Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica McCoy.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
For 18 years, I lived in the same town, with the same people, and saw them every day. I was ready for change and new people but I was also scared. Being from a small town for sure has its pros and cons but you live and you learn. What you have heard about a small town is true; gossip is a thing and everyone being in your business is no joke, there really are no secrets. You’re always feeling judged, praised for being athletic, or you’re the gossiper. The truth is, growing up here was the best and worst thing.
I am from a very small town in West Texas called Panhandle. Not many people know where it is, but if you do, then I probably know who you are too. My town consisted of about 2,000 people and about 40 in my graduating senior class. I had literally lived there my whole life and although I had some great memories there I knew I needed to move on to something else. I had no clue where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to leave and not go where everyone else was going to college in my town. What I needed was a fresh start.
I moved five hours away from home after graduating and I went to community college in Sherman Tx, where I got my associate’s degree. It was a good entry to knowing what I wanted to do. Living in Sherman, I came across a boutique where I got to work (and still do) called Laurel e. which I believe has completely paved a path of what I wanted to do. From working here, I have found my passion for relationships with people, clothes, and customer service. Learning this about myself, I figured out it was clear what I needed to be doing and that was opening up my own boutique. From there, I decided to transfer over to The University of North Texas where I am currently majoring in Fashion Merchandising. I am a firm believer in thinking that everything happens for a reason and you creating different pathways that all lead to each other. These past three years since I have graduated high school have been nothing but learning and experiences for me. This has helped me to strive and create my own path.
Has it been a smooth road?
Struggles are something I think everyone has to deal with, but I think they lead you to where you are supposed to be. I have changed my major probably five different times thinking about what I needed to do and who I needed to impress but none of that matters at the end of the day. What matters is how you overcome your struggles and deal with them. You can take something positive from your struggles or decide to be negative about everything that comes your way. I think how a person reacts to their struggles shows something about their character, and why don’t we want to be the best version of ourselves we can be?
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As I mentioned before, I work at a boutique called Laurel e. and I absolutely love it. It is truly my passion to build relationships with people, but also while helping them find a cute outfit while doing it! Through being able to work here, I have found out much more about myself than anything else. I am definitely an extrovert and can talk to anyone or anything, I can put an outfit together in no time, and it is my outlet to be creative but also still work a brand and build a business; which is my career goal. While money is important to keep a business going, I have learned that building relationships with customers is more important. People want your help and to be truthful and they will remember that at the end of the day more than how much they spent at your business.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
I think that if people work hard enough they can be well-positioned for anything. It is not always going to be the easiest opportunity, but I may be the greatest reward in the end. However, in times like today, it seems women are more into being entrepreneurs and creators. Women strive in positions like this because they are empathetic, yet have a strong work ethic. Women are open to learning and having knowledge of things and I believe that is why we are becoming so successful. Being open to learning about business, careers, etc., is how people succeed and we are just getting started.
Contact Info:
- Email: jessicamccoyy@gmail.com
- Instagram: Jessicaa.ryan
Image Credit:
Emmi Wilson, Keeley van Allen, and Trey Sheppard
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