Jess - JESSolution Marketing
Jess Shipton is a digital and social media marketer specialising in Facebook & Google Ads at JESSolution Marketing. Based in Sydney, Australia, Jess likes to think of herself as a huge cheerleader of other people. Her biggest passions in life are encouraging and supporting others and writing on her Christian blog Smile Without Reason. Jess is great at letting her cups of tea go cold multiple times during the day, and not so great at cooking [her Chef sister can vouch for this!] She is in her happy place when with family or friends, watching the sunset or going for a drive to pretty places. While the extroverted Jess knows her love language is words of affirmation, she is convinced that the sky and doggos are her love language also.
What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?
At times, you are going to feel like you're behind, because you will naturally compare your timeline and success to others. But please know that you are doing so much better than you think. The girls you are constantly comparing yourself to? Their beauty, success and goals don't lessen yours. You have to stop comparing yourself to everyone else, and celebrate their wins without questioning your own. You're going to inspire and encourage people who will be cheering you on from the sidelines, as well as those who are loud and proud in your corner.
What makes you proud to be a woman?
I'm proud to be a woman because we aren't scared to lift each other up. We often compete hard, yes, but we compliment even harder - and I think that is powerful. When we join forces together, we show the world what we are truly made of, and the world is a better place because of it.
What has been your biggest challenge in your career so far?
I have always struggled to recognise and understand my self-worth. I'm a people pleaser, and I often put others' needs in front of mine. This has led to burn out on multiple occasions, where I over-commit to work, because I'm scared to say "no" and am left trying to pour from an empty cup. Moving from working at an hourly rate to value-based pricing was a huge shift in my business early 2020. Many people didn't understand [including some clients], because it was a transition from getting paid for how long it took to do the job to how much value I was providing. Being confident in communicating your value and what you bring to the table is so important, and I've learnt that I need to truly believe that I'm worth what I charge. Clients will leave, but it will make room for working with the dream clients you want to make space for.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
So many things! My first ever dream job when I was like 5, or something ridiculous, was a boat mechanic, purely because my cousin was one [ha!] I then quickly moved on to dreaming of becoming a swimming instructor, followed by a school teacher, then a TV presenter for Getaway [I mean, getting paid to travel is the dream, right?]. All throughout my childhood though, I loved to write - from shopping lists and bedtime stories to blog posts and short novels. By the time I hit 12, I was convinced I would be a journalist or work for a magazine writing the articles and designing the layout of the pages. So-much-so that I created a monthly newsletter for my family using Microsoft Publisher on my old, chunky desktop computer. [It was called The Shiptons News, or TSN for short, for those playing along].
Who inspire you most and why?
I'm inspired by many people, but my parents would be #1. They're self-employed and have been for over 25 years, running their own accounting agency from home [incredibly handy when you decide to start your own business at 21 #justsaying]. They have consistently supported my goals and dreams as I have grown up, and have always been there to listen to my crazy, ambitious ideas. I truly believe my entrepreneurial flare came from them, and it's continued to be lit up by my incredible boyfriend of 5 years, Brys. He, along with my sister, Aimee, are the first to cheer me on and back my personal, life and business goals 110%. These people inspire me daily due to their motivation and drive. It keeps me excited about dreaming big while staying in my lane, instead of comparing myself to those around me.
Check out all the amazing thing Jess is doing over at JESSolution Marketing, and then follow her on socials here, here and here!
