Jessica Franklin is the founder of heygorjess.com, a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog she started in 2013. She’s also dope because, like me, she’s from Jersey, and we met not too long ago at a friends event. So, I messaged Jess my TOP 5 questions, to hear her insight on travel, career independence, and life as an online influencer. Shout out to my homegirl Renee, at ownbyfemme.com, for linking us up.
1.) Which apps are absolutely necessary for your life? (ex. uber, airbnb, Snap)
Jessica: My favorite apps are Instagram, Snapchat, Uber, VSCO, Fantastical, Google Maps. Instagram and Snapchat are essential for my career and how I make a living! My brand is built off of social media. VSCO is my favorite photo editing app. Fantastical is a great mobile calendar/planner that really helps me keep my life and schedule organized. Google Maps is great for navigating, especially since it can be used all over the world.
2.) How has a life of travel impacted your career?
Jessica: Travel has opened up new opportunities for my career that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It has introduced me to new and amazing people, opened my eyes to different things in the world, and helped increase my following and engagement on social media.
3.) What are your greatest lifestyle changes, good or bad, since you left your 9 to 5?
Jessica: My life has changed tremendously since I left my 9-5. I am now able to make my own schedule and travel almost whenever I want. I was so restricted at my 9-5 by only having 10 vacation days a year. There are way too many days in a year to only be allotted 10 days off. Now I have the freedom to be creative and build my career. In addition, there were also many opportunities I couldn’t accept when working a 9-5. Many times brands need me for photo shoots and events that I wouldn’t be able to be apart of if I worked a 9-5.
4.) Do you think short term sacrifice played a role in your transition to life as an influencer?
If so, what are some of the sacrifices you’ve made to attain your goals?
Jessica: I have had to make many sacrifices to get to where I am today. I was working a 9-5 while still building Heygorjess. I sacrificed sleep, fun, and even time with friends and family in order to build it. However, it was so worth it and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Great reward requires great sacrifice.
5.) What is the best piece of advice you would offer to an aspiring traveler/influencer?
Jessica: My best advice would be to work hard and never give up. As cliche as it sounds, this is something that got me to where I am today. I had a dream and a vision and I did whatever it took to obtain it. Hard work is never in vain and it will eventually come into fruition.