We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica McDermott a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
Who is your hero and why?
I have several heroes who have shaped my life in different ways, but without question, my biggest hero is my mom. She is the very definition of a resilient woman. I genuinely believe she has supernatural strength—physical, emotional, and spiritual. When I think of the scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), I see my mom as the living, breathing example of that verse.
She’s endured so much in life—things that would break most people—but somehow, she continues to walk in love, grace, and compassion. No matter what life throws at her, she remains anchored in her faith, and that has influenced me more than words can say.
What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?
My mom taught me that true strength isn’t about how loud you are or how tough you seem on the outside. True strength is quiet, consistent, and rooted in love. She has shown me that kindness is not weakness, and service is not slavery—it’s actually a calling.
Even now, as a grown woman who’s married and navigating life, my mom still shows up for me in ways big and small. I often have to tell her, “Mommy, chita non!” (which means “Sit down, please!” in Creole) because she’s always trying to do something—cook for me, clean something, bring me food, pray over me. That’s just who she is.
Any relevant stories or anecdotes to help us understand who she is and how she’s impacted you?
There are so many stories I could tell, but one that really stands out is when one of my cousins was getting married in Haiti. My mom was so excited—she genuinely celebrates the wins of her nieces and nephews like they’re her own children. She told my aunty not to worry about a thing and took it upon herself to buy everything for the wedding. I’m talking about decor, supplies, clothing—everything.
Unfortunately, the cargo ship carrying all the items sank on its way to Haiti. Most people would have broken down or just said, “Well, I tried.” But not my mom. She called her sister and said, “Don’t worry—I will make sure your daughter still has a beautiful wedding.” And she kept her word. She somehow found the resources, made arrangements, and ensured that everything was taken care of all over again. The wedding went on, and it was beautiful.
That’s just one example, but I could go on and on. She’s paid school fees for nieces and nephews in Haiti, taken care of family members without anyone asking, and constantly looks out for those around her—often before taking care of herself.
Her life is truly a ministry of service. She doesn’t just say she loves—she shows it in action, again and again. Watching her live like that has shaped how I move in the world. It’s taught me to give freely, love deeply, and always trust that God will make a way, just like He always has for her.
Jessica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For those who may not know me yet, allow me to introduce myself and the heart behind Soulful Expressions.
My name is Jessica McDermott—also known as Minister Jess—and I’m the founder and creative behind Soulful Expressions, a purpose-driven brand that blends inspiration, creativity, and heart. Soulful Expressions was birthed from a deep desire to create meaningful products that speak to the soul—whether through words, visuals, or thoughtful design.
While my faith is a big part of who I am, Soulful Expressions is a brand that serves all people. It’s built on love, hope, and the power of expression. Whether you’re walking through a hard season, celebrating a special moment, or simply looking for something uplifting, our products are designed to connect with you right where you are.
What We Offer
Soulful Expressions creates intentional and impactful products, including:
Custom Mugs & Gift Designs – Personalized for individuals, ministries, and businesses, perfect for milestones or moments of encouragement.
Lifestyle Products & Apparel – Items that inspire and empower with a message.
Children’s Creative Projects – Like our coloring book Bean’s Journey in Jamaica, which celebrates culture and childhood milestones.
Daily Inspirational Quote Content – Shared on our platforms to uplift and speak directly to real-life moments.
The Promise Box 🌈👶🏽
One of the most meaningful creations from Soulful Expressions is The Promise Box, a vision given to me by God to support women who are believing Him for the gift of a child. Each box includes:
A baby onesie
A cozy blanket
A faith journal
A vial of Oil of Gladness
It’s a tender reminder that God is a promise keeper, even in seasons of waiting. The first Promise Box recipient is now holding her beautiful baby boy—a living testimony that God hears, sees, and answers.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes Soulful Expressions unique is the heart and intention behind everything we do. Our products aren’t just pretty or trendy—they’re purposeful. Whether it’s a mug with meaning, a box full of hope, or a quote that speaks life, each piece is designed to uplift, inspire, and restore.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the lives touched, the testimonies shared, and the moments where people have felt seen and loved through our work. I’m proud of staying true to the vision and showing up with consistency, even behind the scenes.
What You Should Know About Soulful Expressions
This brand is built to serve hearts. We create with love, design with purpose, and speak to the soul. Soulful Expressions is more than a business—it’s a reminder that even in the smallest expression, there can be great impact.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that stands out in my journey—and one I’ll never forget—involves my first big order. A major client had placed an order for about 50 custom t-shirts, and I was excited, nervous, and ready to deliver excellence. But somewhere in our communication, there was a misunderstanding. She thought she had told me the exact date she needed them by, but I hadn’t received that detail.
Then came the shock: I found out that she needed all 50 shirts the very next day. I had just 24 hours to make it happen.
At first, I panicked. It felt impossible. My mind was racing, my hands were trembling, and doubt started creeping in. But in that moment, I stopped, I prayed, and I reminded myself of who I am and who I belong to. That situation taught me one of the greatest lessons about resilience: it’s not just about strength or hustle—it’s about prayer and strategy.
After praying, I felt peace and clarity. I mapped out a plan, gathered what I needed, and went into full production mode. I worked tirelessly, but I was calm—because I knew God was with me in it. And guess what? I delivered every shirt on time. The client was happy, and I learned that with God, no mountain is too big.
That experience didn’t just build my confidence—it built my character. It showed me that challenges aren’t always setbacks; sometimes, they’re training grounds. And it reminded me that grace, grit, and God can take you further than talent alone ever could.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that you should only support people who support you. For a long time, I carried that mindset—thinking, “Why should I pour into someone who’s never shown up for me?” It felt fair. It felt protective. But over time, God began to challenge that thinking.
There was a moment when I had gone out of my way to promote someone, sow into their project, and speak life over their vision. But when it was my turn—when I launched something meaningful—they were completely silent. No repost. No encouragement. Not even a “congrats.” And it stung.
That moment could’ve made my heart hard. But instead, it became a moment of refining. God gently reminded me: “Do it for Me, not for them.”
I had to unlearn the idea that everything needs to be reciprocal. I had to let go of the need for acknowledgment and validation. Now, I do what I do with pure motives—whether or not people clap, share, or show up. I give, support, and serve unto God, not man. And when I move like that, I never miss my reward—because I know He sees everything.
Unlearning that mindset brought me freedom. Now, I support freely, love deeply, and move without expecting anything in return. Because at the end of the day, obedience brings glory to God—and that’s what it’s all about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soulful-expressions-llc.printify.me/
- Instagram: soulfulexpressions23 & jesspurplesky
- Facebook: Jessica McDermott
- Youtube: @JessPurpleSky
