We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jess Crane a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jess, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience is deeply rooted in both my upbringing and my life experiences. Growing up on a crop farm in the Midwest taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. As the only girl among a brother and three male cousins, I quickly learned how to keep up, compete, and hold my own. Being tall from a young age also shaped my character—I often stood out, which pushed me to develop inner strength and confidence.
While I’ve always been a fast learner, my parents’ example showed me that true success comes from consistent follow-through and unwavering commitment. Farm life is demanding; it requires resilience to manage the unpredictable nature of weather, long hours, and the constant need for problem-solving. That environment instilled in me a mindset of persistence and adaptability.
I’ve also always felt deeply attuned to the energy and emotions of those around me. From a young age, I recognized the importance of empathy and standing up for others. My height often made me feel different, but it also gave me a sense of responsibility to support those who felt overlooked. Facing moments of exclusion or emotional challenges heightened my awareness of others’ struggles, reinforcing my desire to uplift those around me.
Over time, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about pushing through hardship—it’s about maintaining perspective. Understanding that life’s difficulties are only part of a larger journey has allowed me to remain grounded. This mindset enables me to stay strong in adversity while embracing moments of growth and joy along the way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m currently active in the nonprofit space as a volunteer, leader, and consultant, using my skills in marketing, PR, and strategy to support organizations that make a meaningful impact. One of the key organizations I’ve worked with is The Will County Threshermen’s Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and showcasing historical agricultural equipment. This group educates the public about vintage machinery and farming processes, with their signature event—a four-day agricultural history experience held each July—bringing history to life for attendees of all ages. My work with the organization has focused on expanding outreach, attracting younger generations to ensure the legacy continues, and creating accessible donation and revenue channels to strengthen their financial stability.
I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Apparel Industry Board Inc. Chicago (AIBI Chicago), an organization dedicated to supporting the sewn products industry. AIBI provides essential programming, resources, and advocacy for designers, manufacturers, and businesses in the apparel sector, playing a vital role in preserving and advancing Chicago’s rich fashion history.
In 2025, I became the Regional Director of Fashion Group International of Chicago (FGI Chicago). Founded in 1930, FGI is a global nonprofit organization that connects and supports professionals across fashion, beauty, design, and related industries. As the leading organization for Chicago’s fashion community, FGI Chicago is dedicated to fostering connections, providing educational opportunities, and celebrating creative achievements.
Beyond my nonprofit work, I am also a multidisciplinary creative. I write and perform music, create visual art, and am actively developing my own apparel designs, which I plan to launch in the future. My creative endeavors reflect my commitment to innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship — values that resonate across all areas of my work.
I’m passionate about connecting communities, celebrating heritage, and building pathways for future generations to thrive. Whether it’s through supporting nonprofit initiatives, collaborating with fellow creatives, or exploring new artistic expressions, I’m driven by a desire to uplift others and inspire meaningful connections.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I believe three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey: problem-solving, observation and listening, and effective communication. Each has played a crucial role in my growth, both personally and professionally.
1. Problem-Solving and Adaptability
One pivotal moment that shaped this mindset happened when I was a child. I remember my dad working to fix an electronic device in our home. I asked him, “How do you know how to fix that?” He replied, “I don’t — but I’m going to figure it out.” That moment stayed with me and became a guiding principle throughout my life. It taught me that I don’t need to have all the answers right away — I just need the confidence and perseverance to figure things out. This mindset has fueled my ability to adapt, troubleshoot, and take on new challenges, whether in creative projects, leadership roles, or business strategy.
Advice: Develop this skill by embracing curiosity. Don’t be afraid to try new things or step outside your comfort zone. Mistakes and failures are valuable learning tools — they teach you resilience and adaptability.
2. Observation and Listening
Understanding the strengths, struggles, and motivations of those around you is key to building strong relationships and successful teams. Paying attention to both what’s said and what’s unsaid allows you to better connect with others, anticipate challenges, and create impactful solutions. I’ve found that taking time to observe and listen creates space for people to share their ideas, fostering collaboration and mutual respect.
Advice: Engage in meaningful conversations — ask questions and listen without judgment. Seek to understand not just what someone is saying, but why they feel that way. This deeper understanding will enhance your ability to lead, connect, and build trust.
3. Effective Communication
I cannot overstate the importance of clear communication. Whether it’s sharing ideas, raising concerns, or offering updates, effective communication ensures everyone is aligned and equipped to succeed. I’ve also learned that communication isn’t always about words. Some of my most successful collaborations have come from using visual tools to help others see what I see. Visual storytelling, diagrams, or mood boards can be powerful ways to ensure your message resonates — especially when working with clients, creatives, or teams with diverse learning styles.
Advice: Improve communication by identifying different learning styles — some people retain information best through visuals, others through hands-on practice, writing, or listening. By adapting your communication style to fit your audience, you’ll improve clarity and build stronger connections.
In the end, my best advice is to stay open to learning, embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth, and seek meaningful conversations with those around you. Every experience — even the challenging ones — offers a chance to develop these valuable skills.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is my health. I was diagnosed with a rare, incurable disease that presents various difficulties in my daily life. While this has been both frustrating and humbling, it has also given me a new understanding and perspective on life. Every moment feels more valuable and precious, and I’m deeply grateful to still be here doing the things I love.
Living with this condition has taught me important lessons about balance, boundaries, and intentionality. I’ve had to become more thoughtful about how I manage my time, energy, and commitments. This has meant learning to prioritize what truly matters — dedicating myself to projects, people, and experiences that align with my values and bring me joy. I’ve also had to let go of things that are counterproductive to my well-being.
One of the most meaningful steps I’ve taken is learning to communicate openly about my limitations. By being transparent with others, I’ve been able to find new ways to stay involved in the causes and communities I care about. This has often meant collaborating with others to create more accessible opportunities — something I may not have considered in the past when I felt I had to take everything on myself.
While this journey has brought challenges, it has also strengthened my resilience, deepened my appreciation for those around me, and reminded me that adaptability is key. I’ve learned that success doesn’t always mean pushing harder — sometimes it means stepping back, asking for support, and finding new ways to engage that honor my capabilities.
Above all, this experience has reminded me that strength isn’t just about powering through — it’s about embracing change, showing vulnerability, and finding purpose in the path forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jesscrane.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesscranedesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessCraneDesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cranejess/
- Twitter: https://x.com/JessCraneDesign
- Other: I have other Instagram accounts which you can find linked in my Instagram bio.
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