#BEYOUROWN MEETS JESSICA ESTRADA

Meet Los Angeles freelance writer and copywriter Jessica Estrada, who started her career as the assistant editor for local fashion site Racked LA before moving on to become the online market editor at Los Angeles Confidential magazine.

Mostly write about fashion, beauty, food, travel, and wellness, Jessica has since worked freelance with numerous clients including editorial publications such as Refinery29, Apartment Therapy, C magazine, Brides, and Los Angeles magazine as well as big-name brands and Fortune 500 companies like Ticketmaster and Madison Square Garden.

Hey Jessica, can you introduce yourself to us?

I’m Jessica Estrada. I’m a writer, life coach, and business mentor based in sunny Los Angeles. I run two businesses. One as a freelance writer contributing to some really cool publications including Well + Good, Refinery29, and Hello Giggles. I also work closely with big-name Fortune 500 companies like Ticketmaster to create content for their brands. And I’m also a life and business coach. I’m super passionate about helping other women on manifest their dream lives and careers. I believe we are all meant to be living lives that we are utterly obsessed with it just requires tapping into our spiritual side and unleashing our inner magic. 

Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?

Right out of college, I was finding it really difficult to land a job in my field of journalism. My ultimate dream at the time was to be a fashion journalist. I ended up signing up for one last internship for a local fashion site that I loved and I manifested my first paid freelance editor role with them. Literally! They created the position especially for me. That first client gave me the confidence to quit my 9 to 5 (I was working for a non-profit agency coaching adults with developmental disabilities at the time) and I never looked back. 

Within three months of quitting my job, I was pulling in a full-time income from freelance writing. That was five years ago and I’ve been working for myself ever since. I’ve had the opportunity to write about some really cool things and meet the most incredible people. I’ve attended a wellness retreat with Cindy Crawford, drank wine with Drew Barrymore, had to brunch with Chrissy Teigen, interviewed Sarah Jessica Parker, and so much more. It’s been a wild ride!

Over the last few years though, I discovered my true passion (aside from writing, of course) is helping other women create lives and careers that they absolutely love and that’s what inspired me to start my coaching business. Now, I get to guide some amazing babes on starting an online businesses and manifesting their desires by implementing the spiritual tools and techniques that have completely changed my life.

What is a day in the life of you like?

I’m a total early bird. I love waking up early and I always start my day with some sort of morning ritual but it changes every day depending on my mood. Sometimes it’s just a quick 10-minute meditation or hypnosis and other days I really like to indulge and give myself a solid two hours first thing in the morning to do all of my mindset rituals that includes reading an uplifting book, journaling, doing some tapping, and using other various tools to reprogram my subconscious mind in order to manifest my goals.

Then I eat a healthy breakfast (usually it’s oatmeal topped with fruit) and hit the ground running with work. Every day is so different. It’s always a mix of things from both of my businesses. For my freelance writing clients, that might include pitching story ideas, doing research for an article, interviewing a source, and writing. For my coaching biz, there’s lots of fun stuff too like writing blog posts, shooting photos, and my favorite, hopping on the phone for coaching calls with my clients. Seriously! They are the highlight of my day. 

I try my best to shut off after business hours and just enjoy my evening but I’m not going to lie sometimes that’s very hard. I can’t help it! I love what I do. But even on the busiest day, I do make it a priority to have some self-care time because it is so vital to our success. In order to have the energy to give to others, we have to give to ourselves first. 

How did you launch your career as a life and business coach?

Even though at the time I launched my coaching business I had already been working for myself for over three years, it was still no easy feat. As a freelance writer, I never needed to have a big social media presence or really put myself out there in such a big way. The work that I did was all kind of behind the scenes. So, stepping into the spotlight as a coaching business was a totally different ball game. But like most entrepreneurs, I just jumped in even though it was scary and even though I had no idea what I was doing. I just learned as I went. 

What training did you undergo and where did you study?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Cal State University Northridge. I’ve also completed numerous training programs including Marie Forleo’s B-School and Gabby Bernstein’s Spirit Junkie masterclass, and the Beautiful You Life Coaching Academy, which all taught me a lot of the ins and outs of running an online business and how to actually effectively coach people. But really, my experience, both in business and in manifestation, just comes from life experience. I’ve been working for myself and working the principles of manifestation for 5+ years now and they have both completely changed my life. 

Can you talk us through your Passion to Paycheck Programme and also your fabulous manifestation coaching?

My Passion to Paycheck program is my private 1:1 business coaching program. It’s four months long and it is 100% tailored to the client and their business goals. Essentially, it’s a roadmap that I walk my clients through for launching their business or taking their business to that next level. We cover everything from branding to creating content to marketing to booking clients. I designed it for the women who really want to start an online business but they just don’t know where to start or what actions they need to take in order to achieve their goals. This program takes all the guesswork out of it. I’ve made it super easy for them by laying out that business blueprint. All my clients have to do is show up and do the work. 

My manifestation coaching program is also a 1:1 experience. I go really deep with my clients to help them unlock their potential, reprogram limiting beliefs, raise their self-worth, and tap into the power of manifestation to create a new reality for themselves. I use different modalities including spiritual tools, intuitive guidance, advanced manifesting techniques, meditation, energy work, and EFT tapping. It’s a mix of doing the inner work and taking powerful actions that will help them create change in their life and attract the things they want.

Can you give 3 tips for us women that wish to align ourselves with the woman we truly want to be?

1. My first tip is to start acting like you already are that women right now. Step into her shoes. Ask yourself what the dream version of yourself would do in certain situations. Would she let fear hold her back from going after her dreams? Or would she take action despite the fear? Treat yourself like you’re worthy because you are inherently worthy and the universe will start treating you that way too. 
2. My second tip is to change the way you talk to yourself. We tend to be our own worst critics but really, in order to manifest the things we want, we have to be our own biggest cheerleaders. The words you say to yourself really do matter. And the confident girlboss that you want to be doesn’t talk smack to herself. That’s just not how she rolls.
3. And lastly, remember it’s a journey. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It is a daily practice. It’s about taking those baby steps every single day to step into being that woman that you want to be. Set a goal every day to do one thing that your dream self would do that you currently don’t. And it’s perfectly okay to start with small things like implementing one new positive habit into your life. Then work your way up to bigger and scarier things. The bottom line is that the more you step outside of your comfort zone, the more and more magnetic you become and before you know it, you’ll actually be the woman you’ve always wanted to be. 

Who does the team involve behind you?

A couple of years ago my boyfriend Andy (we’ve been together for almost 11 years!) quit his day job to join me in the business and we’ve been working together ever since. He helps me with all the behind the scenes stuff, from managing projects to shooting photos and everything in between. I don’t know what I’d do without him! 

Where can you see yourself within the next 3-5 years?

As a writer, obviously, one of my biggest dreams is to write a book. Although I’ve written a few ebooks already, which are so fun, there’s just something so special about an actual book. But more than anything, I just want to continue empowering other women and teaching them how to manifest a life they love. 

What strategies do you have in place when looking at the expansion of your business?

Pinterest is my number one marketing secret. I don’t think enough entrepreneurs are tapping into its magic. That’s where most of my marketing energy goes towards and it has been a game-changer in helping me grow my business quickly and effortlessly. That’s exactly why I teach the Pinterest strategy to my business coaching clients. 

Can you tell us what areas you have struggled in professionally as a business coach?

In the beginning, getting clarity around what exactly I wanted to coach on and my ideal client was a real struggle to figure out. But after doing some inner work and working with a mentor, the clarity quickly came and the momentum shortly followed. Another thing I struggled with was just getting comfortable with putting myself out there—sharing about my personal life, recording videos, hosting webinars. Those things terrified me in the beginning, but after some practice, I’ve really come to love and enjoy that aspect of running my business. It’s actually really fun and empowering. 

Have you ever had any other mentor? If so how has this benefitted you to grow?

Absolutely! I’ve worked with several and they have all been so monumental in my growth, personally and professionally. In my experience, working with business coaches who are further along than I am allowed me to learn so much so fast. Having the guidance of someone there to literally walk me through everything speeds up your results like crazy and makes the entire process so much easier and fun. And working with life coaches, it’s been the same only on a more personal level allowing me to get to the root of what was blocking me from manifesting the things I really desired into my life and clearing those blocks. 

Whenever I finish working with a coach, I am completely in awe when I look back and see how much I’ve grown and changed in a short amount of time. It’s wild. That’s why I love the coaching industry so much. It really is possible to have a complete transformation in any area of your life with this type of beautiful container of support. 

What outlets do use to market your business?

Pinterest, like I said, is my biggest one, for sure. It’s where the majority of the traffic to my site comes from and where most of my clients find me too. My blog as well which goes hand in hand with Pinterest. Having a Facebook group is also a really fun and effective way to grow your business. And, of course, Instagram is one of my faves as well, especially stories. 

Which methods are you using to build your own support network?

I’m really lucky that I get to meet some really amazing people through both my businesses and I think it’s very important to foster those relationships. Always be a pleasure to work with and connect with. Not only is that just part of being a good human being, but you also never know what kind of opportunities your network can lead to. So many of my clients have come through recommendations. It’s so so powerful. 

What do you believe are the common misconceptions about being an entrepreneur?

I think a common misconception is that entrepreneurship is easy. That it’s just all about chilling in your pajamas all day and recording Instagram stories. Yes, sometimes that’s exactly what it looks like but that’s not all it is. Starting and running a business is hard work and it’s definitely not for everyone. It might look easy on the outside, but trust us, there’s a lot of grind going on behind the scenes to make all the magic happen. Success doesn’t happen by accident. 

What is the best piece of business advice you have received to date?

Start before your ready. Stop waiting for the day until everything is absolutely perfect because that day will never come. You just have to decide that you’re ready right now. That’s really all it is: a decision. Then jump in. You’ll thank yourself later. 

What is the number 1 critical lesson you have learned in your career so far?

Success really is all about your mindset. You hear that a lot but it’s not until you experience it first-hand that it actually sinks in. Our outer world is merely a reflection of our inner world. And once you do the inner work to shift the limiting beliefs that are holding you back, you become unstoppable. 

How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?

I don’t think there is such thing as balance. I think life happens in seasons. Sometimes, we need to put our head down and get things done and other times there’s a lot more room for fun and play. It’s just how it goes. But for me personally, having some daily self-care is crucial for feeling sane and keeping my vibe high, whether it’s reading or watching tv or going out and doing something fun. 

The highlight of your career so far?

Quitting my day job to go freelance full-time was hands down the highlight of my career. It forever changed my life.

What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?

Doing work that really fills me up and doesn’t feel like work at all. Things I would do even if no one ever paid me to do it, which for me is writing and creating content. I love sharing fun, engaging content that’s also packed with value. And, of course, connecting with and coaching my clients. I’m totally biased, but they really are the best. I attract some of the best babes and I love seeing them grow and expand. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness. 

What challenges have you seen to have been presented during the growth of your business?

It definitely is possible to grow too much too fast, although I do consider that a champagne challenge. There are usually some growing pains involved like anxiety and self-doubt but know that you are worth it. This is exactly what you’ve been working so hard for. Enjoy it. Savor it. 

Which other leading entrepreneurs and pioneering game changers do you also admire and why?

Marie Forleo is a big one for me. I like to think of her as a business mentor from afar. She’s really paved the way for so many online entrepreneurs like myself who want to do business in a way that’s fun, impactful, and profitable. Gabby Bernstein is also a goddess to me. I love the way she runs her business with so much soul. 

What is a good article or book you have read recently?

I’m currently reading Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza and loving it so far. I’m all about reprogramming your subconscious mind and creating new realities for ourselves. 

Top 3 go-to Podcast channels?

1. ‘The Skinny Confidential ‘ for all things lifestyle.
2. ‘Expanded’ by Free & Native for manifestation tips.
3. ‘Style Your Mind’ for mindset and business. 

How do you measure your own terms of success?

Everyone’s definition of success is totally different. For me, success means having freedom. Freedom to do work that you love and fulfills your soul. Time freedom to take a nap in the middle of the day if that’s your jam. Location freedom takes off on a random getaway just because instead of being tied to a desk at your 9 to 5. And the financial freedom to live the kind of life you truly want to live. 

What does #BEYOUROWN mean to you?

To me, it means stepping into your power, becoming the woman you’ve always wanted to be, and finally doing all the things you’ve been dreaming about for years. Life is so freaking short. Why waste it away putting all those delicious dreams in the back seat? Drop all the excuses and just go for it. 

Lastly, what is next for you?

I’m at the point in my business where I don’t really have the time or capacity to take on a ton of private clients. So my next goal is to launch a group program or digital course where I can really serve a bigger number of women and teach all things ‘woo woo’ and manifesting.

Instagram: @jessestradaxo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessestradaxo/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jessestradaxo/

Website: jessicaestrada.net