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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
In all honesty, I dislike risk (#NoCap). I am a creature of habit — I like predictable outcomes and have a very structured, routine-driven life. However, I learned pretty quickly that in order to truly grow, develop emotionally and become the person I want to be… risk is mandatory. I think risk involves three considerations: calculation, vulnerability and bravery. Though this can feel counter-intuitive (as risk can have an energy of impulsivity and blind admission), it’s a solid formula for stepping into the unknown. Before I take any chances, I consider the range of potential outcomes. I go from the most basic responses to the most wild. Although the latter can be anxiety-provoking, this framework helps me objectively weigh the cost. This step requires a considerable amount of raw, uncut honesty though — and it’s not always easy to be present and linger in a vulnerable space — especially if the risk has deep emotional ties. However, once I get to a place where I can accept 90% of potential consequences (nothing is 100%, people), I will outfit myself in the ultimate #drip — courage — and take a step into the unknown. In my 30 years of life, risk has taken many forms. • In my early 20’s, risk looked like challenging my parent’s perspective (risking a relationship with them) to honor my boundaries, values, heart and what I knew to be right. • In my mid-20’s, risk looked like starting a clothing brand with no experience in design or business and investing my hard-earned (personal) dollars to acknowledge and support my purpose. • At 30, risk looked like abandoning my 9-year-long career in higher education to start a brand new career (in a field I’ve never worked in before) — blockchain/emerging technology — to challenge my comfort zone and address complacency. Here’s the bottom line: regardless whether risk rears its necessary-but-sometimes-not-so-fun head in our personal or professional lives, we have to engage with it in order to grow. And honestly, not all risks pay off — but engaging in the process of predicting, reflection, reconciliation and taking action gives us insight into who we really are and can galvanize us into who we want to become.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My not-so-little brother and I, Cam, co-own a small clothing brand, Campaign FIFTN16. The brand represents hope, growth and purpose; a message that resonates deeply with each of us and with our customers. Our larger goal is to continue to encourage, love and support people in their purpose; live our own purpose more deeply; and outfit people in some pretty fire merch. We’re super proud of what we’ve created so far and are really looking forward to our new releases — a concept we’ve been working on for quite some time, “The Journey.” This new series of clothes is a story of the human experience and illustrates our personal experiences with reflection, reconciliation, and growth. Releasing our new concepts is both exciting and nerve-wrecking at the same time. Out of all the designs we’ve made, these are the most personal and required the most vulnerability — that’s partially why we’ve taken time to release anything new. We needed to face our own selves, deal with “life” stuff, and then find a way to show our hearts to everyone. This has taught us that 1. slowing down isn’t a bad thing, 2. working on ourselves is imperative to our art, and 3. art doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. We’re really proud of who we are, what the brand represents, and very excited for what’s to come.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Before my friend ever arrives for a fun weekend, I’m 100% checking to see if Revolution Live, The Culture Room, or The Fillmore has any concerts coming up (I’m a concert junkie). I’ve seen some of my favorite artists at each of these places and nothing is more hype than a good concert. If my friend arrives on a Friday, we’re definitely going to El Camino for a few spicy margaritas, chips and guacamole — nothing sets the tone better for a fun evening like tequila (#IYKYK). Then on Saturday, we’re headed to the beach all day; it’s practically sacrilegious if we didn’t. Next, I’d whip out my magic wand and magically re-open Purdy Lounge (my most favorite place in Miami) for a highly entertaining evening of dancing to early 2000’s hip-hop music. But, since we can’t go to Purdy anymore, we’d head down to Wynwood and go to Brick. Sunday would be complete with a brunch (and full afternoon) at KiKi On the River… then make our way to Coyo Taco later that evening for a full night of dancing to the best R&B music Miami has to offer.

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?
My Miami artists and friends : AJ, Andie, Maria, Cam, Angel, Kemar, Oliver, and Kendrick– Thank you for always supporting and encouraging me to create. But mostly, thank you for being exactly who you are — you’re the true heart and soul of the brand. My best friend– KP, Janelle and Hillary — Thank you for your continuous and unconditional love and support. I wouldn’t be who I am without y’all. Mr. Walden, Mrs. Walden, Clay and Slo –Your continuous love and support is truly unmatched. I am forever grateful for your hearts. Cam — I absolutely could NOT do any of this without your creativity, humor and personality. You inspire me everyday — you were made for this life. Torrian — thank you for loving me and supporting all of my ideas. You challenge and motivate me to keep creating and to consider all perspectives. Thank you for being you, I love you. Mom — thank you for showing me the true definition of work ethic and how confident women should engage in the world. Love you more.

Website: www.fiftn16.com
Instagram: @fiftn16
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicatuckermed/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCatYmQ3lGRlGEERP8EPOPkg