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

Jess, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

My brand was born during the pandemic. There was so much grief in the world – anger, sadness, loneliness – everyone was experiencing a traumatic event together, and it made my heart hurt. I had to do something about it – I wanted to reach others and help them – so I created xoLaughlinCo. I had to look into a lot of research because I never thought I’d be the type to own my own business. I spent about 2 months building xo and getting it ready to launch online. I had to register my LLC, purchase my domain, and find other small businesses to partner with and purchase product from. I also had to find a system that would provide me with a website that I could control and design, and secure all of my sales through. I launched my website in Nov. 2020 with my own business profiles on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. I continue to run my company solo, but am looking forward to future growing pains and hiring staff.

Jess, 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?

In 2016, I had a huge loss in my life – My Dad left this world and my heart was broken. In the days following I received 1 very thoughtful gift – It brought me comfort, I felt seen and understood, and for just a moment I felt comfortable with my grief. As I witnessed other friends and family losing loved ones in 2o2o, I knew I had to provide this type of love to others – TA DA – xoLaughlinCo. was born!

xo strives to provide as much good in this world as possible. It’s more than heartfelt gifts and notes. I research my vendors and support other small, usually woman-owned businesses across the country. I try to be as sustainably conscious as possible with my packaging. And most recently, I’m working hard to normalize grief, and all it’s crappy moments, through social content on my business pages.

This year I started wholesaling my cards across the country. xo is now in 6 different states, and continues to grow in this space. To know I can help others understand they’re not alone and seen in this world is more than I could ever ask for. I’m eager and super excited to continue to grow my reach in the wholesale space.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Phew! I feel like this answer could change weekly. I think my constant struggle is trying not to compare where I am in the growth of my brand to other businesses that launched around the same time as me. I have to remind myself to trust the process and stay true to my mission. When I get caught up in comparing xo to other brands, I start to lose my focus and path. Everyday I remind myself that even the tiniest baby steps is helping me reach more people in need.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In April of 2022 I was diagnosed with depression. It was a shock, but I embraced my life in that moment and have been working hard to nurture my mental health ever since. Just like grief, I’ve found the more I share my experience, the more genuine relationships and conversations I have with people. The ones who live it, get it and that can be a huge support system when you’re not having your best day. I’ve restructured my lifestyle, habits, work schedule, and priorities. I’ve always loved helping others, but that also causes me to put others first. I’m learning I need to focus on me, so I can be my best self for my family, friends and clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.xoLaughlinCo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xo_laughlin_co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-laughlin-07624550/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xoLaughlinCo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-laughlin-07624550/
• Other: Faire Wholesale Site: https://faire.com/direct/xolaughlinco