We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Michelle Hall (Acisse Jay) a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Investing in yourself means prioritizing your personal development, growth, and well-being. When you invest in yourself, you are dedicating time, effort, and resources to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and cultivate your passions. One of the things I tell my mentees, advisees, and anyone who will listen: Invest in yourself. When I say, “Invest in yourself,” I mean self-mentoring with books, seminars, learning new skills, etc., to progress yourself in the direction you want to go. In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, investing in oneself is an act of self-love and self-empowerment. It’s an investment that pays dividends not only in financial success but also in personal fulfillment, happiness, and a life well-lived.

One of the best investments I’ve ever made was investing in private guitar lessons from Mr. Kevin Wilson, Sr. My goal was to get better with music theory and learn my voicing on the guitar, in order to better establish myself as a rock-blues musician. After playing guitar for 12 year or so, I felt like I was becoming stagnant in my playing. In Dec 2021, I started taking weekly lessons from Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson’s resume, as a guitarist, reads like a dissertation. This investment was, as I knew it would be, one of the best investments that I’ve made. There have been so many more opportunities that have come my way just by making the small investment in myself to take private lessons. When you invest in your health and well-being, you have the energy and mindset to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. When you invest in your passions, you find fulfillment and purpose. As Robert F. Smith, the accomplished African American investor, once wisely stated, ‘The most important investment you can make is in yourself.’ These words remind us that our greatest asset is not the money in our bank accounts or the possessions we acquire, but the potential within us.

Jessica Michelle, 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?

If I had to describe myself, I would say that I am a multi-faceted Sr. Clinical Research Associate, Business Consultant, Rockstar, Philanthropist, Advisor, and Professional Auntie, with a passion for changing the space around me to make a positive impact. As a Sr. Clinical Research Associate, I thrive on doing my part to advance medical breakthroughs and improving the lives of patients. In addition to my work in clinical research, I’ve embarked on an exciting journey to merge my two greatest passions, holistic health & music. Through my music, I aim to create a transformative experience that promotes emotional well-being, mindfulness, and mental resilience. I’ve worked with organizations such as SLICE 325, TxLips Academy, Girls Rock Asheville, etc., who have similar goals for health and/or music.

I believe that music has the power to heal and uplift, and I’m dedicated to using it as a tool for holistic healing. As a business consultant, I specialize in guiding artists and organizations to develop a brand that embodies their core principles and missions. I encourage them integrate practices, techniques, and sustainable lifestyles into their journey, ensuring a harmonious and balanced approach to success.

When I’m not immersed in my work, you can find me doing the work I’m most proud of, being a Professional Auntie. I take pride in my commitment to show up , be present, and invest in the happiness and well-being of my little people. I embrace the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those who look up to me.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

As someone who owns several NFTs, I think that NFTs have emerged as a unique and exciting opportunity. I own the Kings of Leon NFTs and, also, one that I’ve created of myself from commissioned art, to name a few. While they may seem unconventional at first glance, investing in NFTs can be approached with a venture capitalist mindset, where the potential for a successful profit lies in identifying the right opportunity. Similar to traditional investments, NFTs hold the potential for value appreciation over time. By acquiring a valuable and desirable NFT, you become a part of a digital ownership ecosystem where scarcity and demand play significant roles. It only takes one well-chosen NFT investment to make a substantial profit, just like any other venture capital endeavor.

When delving into the realm of NFTs, it’s essential to consider factors such as the uniqueness, scarcity, and demand for the artwork, collectible, or digital asset. By evaluating the reputation and track record of the artist or creator, analyzing market trends, and keeping a pulse on the evolving NFT ecosystem, you can make informed investment decisions.
However, it’s important to note that investing in NFTs, like any other investment, carries inherent risks. The market can be volatile, and the value of NFTs can fluctuate. It’s crucial to approach NFT investments with a thorough understanding of the market, a willingness to diversify your portfolio, and the ability to handle potential losses.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Books have a remarkable ability to transform our thinking, challenge our perspectives, and inspire new ideas. As an avid reader with a passion for management and entrepreneurship, I have encountered a treasure trove of literary gems that have left an indelible mark on my professional journey. In this list, I am excited to share with you the 10 books that have had a profound impact on my management and entrepreneurial thinking, shaping my philosophy along the way. Each of these books has provided me with invaluable insights, practical strategies, and thought-provoking concepts that have influenced how I approach leadership, innovation, and business growth.

1. Click: The Magic of Instant Connections – Ori Brafman & Rom Brafman
2. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference – Malcolm Gladwell
3. The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
4. The Five Levels Of Attachment – Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.
5. The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.
6. It’s About Damn Time – Arlan Hamilton, Rachel L. Nelson
7. As A Man Thinketh – James Allen
8. The Art of War – Sun Tzu
9. The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg
10. The 4-hour Workweek – Timothy Ferriss

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.acissejay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acissejayofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcisseJayOfficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/founderjessicamichellehall
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcisseJay
• Other: www.linktree.com/acissejay

Image Credits
Main photo by Bakari DaShawn
Emily-EPPProductions – w/4 piece band