Ever wondered what it takes to ditch the cubicle and become a full-time girl boss? Our Student Spotlight Series interviews our students who have made the transition from 9-5 to remote CEOs!
From what inspired them to start their own business, their favorite podcasts, go-to morning routine, advice to aspiring girl bosses, and so much more!
Today, we’re sitting down with our student Jessica Hendry, Founder of Honey Bee Sweat! Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Jessica gives us a glimpse into her girl boss journey…
Q: What type of online business do you own and what services do you offer?
I’m the Founder of Honey Bee Sweat, a Virtual Barre and Wellness Studio. I offer on-the-go workouts and an encouraging community for entrepreneurs and busy girl boss women.
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy?
I enrolled in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy because I wanted the freedom to design my life, work from anywhere, and be present for my kids as they navigate through their lives!
Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?
The Bucketlist Bombshells Academy helped me develop the necessary skills I needed to increase outcomes at my former job. When the time came to move away, I was able to propose remote work to my former boss and transferred seamlessly into a Virtual Assistant with my very first client!
“Maintaining my income was essential for me to invest in my new business while sustaining my family through our move and establishment in a new place.”
In the midst of my Virtual Assistant work, the courses offered me the skills necessary to create my brand, build and maintain my website, and connect me with a community of inspiring women.
Plus, I have already outsourced work to some girl bosses inside the BB community!
Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?
Previously, I was a Physician Liaison and Business Development Marketing Professional for a physical therapy company in San Antonio, Texas. In addition, I taught barre and yoga at local studios throughout the city!
Q: How long did it take you to ditch your 9-5, and how much time did you dedicate in order to make it happen?
It took eight months for me to leave my 9-5, but only because I loved the people I worked for and the comfortable support it provided.
“Moving forced me to take the leap of launching my business. I’m forever grateful the universe pushed me off the ledge of fear.”
It took me six months to fully finish The Design Skills Course and The Tech Skills Course.
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?
Immediately, I landed my first client. Two weeks later, I landed my second client and then my third client one month after I arrived in North Carolina!
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
Fear has been my biggest setback! For the Type A person that I am, I wanted a roadmap laid out in front of me, color-coded with little arrows pointing me exactly where I needed to go with a second list of steps just in case.
“The responsibility of having children and being able to provide for them as a then-single mom was a non-negotiable.”
From the fear of getting started to the fear of putting myself out there and getting out of my own way, I experienced it all.
“I knew I could do it, but it was as if I needed someone else in my circle to validate that for me, to really believe in me.”
So, I asked myself what I wanted to feel, and the answer was validation! I wanted a “you can do it, you’ve got this!”
I sat with that feeling for a while and realized that I can get that validation from myself. Once I realized that, I was ready to jump!
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
I had always planned to go back to a 9-5 job once the kids got settled and started school after moving.
My “aha” moment came when I sat with my first client, reviewed the proposal and all the reasons she needed what I offered, and nailed my first pitch. In that moment, I knew that I would never have to return to a full-time 9-5 unless I wanted to.
“This freedom ignited a passion to harness my strengths, develop my craft, and design the life I had always dreamt of!”
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
I wake up early (kids, amirite?), make some coffee, and send the kiddos on their way.
Then, I meet my local clients for their private yoga and/or barre sessions, come home, and film and edit my videos for the studio.
I have lunch as long as I want, where I want, and when I want and take some time for self-care or mental wellness.
When the kids get home, I catch up with them, make dinner, maybe see another client in the evening and start the day all over again!
“I now have the freedom to schedule clients around important school activities and show up for my kids in a better state of mind.”
Plus, my non-local clients have access to all they need via the virtual studio, so I can take vacation and film anywhere I go!
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
It’s so challenging not to do everything on my own. I love to do all the things, all the time, and spare no detail!
“Thankfully, during my time in business, I’ve learned the art of asking for help.”
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
My biggest motivator is having the freedom to always be there for my family.
“Having the freedom to take a day off when I want, volunteer for field trips, and go on family vacations always reminds me that this life is worth living and my business is worth it!”
This business is my baby. I want to give it everything I’ve got!
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
Every time I stopped teaching at a studio, I would pass out thank you cards with a sentimental note and my phone number. I remained in contact with these people over the few years I’ve been teaching. Upon building my Virtual Studio, I reached out to them for testimonials and invited them to join the exclusive Honey Bee Sweat Community.
For my Virtual Assistant work, I use word-of-mouth referral. Since I was in the medical field, I would target the offices I used to visit as leads. I would analyze their social media presence and then request a meeting. At the end of the meetings, I would always review all my services in case they had one of those in mind instead!
For additional marketing, I joined and participate in Facebook groups related to yoga, barre, and Pilates. Additionally, I also joined many entrepreneurial groups and connect at community events and small business gatherings!
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
I love the transformation I get to witness my clients go through from beginning to in-between. I never like to say end because this is an adventure you don’t want to end. It’s a lifestyle and a wellness practice you want to nourish throughout time.
I also love the shared benefit my clients and I experience as we grow strong in the mind and the body together. We experience community and connection all while supporting our careers, life styles, and mental health!
“I love my entrepreneurs, my big dreamers, and my women-wear-the-pants kinda girls. They’re strong, they’re tough, and when they need a friend, we’re here!”
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
The best part about being my own boss is that I make the rules! I love this because I have the opportunity to create new paths, tear down the walls of what wellness is supposed to look like, and encourage people that their unique version of wellness is also well.
“We are the dreamers, the doers, and the believers. And we believe that wellness is not a one size fits all.”
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
I can’t wait to take this business on the road and work remotely from a beach! For now, I’m enjoying my every moment from my local Barnes and Nobles.
Q: What is one of your favorite business books that you would recommend to another girl boss?
So far, my favorite is Badass Your Brand by Pia Silva. It provided great insight on how to structure my business to produce the balance between the financial income I was looking for and the lifestyle I so much enjoy!
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcast that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
I love The mindbodygreen Podcast with Jason Wachob! It has taught me so much about stress, wellness, gut health, nutrition, lifestyle, mental health, and so much more. They are all great things to study when designing a program for women!
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
If you’re scared, find another way that makes you feel good.
This story is yours. It’s unique. It’s YOU. Embrace it and walk it with confidence. You’ve got this!
