“Try not to compare – it can be so easy to continually look at what others are doing especially with social media these days but I try to remember that this is not always the reality of the behind-the-scenes.” Jessica Jordan, Founder of Devoted by Jessica Jordan
Bridal accessories label Devoted by Jessica Jordan was conceived when founder Jessica (also the owner of Mode Bridal Hair and Makeup) decided to create a collection of bridal accessories that she knew her brides would instantly covet. With a unique viewpoint – as a bridal hair and makeup artist – the founder recognised the elements required to craft a standout line of aisle-worthy bridal accessories that would not only look divine, but sit comfortably within the hair or work with specific bridal styles. I managed to catch up with Jessica herself to talk about her business journey so far and her version of Taking The Plunge, including the highs, the lows, the first jobs, the worst jobs and the tech she can’t live without…
Photography by @jessicaraphaelphotography
Name: Jessica Jordan
Business: Devoted by Jessica Jordan
Date you took the plunge: March 2020
Photography by @kayleighpope
#1 In a nutshell, describe your business/brand – what do you offer?
“Devoted by Jessica Jordan is a luxury bridal hair accessories brand, launched in March 2020 by myself, Jessica.”
Vicky & Chris | Photography by @ditabowenphotography
#2 What’s your career background? Has it always been in the wedding industry?
“After working for many years in the bridal hair and makeup industry running my own business, Mode Bridal Hair and Makeup, I decided to take my creativity to the next level. I have always been obsessed with looking at my brides chosen hair accessories and always knew how important it is to pick the right one for the chosen hair style.”
#3 What planted the seed of your business idea? Did it strike you suddenly?
“My brides were always asking me where was the best place to purchase them from, what I would recommend and why I didn’t have any to try in my own studio? This is where Devoted was born. I thought It was time to put together my own collections. From a bridal hair stylists point of view, I was used to working with hundreds of pieces over the years – good and bad – and I was sometime frustrated with how they fixed into the hair and how heavy they were etc. I could tell that most pieces were not created with hair stylists in mind. We needed pieces that were light, flexible and mouldable (not everyones head is the same shape and size) and more importantly, modern!”
Photography by @charliefloundersphotography
#4 Describe the moment you decided to TAKE THE PLUNGE (what did this involve? Handing in your notice?)
“I had been pondering on the idea of setting up this second business for while and then Covid struck the world. The wedding industry was suddenly cancelled with no support and end in sight and I felt I had to diversify. Although I had two children at home who I was suddenly homeschooling, I found myself with some time to start building my new venture. My husband is also self employed so he was at home helping share the load. Everyone was stuck at home online shopping, so this was my time!”
#5 Describe how the first day of building your own business felt:
“I can remember the first day. It had been a few weeks into lockdown and me and my husband were tearing each other’s hair out with the kids, lack of routine, homeschooling etc. So there was a specific day that I remember where we found a large whiteboard in the garage and made a ‘daily routine’. We had homeschooling, exercise, chill out time, and then our own ‘work’ time. Two hours a day each where we could work on our new ideas. My slot was 7am – 9am every day. I bought a new notebook (I have always been obsessed with stationary), we set up an office and off we went…”
Photography by @kayleighpope
#6 The highs – what have they been so far?
“I feel very proud of the branding of my business. I absolutely love taking the pieces on styled shoots, taking them in to show new stockists but the high would have to be launching the website. I designed the website myself and it took HOURS but once I was happy with it and I clicked ‘LIVE’ I loved it. And then of course, my first ever order that came in was pretty special. I have just signed up to do my first ever trade exhibition show in London which is HUGE deal for me. Im feeling really excited but nervous.”
#7 The lows – how did you move past them? What did you learn?
“I think the low points for me were getting the sales to start coming in. I found it tough at the start as it was slow. You doubt whether it’s all worth it, should I just stick to the hair and makeup but I have stuck with it and persevered and I feel after 18 months it is starting to build a real presence within the industry.
#8 If you could tell yourself three things when you first started the business – what would they be?
No.1 “Confidence – have confidence in your choices. You know your why and how so stick to these values.”
No.2 “It takes time! Don’t expect overnight success.”
No.3 “Try not to compare – it can be so easy to continually look at what others are doing especially with social media these days but I try to remember that this is not always the reality of the behind-the-scenes.”
#9 Your tips for those dreaded lying-awake-at-3am times? (Counting sheep? Glass of water? Get up? Meditate? Read?)
“I’m a list person! I write lists on top of lists. I have always been someone who writes everything down before I go to bed so I try my best to clear my mind. I write down exciting new ideas on one list and the next day’s priority jobs on another. My husband and family go mad for my lists. I even write the every day jobs like do dishwasher, clothes washing on etc. It makes me feel good to tick jobs off 🙂 Im pretty lucky (I think) that I am an extremely calm person (too calm according to my friends) but there is not much that phases me. So far I manage stress fairly well and haven’t had too many 3am moments.”
#10 Your top organisational tip?
“Following on from above, my top organisational tip is to list! If I don’t have a list every day, I feel lost and like I have wasted the day. My job before I entered the wedding industry was as a PA for a company director so organising was my day-to-day life. From diary organisation, to minute taking, to arranging overseas travel – I like to think it is my strength.”
#11 Who inspired you? Or inspires you in business?
“I find my inspiration from most other female business owners. I love listening to people’s stories, what they are doing, how they are growing and where they came from. I am mad for autobiographies and podcasts about people so this is where I feel most ‘spurred on’. Within the hair and makeup industry, all other artists are all so lovely. We are a really positive bunch of people who support and push each other all the time. I am now finding new friends and support networks within the ‘retail’ side of the wedding industry which is fun. All of the other amazing hair accessory brands inspire and motivate me daily (without them realising).”
#12 An app/piece of tech you now couldn’t live without for your business:
“This is my downfall. I am not ‘tech’ savvy. I still run a paper diary, I still manually stock check etc. I really need to enter the 21st century! I guess I couldn’t live without my phone! My phone camera is something I use on the daily! However I couldn’t live without my Virtual Assistant. She runs my emails and my social media pages for me which is a godsend. I also have another amazing lady called Leanne who helps me with my paid advertising (a new area I have ventured into). This is all still fairly new to me and social media is not my strong point. I have never used them personally either. However it is an area I know I need to get better at as it is the way the world goes now. TikTok is my next place to be!”
#13 Your first ever job was…
“I left school and got a placement within a charity as an administrator whilst I did a Business and Administration qualification. I really loved this job actually. I worked my way up within the company and when I finally moved on, I was the Charity Directors PA.”
#14 Your top social media tip?
“I have two: firstly, pre-schedule (I’m a fine one to talk). Take the time to schedule your content ahead of time so that it’s one less thing to think about on the daily. And secondly, be consistent. Again, something I am working on. ‘Showing Up’…”
#15 The brand you’d love to collaborate with and why …
“I am really enjoying collaborating with all different industry friends at the minute. As I am still at the start of my journey I am working with some gorgeous local boutiques and some bigger more fashion focused brands. Some of my pieces recently went on a trip to the Charlotte Mills studio alongside TH&TH Bridesmaids and they created some MAGIC!”
#16 Name a business/social media account(s) – that have helped/inspired you with your business?
“For me, Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO Podcast is amazing! I love listening to this. I don’t think I have missed an episode. I love all of the amazing guests he has and their stories.”
#17 Your fav social media tool: (Pinterest? Instagram? LinkTree? Etc.)
“Instagram is the place for me!”
Photography by @kayleighpope
#18 Your advice to those looking to TAKE THE PLUNGE:
“Be confident in your decisions and don’t be afraid to ask for help. I always thought that you couldn’t possibly speak to other business owners about their business or ask for their help as everyone would be a closed book however I think its the complete opposite. I think other business owners are so open and forthcoming to help and guide. I would like to think I would be if someone came to me for advice.”
Photography by @kayleighpope
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS | DEVOTED BY JESSICA JORDAN
#1 Most inspirational book you’ve read:
“I have to be honest, I’m not a reader. Podcasts for me everyday.”
#2 You’re in Starbucks, what do you order?
“Hot Chocolate with Almond Milk and a Fruit Toast.”
#3 Instagram feed crush?
“@victoria – Inthefrow.”
#4 Your worst job was …
“Apart from my job as a PA which I liked, I have only ever worked for myself.”
#5 If you didn’t do what you do…what would you do?
“Interior Designer or Lawyer.”
#6 Work day pick-me-up:
“Chocolate – it’s my weakness.”
Photography by @kayleighpope
Discover more from about luxury bridal hair accessory label Devoted by Jessica Jordan and while you’re there check out their Instagram.
Catch up with all the latest Taking The Plunge entries on Bridal Editor.
