities, rather than being swayed by external opinions. Our holistic approach aims to nurture growth and well-being in every aspect of life.

At our core, we are dedicated to helping our clients overcome a diverse array of challenges that life presents. Whether it’s conquering self-doubt and negative self-talk, managing challenging relationships, or coping with stress and anxiety, we provide the support and tools needed for personal growth. Our services also focus on improving both personal and professional connections, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and communication. Additionally, we emphasize developing resilience and boosting self-esteem, empowering our clients to navigate life with confidence and strength. Through our comprehensive approach, we strive to cultivate well-being and fulfillment in every individual’s journey.

What truly sets Living Well With Jess apart is our holistic and individualized approach. We recognize that every person’s journey is unique, and we tailor our coaching strategies to meet each individual’s specific needs. We are also deeply committed to fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment where our clients can thrive.

To our potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Living Well With Jess is here to support you in your journey towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. Our mission is to help you unlock your potential, embrace your authentic self, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace. We believe in the power of effective communication, healthy boundaries, and self-love, and we are committed to helping you harness these tools to create a life you love.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a life coach, I’ve always been dedicated to helping others navigate their challenges, but life has a way of reminding us that we, too, are human. On August 23, 2023, I was hit with a wave of anxiety that has yet to subside, leading me on a journey I never anticipated. In the past year, I’ve found myself in the hospital 15 times, each visit a testament to my struggle. One particularly harrowing experience was an allergic reaction to medication intended to treat my anxiety, which caused my throat to close up. The fear and uncertainty that accompanied these moments were overwhelming.

Sleepless nights became a common occurrence, and I felt as though the person I once was had been stripped away. It was a daunting and isolating experience. However, through this turmoil, I discovered a resilience I never knew I had. I began to set healthy boundaries, understanding that my well-being had to come first. Grounding techniques and spending time outdoors became my solace, a way to reconnect with myself and the world around me.

Most importantly, this journey taught me to appreciate and love myself in a way I never had before. I learned to extend grace to myself, to recognize my worth, and to celebrate small victories. While the anxiety remains a part of my life, it no longer defines me. Instead, it has become a catalyst for growth, self-discovery, and resilience.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2012, I met the love of my life who happened to be in the military. On June 10, 2016, we got married, and my life changed drastically. Before we married, I’d been working at Walmart in the money center. My life was far from perfect; I had been arrested a few times, faced a couple of repossessions, experienced evictions, and didn’t even have a driver’s license.

In order to be in this marriage, I had to not only get myself together personally but also clean up the messes I had in my life. This required a significant pivot. I went from working in retail to being a government employee and a military spouse within a year. The shift was monumental, both personally and professionally.

I always say that marrying my wife forced me to truly see who I was intended to be and the importance of being connected to the right person. The doors that opened for me because of our marriage allowed me to walk in my purpose with my head held high. This pivot was not just about changing jobs or titles; it was about transforming my entire life. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of love and support in achieving one’s true potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://livingwellwithjess.com
• Instagram: LivingWellWithJess2020
• Facebook: Living Well With Jess LLC
• Linkedin: LivingWellWithJess