How I Got Here: Business owner, singer/songwriter and creative Jessica Peris
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Admit it, we’ve all been there – stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you want to know about the secrets of career success. This week we sit down to talk with triple threat creative Jessica Peris. She brought us the beauty nirvana that is The Beautique, has been aligning pampering with inner well-being through beauty brand BY THE BE, and has added singer/songwriter to her impressive resume. But how does she do it all?
We find out.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Jessica Peris – but I prefer to go by Jess! I’m a bit of a chronic multitasker. I’m the founder of a beauty salon (The Beautique), and wellness brand (BY THE BE.), and this year I started running weekly wellness sessions for high school students at Gold Creek school. I’m also the unofficial “creative director” for Amberly Farm, and do a little bit of singing/songwriting.
Let’s go back to when you were a kid, have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
I never thought that I would have my own business or be in any of the industries I’m involved in. I always loved art, music and being creative; and as a kid I went from wanting to be a fashion designer, to an archaeologist, to a vet. I was always chopping and changing – and I guess that part hasn’t really changed much.
Tell us about when you were first starting out, what set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
For The Beautique – I kind of fell into the industry when I assisted an old friend on a makeup gig. I ended up falling in love with makeup and nails, and decided to study the Diploma of Beauty Therapy. I began to realize how much power the industry had to empower people. Knowing that I could make meaningful connections and have an impact on how people felt about themselves was the driving force in creating The Beautique, BY THE BE. – and subsequently my teen wellness sessions. I created The Beautique to take care of others – and I created BY THE BE. to encourage others to take care of themselves. I want to help people value themselves through the practice of self-care.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in; what did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
This has happened a few times to be honest. The time that I was most affected was last year. While The Beautique appeared to be doing well, and it may have looked like I was thriving – I had just turned 33, went through a really dark time in my personal life, and was feeling very much alone. I knew I needed to put myself first and was lucky to be able to take time off to practice what I preach when it comes to self-care. I kept telling myself, “you are in the right place at the right time”.
What was your biggest break?
I can’t say I recall having a “big break” in my career – rather, a series of small events that have led me to where I am. I just love trying new things and doing what I enjoy. I’m very lucky that I’ve been able to make a living from that.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I worked at an IGA during high school and college. My boss back then once said; “There are three types of people in the world. Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say ‘What the f*ck happened’.” This hit me pretty hard, and I always thought I’d rather be the latter one than the one who watched opportunities pass me by. So whenever I saw a chance to explore new interests, no matter how difficult, scary and unknown the path was ahead, or how ‘old’ I felt, I put a plan into action. Because the thought of looking back in the future with regrets, scared me more.
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
Besides the parts I’ve mentioned about empowerment – I actually love how versatile the industry is, how I get to play with nails and also decorate a salon. I also love how many connections we make in other industries – for example photographers, graphic designers, retailers, entertainment, media.
What makes me want to pull my hair out is the amount of negative self-talk I’ve heard over the years. I’ve made it a big rule in the salon and in my workshops that there is no negative self-talk. That stuff spreads like wildfire. I think it’s important to be aware of how we speak to ourselves and to be kind to ourselves.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’, what media do you consume?
I chat to people, especially our customers and my amazing staff. I ask questions whenever I’m unsure of something (which is a lot). I love Pinterest for visual inspiration, and admittedly fall down the old social media rabbit hole every now and then.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope that I am living a somewhat slow life, growing a bunch of vegetables, focusing on my art and hopefully deep diving into a Masters in Art Therapy.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
I don’t think anyone should follow in my footsteps – but, if they could take anything from my story, it’s that you can change directions, no matter what stage you are at in life. I know a lot of people are super stuck on not knowing what they want to do (in a career sense). Start things just because you enjoy it – not because you want to make money out of it. That part can come later – or you never know, it might just be a stepping stone to a new and greater path.
What advice would you give your past self?
You are here to be happy. Value yourself. Be ruthless with what you give your energy to. If there is something that doesn’t align with you – don’t stick around for it.
