Meet Jessie Clayton

We recently connected with Jessie Clayton and have shared our conversation below.

Jessie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

As a high-functioning autistic female, I have often found myself being “the only one in the room” who looks, thinks, or communicates the way I do, at least that is how I feel. At first, that felt intimidating and put me on high alert hoping I could catch all the social cues and tones! I used to wonder if I belonged, or if others would see me as “normal”. Over time, I realized that what makes me different is also what makes me effective.

I have learned to lean into my strengths: my attention to detail, deep focus, and ability to think creatively about problems. Where others may overlook something, I often catch it. When a conversation takes twists and turns, I am the one remembering the bigger picture and connecting the dots.

But success has not only come from what I do, it is also comes from how I have grown. I have had to practice self-advocacy, asking for what I need instead of assuming others will notice. I have worked on building flexibility, knowing that not every room is designed with me in mind, but I can still show up fully as myself. Most importantly, I have stopped trying to “blend in” and started embracing the value of standing out.

Now, being the only one in the room no longer feels like a disadvantage everytime, it feels like an opportunity. It means I bring a perspective that might not otherwise be heard. And in publishing the Neighbors of West Buda magazine, I get to turn that difference into a strength, helping connect voices and stories across our community that might otherwise be overlooked.

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 am the Publisher of Neighbors of West Buda, a community magazine that is mailed directly to the residents of West Buda every month. What excites me most about this work is that it is not just a magazine, it is a bridge. Every issue connects neighbors to one another, introduces families to the businesses that serve them, and highlights the good things happening right here in our community.

What feels most special to me is seeing how stories bring people together. Whether it is a feature on a local family, an article from a small business, or coverage of a community event, there is always this moment where someone says, “I did not know that about my neighbor!” That spark of connection is exactly why I do what I do.

Professionally, I am focused on growing partnerships with local businesses who want to be more than just advertisers. They want to be true neighbors. Our magazine gives them a trusted way to connect with families in a meaningful and lasting way. I also host and partner on community events, bringing businesses and residents together outside the pages of the magazine.

Looking ahead, I am excited about expanding the reach of Neighbors of West Buda through more collaborations, new community spotlights, and events that celebrate the people who make this area such a special place to live. My goal is simple: to help our community feel more connected, supported, and seen.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I believe the most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, building relationships, and embracing what makes me different.

Resilience has been essential because challenges are unavoidable. There are moments of doubt, unexpected setbacks, and personal struggles. What has mattered most is the ability to rise again, adapt, and continue forward. For those just beginning, I encourage viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than barriers.

Building relationships has also been a cornerstone of my success. Publishing, and life in general, is not only about knowledge but also about people. Genuine connections create trust, collaboration, and opportunity. For those early in their journey, I recommend showing up, asking questions, and giving to others before expecting anything in return.

Finally, learning to embrace what makes me different has been transformative. For a long time I did not know why I struggled with too much social interaction or why I missed the mark on idenifing other’s intentions but everything shifted when I began to see my perspective as a high functioning autistic female as a strength rather than a limitation. My attention to detail, creativity, and unique way of seeing the world have shaped my path and opened doors. My advice is to value the qualities that set you apart. Those differences are not weaknesses, they are advantages.

When I reflect on my journey, I see that resilience, authentic relationships, and self-acceptance are the qualities that have carried me through the difficult moments and made the achievements deeply meaningful.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past twelve months, my biggest area of growth has been learning how to step more confidently into leadership and visibility. As a publisher, I have tend to worked behind the scenes to connect people, tell stories, and highlight the voices of others. This year, I have challenged myself to be more present in front of the community, whether that means hosting events, building partnerships, or sharing my own story more openly….and of course, more social media! Its a struggle for me. I do not like attention on me.

This shift has not been easy. It required me to push past anxiety in large groups and to accept that my voice and perspective also matter. By showing up more fully, I have not only grown personally but also seen how it strengthens the impact of the magazine. When people see me advocating for local businesses and residents, they understand that the magazine is not just a publication, it is a reflection of real relationships and real investment in the community.

The growth has come from being willing to get uncomfortable, to practice skills that once felt foreign, and to embrace the responsibility of being a connector. I am proud of how far I have come, and I am excited to keep building on that growth in the year ahead.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bestversionmedia.com/magazines/neighborsofwestbuda
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_clayton_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-clayton-7087a5353/