Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Pitre. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jessica, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
In reflecting upon my journey towards developing confidence and self-esteem, I’m reminded of the invaluable lessons imparted by my mother during my early years. As a child, my mom used to have so many discussions with me about things such as building confidence and not caring what others thought of me. I used to listen to what she was trying to convey to me, but ultimately the principles she was talking about felt so abstract. I can remember so vividly being in 8th grade and sitting alone each day with only my Bible, and on occasion, different classmates would come to talk to me. I can remember wishing and praying that I was “normal” because I didn’t want to stand out and be made fun of or teased. You see, to me, I was THAT KID—the kid with big glasses, braces, and in the school band. I was the kid with the rolling backpack that people kicked when they walked by. My self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence were non-existent. I feared simple things, such as walking to the bathroom in front of the class; ultimately, I feared being noticed. As I grew from childhood to young adulthood, that feeling didn’t change. I did everything possible to fit in. I covered myself in a shroud of what I thought I should be instead of being myself. It was not until many years later that I sat and looked at the entirety of my life and realized that I had missed out on so many opportunities because I let my social anxiety and fear of rejection have power over me. The abuse, trauma, and bullying that I experienced during those pivotal years robbed me of my voice. It was not until adulthood that I realized it was my responsibility to find that voice again. When we think of the word “develop,” we have to consider what that word truly means. To develop means to grow or cause to grow and become more mature. It is a process that can be described as a gradual unfolding or evolution. So, as it relates to the development of my esteem, it has truly been a process that I have continued to work on and been deliberate about. I decided to no longer be captive to everyone else’s ideals of who and what I should be, to walk boldly in the truth of my life, and no longer be ashamed of my experiences, both good and bad. I decided to TAKE ACTION and learn to form new habits. For me, that looked like when my natural inclination was to say no to an opportunity, I challenged myself to SAY YES! I got honest with myself about my past hurts and traumas and confronted them head-on because, Hey, this is life! Sometimes it sucks, sometimes it’s hard, but that is actually where the growth is. The growth is in the uncomfortable. If I had stayed comfortable, stuck in my old childhood wounds of abandonment, people-pleasing, and fear, I NEVER would have found the courage to do anything that I have done today. Self-esteem and confidence are muscles that need to be flexed. They need to be worked. When you are first learning to ride a bike, your first time is clumsy and awkward; you may even fall. It is not until you learn to push through the discomfort of those feelings that your ride becomes smoother. So, listen, at the end of the day, we are all like photographs in the dark room that are being developed by our creator, with His purpose for our lives in mind. Remember to show yourself grace as He continues to do a work in you.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my journey with you. As the founder of Girlfriends Ink, I’ve embarked on a mission to cultivate more than just beautiful journals and planners; I’ve created a sisterhood—a supportive community of women who are dedicated to crafting lives fueled by purpose and productivity.
What sets Girlfriends Ink apart is its essence of empowerment and inspiration. We believe in the transformative power of community, where women uplift and support each other on their journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment. Our brand isn’t just about stationery; it’s about fostering connections and empowering women to embrace their authenticity.
One of the most exciting aspects of Girlfriends Ink is witnessing the impact it has on women’s lives. Seeing our community members flourish, gain confidence, and pursue their passions is incredibly rewarding. We’ve created a space where women feel valued, heard, and encouraged to dream big.
In terms of new developments, we’re always striving to expand our offerings and provide more value to our community. We have exciting plans for upcoming events that will further strengthen the bonds within our sisterhood and offer valuable resources for personal and professional growth. Additionally, we’re constantly innovating our product line to meet the evolving needs of our community.
At the heart of Girlfriends Ink is a commitment to authenticity, empowerment, and sisterhood. Whether it’s through our products, events, or online community, we aim to inspire women to live boldly and authentically. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us next.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have been incredibly impactful are resilience, authenticity, and community-building.
Resilience: Throughout my journey, I’ve faced numerous challenges and setbacks. However, it was my resilience that allowed me to persevere through difficult times and continue moving forward. My ability to bounce back from adversity has been essential in overcoming obstacles and staying committed to my goals. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience by reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth, maintaining a positive mindset, and seeking support from mentors and peers during tough times.
Authenticity: Embracing my authentic self has been a game-changer in my journey. By staying true to who I am and what I believe in, I’ve been able to create a brand that resonates with others on a deep level. Authenticity fosters trust and connection, both of which are vital in building a strong community and attracting like-minded individuals. To those starting out, I recommend embracing your uniqueness, being genuine in your interactions, and staying true to your values. Authenticity is magnetic and will draw people to you who share your vision and passion.
Community-building: Building a supportive community around my brand has been instrumental in its success. Cultivating meaningful relationships with customers, collaborators, and fellow entrepreneurs has not only provided valuable support and guidance but has also helped me expand my reach and impact. My advice for those early in their journey is to prioritize community-building from the outset. Invest time and effort into nurturing relationships, both online and offline. Actively engage with your audience, provide value, and foster a sense of belonging. A strong community will be your greatest asset as you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
In summary, resilience, authenticity, and community-building have been key pillars of my journey. By focusing on developing these qualities, aspiring entrepreneurs can better navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and create meaningful connections that fuel their success.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always eager to collaborate with individuals and organizations who share my passion for empowerment, personal development, and community building. Specifically, I’m seeking partnerships with fellow entrepreneurs, mental health advocates, educators, and youth-focused organizations.
If you’re someone who is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others and shares my vision for creating a supportive community centered around personal growth and empowerment, I would love to connect with you. Whether you’re interested in co-hosting events, facilitating workshops on mental health, planning and goal setting, or working together to empower youth and teen girls, there are countless opportunities for collaboration.
Additionally, if you’re seeking a keynote speaker for your event or workshop, I would be honored to share my story and insights on topics such as resilience, authenticity, and building confidence. My goal is to inspire and empower others to embrace their true selves, pursue their passions, and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
If you’re interested in collaborating or learning more about how we can work together, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can connect with me through email (info@girlfriendsink), and I look forward to exploring how we can make a positive impact together. Let’s join forces to uplift and empower others on their journey towards personal growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.girlfriendsink.com
- Instagram: @girlfriendsink
- Facebook: @girlfriendsink
- Twitter: @girlfriendsink
