Meet Jessica Crouch

We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Crouch recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jessica with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

It’s how I was raised. Growing up on a five generation family farm in Washington State I grew up learning that when crops were ready to harvest, or hay needed to be put up; wether it was hot, raining, you were tired or sick, it had to be done. The animals got fed and stalls cleaned no matter what. Watching TV and playing video games wasn’t a part of my childhood. I sold pumpkins I grew with my grandpa to buy my first bike, knew how to drive a 9N tractor by the age of 10 and have herded loose cows back into the pasture in the middle of the night more times than I can count.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I have a wildly unique western handbag company that I’ve spent 23 years building into the premier luxury brand in our sector. Each piece is created individually by a small team of artisans in our 150 year old historic Weatherford, TX building. I travel to Italy yearly to source only the finest leathers and most original components to feature on our hand tooled and embellished creations, making each a piece of art to be collected and passed down for generations to come.

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?

Instinct. Humility. Goals.

In an industry like mine, you either follow or you lead. The leaders have to take the risks which means trusting my gut and staying true to my style and taste. Sometimes that can be incredibly scary as it requires taking risks that don’t always pan out.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes over the years. Bad business decisions. Bad design decisions, you name it. It’s so important to know your weaknesses and seek advice from those that know more than you. Reach out to anyone and everyone you can, you’ll be shocked the people willing to share their knowledge and expertise if you will just ask.

Set goals, short and long term. It will help you in making each and every decision that comes your way. If it’s not setting you up to meet your goal, don’t do it.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The Purple Cow by Seth Godin.

It’s a marketing book that I go back to again and again. Basically, people don’t respond to what they’ve seen or heard from everyone else. You have to create something unique in order to get their attention and have a chance. Strive to be the “purple cow” in a field of brown ones.

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