Could you share a bit about yourself—who you are, what you do, and your biggest loves

Sure! I'm Jessica, a 31 year old psychology student and the parent of a beautiful mental health initiative — Everyday Solitude. I love my friends (the most), a strong coffee first thing in the morning, the sunshine, the beach and a good old natural wine bar. 

 

International Women's Day is about celebrating women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. What’s something you’ve personally achieved that you’re proud of? 

Out of all my achievements, I am most proud to be a woman. Just looking at all the other amazing women who have gone before me makes me the most proud. 

International Women’s Day has its critics, but why do you believe it remains so important?

Because literally everyday is international men's day. Give us one. 

When you think about the meaning of International Women’s Day, which powerful woman comes to mind and why?

My best friends — they all know me to my core, accept me and my scattered brain, and love me just the same. They teach me how to be a good friend. 

 

Why is it important that Everyday Solitude is a women-led business?

It's important to me because maternal instincts are woven into the fabric of what we do. In saying that, we have some amazing men who I couldn't do my work without! 

Since beginning your journey studying psychology and launching Everyday Solitude, what has been your most profound lesson about the resilience and strength of women?

There's a lot. From a psycho-education stand point, women have been socially constructed as crazy from the beginning of time. Women were called hysteric for simply showing emotions and it wasn't even removed from the DSM-5 as a genuine condition till the 1980s. 

From a community perspective, there is always something we think we will never get over, and we always do. And from a personal perspective, one of my closest friends is facing a terminal illness and her resilience to get up, show up for her day and literally never complain, shows me how resilient the brain is. We just need to cultivate it. 

You’ve built an incredible community of women around you, both personally and professionally. What do you think creates such a strong bond among them?

We can all relate to one another. There's nothing that bonds women closer together than periods, men and needing to borrow a hair tie.