Meet Jean Walton

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jean Walton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jean below.

Hi Jean, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I’ve always had a tendency to get over things quickly. I never quite knew where that came from or why I was able to do that.

When I first embarked on my journey as an entrepreneur, I did a lot of “how to grow your business” reading. Oddly enough, the books that I encountered weren’t only about the steps to start a business, but also on how to really get to know yourself to make sure that you could apply your strengths and talents to your business endeavors after you discover them.

What I began to learn about myself, was that growing up in the middle of a large family shaped who I am now. When there’s a lot of different personalities to contend with, it really makes one adaptable to most situations.

I think I can also thank my humble beginnings for my resilient nature. When you don’t have a lot growing up, it makes you appreciate your blessings more. In my opinion, that’s the key component to finding the silver linings and not dwelling on negativity.

Entrepreneurship is a tumultuous journey of ups and downs so it’s really important to be able to dust yourself off and keep going. Otherwise, we might hold ourselves back from accomplishing our goals if we don’t look at setbacks as an opportunity to take a new approach.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Two years ago, I had no idea that I would be an entrepreneur. I was a divorced, single-mom and retail visual merchandising manager. I always had big dreams though, to one day own my own business.

Today, I’m still a divorced, single-mom and retail visual merchandising manager. But I’m also an event organizer, event space owner, networking group founder, author, publisher, and salon owner.

How did all that happen in the course of two years? One day I decided I was going to start saying yes to every opportunity that came my way to see what life would bring. And the thing about opportunities is that once you start embracing them, they just keep coming.

I’ve always had a passion for supporting small businesses and finding fun events in the community. I realized that those things contributed to my favorite memories over the years. Unique and memorable experiences are what I treasure the most. I decided this was something the community needed more of and committed myself to start a business that focused on those “everyday adventure” experiences.

It was hard to get other people to see my vision in the beginning. Just putting together some themed events wasn’t enough. I needed a niche and quickly realized that it was my women connections that inspired me to create this. My relationships and memories made with my mom, my daughter, my sisters and my girlfriends are so important to me—not to mention, all the times I’ve seen women show up to support each other, cheer for one another, and be inspired by other women’s accomplishments. Everyday Adventures became “Everyday Girl Adventures”

I began attending networking events to make connections and learn from people on their own entrepreneurial journeys. Starting my business with only my ideas made me feel like a misfit in the business world. And since I still had my day job, I didn’t have the availability to join traditional networking groups. Knowing there had to be others out there that might relate to that, I made the decision to found a group called MissFit Networking—where every “miss” fits. On Monday evenings, we showcase a different woman owned business and experience her unique services firsthand, all while making genuine connections with like-minded individuals. Before I knew it, women entrepreneurs of all types started seeking me out and volunteering to be showcased. This opened up so many opportunities.

Through those connections and partnerships, doors literally opened. I have since founded a woman’s social club, designed an event space, and authored and published my own collection of stories through my Everyday Girl Adventures brand. I also recently acquired ownership of a salon and spa, that I named Local Legends, as another avenue to support small businesses and bring community together through fun, self-care events.

I’m finding that my passion for the family we create through community knows no limits.
My hope through all these endeavors is to inspire others to embrace their passions through their own everyday adventures.

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?
Share the journey. Enthusiasm is infectious and inspiring to others. Not to mention, I couldn’t do any of this without the encouragement and support of my amazing business partner, Jaime, my daughter, Reese, social media manager, Teresa, and all the other women who have joined us.

But, at some point, you have to believe in yourself too. And if you can remind yourself that you’re capable of anything you put your mind to, you will find the strength within to pursue your passions. It’s not an easy road, but nothing amazing comes without putting in the tough work first. That’s what makes it all the more fulfilling when success finally comes.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am on a constant quest to find partnership opportunities with other women and small businesses that want to join me on this journey. Here are some of the ways to get involved:

Everyday Girl Adventures Social Club is a great way to connect with other women in the community. We offer fun and unique events each month through our membership program, as well as affordable rental options for private use of our event space. Join the fun at everydaygirladventures.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @everydaygirl_adventures

MissFit Networking—where every “miss” fits—showcases women-owned businesses in the Colorado Springs area. We are not your typical networking group—each host plans an interactive activity so you get to both experience their services firsthand and have a safe platform to build connections, friendships, and confidence in your own endeavors. Follow us on Facebook for upcoming events!

The Everyday Adventures book series is looking for more stories to be included in our upcoming books. Not sure where to start? We are happy to help you shape your ideas. Share your sense of adventure with us and get your story out there! Send your story to [email protected]

Missfit Press offers ala carte publishing services for new authors. Whether you need editing, design, or the total package, we provide affordable options to put your story into print and work with you to create a final product you are proud of! Check out our services and submit your inquiries at missfitpress.com

Local Legends Salon & Spa is looking for beauty and self-care professionals! We have booth space available for rent and pop-up event opportunities to grow small businesses. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @locallendssalon

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Daryl Batt- Batt Media

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