We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Maxson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Simplified by Jess is truly my passion project because I enjoy helping people and love to create order out of chaos. Happiness is what I feel when I’m able to simplify the lives of my friends and family (and the occasional flight seat mate or friendly stranger). I work with clients through harmonious collaboration. The goal is seamless integration of the Client’s insights into actionable ideas and processes to bridge the divide between quality strategy and efficient execution, all while building a positive relationship. Using organizationally-focused tools and processes that I have crafted and cultivated through my marketing and community management career, I help people and businesses streamline and focus. The happiness this creates within my mind, body and spirit is unmatched when helping clients, friends and others. For me, a harmonious client-consultant dynamic is key, which is why I have a harmony clause in all of my client agreements. Helping without harmony is something that can create tension, resentment and stress – which is why I ensure to keep harmonious relationships in business and in life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My favorite part of running Simplified by Jess is that my days are so different – although I am a big fan of routine, I love that I get to wear various hats and work with amazing humans. I immerse myself into these different businesses I work with and learn so much about their industries. I’ve worked with so many worlds: breweries, fashion styling, asset protection, real estate development, ceramic coating for luxury vehicles, beauty, photography, essential oils, wine, weddings, events, etc. All of this experience with different industries has truly helped me to become a more well-rounded business owner. It has been a bittersweet road to where I am today with Simplified by Jess. On one hand, I can reminisce through all of the positive experiences, closed deals, completed projects and happy clients. On the other hand, I constantly battle through rough memories of struggling financially at times, losing/terminating toxic clients, not knowing whether to just give up or not – this is not for the faint of heart. This sounds so basic, but I just tell myself to keep going especially when I’m at my lowest – this is mind over matter for me. Plus therapy, that is a live-saver. The best lesson I’ve learned throughout managing my business is the true meaning of success. When I was younger success was defined in the world as big homes. fancy cars, an impressive portfolio and anything else to “keep up with the Joneses” – but through it all, I’ve learned that success is subjective to every person. Yes, there are definitely circles people run in who identify success with material possessions; however, I’ve found much more comfort and satisfaction in those humans who feel successful when they have balanced lives, do what they love and have great relationships with the people who they care about. Success for me is now to ensure my mind, body and heart are healthy each day. The word “simplified” means so much more now to me than it did when I first started my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Boca Raton is a gem of an area for all things food, drink, entertainment and culture! Here are my musts – Food and Beverage: The Rebel House, Casa D’Angelo, Barrel of Monks Brewery, Fries to Caviar, Prosperity Craft Beer & Wine Bar Entertainment & Culture: Spanish River Beach, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, The Wick Theatre, Mizner Park, FAU Living Room Theatres

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
‘Always do your best.’ My amazing parents, Leo and Dolores, have always said that to me since I can remember. All they have ever asked of me is to do my best as a person with regard to family, friends, school, business and life in general. I hold those words very near and dear each day. In recent years that I’ve been focusing on my mental health in therapy, I’ve read The Four Agreements. Author, Don Miguel Ruiz, says doing your best, regardless of quality, is the only thing you must ask of yourself. You only ask of yourself to do your best given the conditions of the environment and of yourself. That means that, in some conditions, your best might very poor. Or very poor even compared to your previous actions. And that’s great because you don’t demand success or perfection. Much what I’ve learned through therapy have helped me to combat my perfectionism and the agreement to “Always Do Your Best” in The Four Agreements has helped me temper my expectations of myself.

Website: https://simplifiedbyjess.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplifiedbyjess/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplified-by-jess/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimplifiedJess
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplifiedbyjess/