Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Deschane.
Jessie, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Back in 2012 I did one of the best things I’ve ever done – started a blog. At the time I was living in a new city with no friends yet, had just been diagnosed an autoimmune disease and was struggling to lose a good amount of weight. I loved reading blogs, so I decided to start my own and create a “virtual friend group” while I shared my life.
Through a few moves – both in job and location – my blog stayed with me, but it did change based on what was happening in my life at that time. I wrote about weight loss, my chronic health issues and my dating life. I started creating YouTube videos, growing a community on Instagram and meeting some of my virtual friends.
Now my blog is centered around a few different topics: Entrepreneurship, Wellness, Wedding Planning and Lifestyle. I’ve created a positive, thoughtful community for other women with chronic illness to feel supported on their healing journey. I truly believe that mindset is SO important in any kind of journey, but a positive outlook is essential with chronic illness.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Until recently, I never considered myself “creative.” I thought being creative meant being someone that designed beautiful art pieces or took gorgeous photos. In the last year I’ve started to think about my writing as my form of art and creativity, which has helped me unleash so many new ideas and stop limiting myself.
My creativity is in my words. I’m a connector by nature, so the way I speak is also the way I write. Authenticity is so important in life, and I make sure to show up on my blog and other communities as my best self. When people read my blog, connect with me on social media or meet me in person, I hope they take away that living an authentic life and being your true self is so liberating. I love my weird quirks, I don’t censor myself and I truly want to support and connect with other people.
I also hope that women living with chronic illness feel safe reaching out to me and joining the community. I want to be a positive light in someone’s life when maybe all they feel is darkness, pain and confusion.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I think there is a lot of pressure for people to create, create, create because of the “competition” out there. I find myself sometimes feeling like I’m so behind because I can see into other creators businesses (thank you social media highlight reels!) I think it’s important to stay in your own lane, support other creators and believe that you deserve to live your best life.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I’m active in a few different places!
– Check out my blog: www.justjessieblog.com
– Join my Facebook group for women with chronic illness: www.facebook.com/groups/AIPositivegroup
– Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessiedeschane
My chronic illness podcast will be launching in July and I’ll be letting both my blog and social media family know first!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justjessieblog.com
- Email: jessie@jessiedeschane.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessiedeschane
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/AIPositivegroup/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/jessiedeschane
Image Credit:
Just Jessie Blog
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