We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Young a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Kindness. There have been many times over the course of my life when I have been the only one in the room that is “different”. I have found that many find my energy of putting, or perhaps it’s the look on my face, or the way I am dressed.
People always seem to be surprised when I offer a smile, and kind words. I can feel their energy shift immediately!
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?
When i had my first child, we moved from the city to the woods. I had never resided fully enclosed by the forest and I quickly found it was where I should have been all along.
I have felt such a strong connection to the forest and to nature in general my whole life, so to be submersed in it naturally I was inspired.
I decided to test my hand at candle making, hand pouring candles on every full moon. I enlisted the help of local fine artist, Tehya Sullivan to design my logo, a lone wolf howling at the moon in the forest. And so Black Wolf Lodge began.
Since its creation in 2017, I have expanded into crafting not only full moon candles but other hand made treasures as well, talismans being a favorite of mine.
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?
1. Courage 2. Fortitude 3. Belief
You must believe in yourself and what you have to offer the world. If you do not believe you will succeed, you will have no success. Having the courage to take the leap, and the fortitude to see it through. If you fail, learn from it and keep going.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My husband, Brice Niebuhr. He always supports me, when I began my journey here, he immediately helped to build my candle area. He came out and poured the candles with me, he went to markets, helped load, gave advice on my set ups, etc.
He always has supported me with words of encouragement, advice, and love.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwolflodge.wa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwolflodge.wa
- Other: blackwolflodge.etsy.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@blackwolflodge
Image Credits
N/A
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
