My name is Jessica Smith. I am a very busy bee as a co-owner and General Manager of our Vape shop, bonus mom to 4 great boys and balancing in being a semi-crunchy homesteader. At 32, after going to college and obtaining my A.A. and A.S. degrees, then working toward my Social Work degree and working as a Chemical Dependency Counselor, to then leave that behind all to jump head first into the life I live now, I would have laughed.
I am a quick and ambitious learner. And I have the mind of a steel trap. Most who know me have heard me say “it’s a blessing and a curse”. But my customers love it. I mean who wouldn’t want to be addressed by their name? At my job, I am everything you can think of. Payroll, ordering, merchandising, etc. At home, like I mentioned above, I am a semi-crunchy homesteader. Chickens, fruit trees, and gardens are just some of what I enjoy. In the colder months, I like to renovate our house and read books.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love having the creativity and freedom doing what I do. Anything to better the business and still keep it great and fun is a win! But being the boss also has its perks.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I feel like I would be a little biased to say my other half. I have met so many people in life but you don’t always get enough time to really get to know them. But on an interesting level, my other half Matt, always surprises me. I’m always learning something from him. We talk about music the most and I will say over the last 4 years, I have learned so much that sometimes I feel it’s wasted knowledge. Like how can someone know so much and constantly be teaching themselves something new to better each day? It literally blows my mind.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I never have thought about this. But I think I would probably pick Italy. Food sounds amazing, scenery looks beautiful and we are just finishing up the Sopranos lol.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I love the one about “you can always make more money but you can’t make more time, so go make the memories”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Oh goodness. SO much. I started that when I was like 20. But one thing on it that I would die to do is hold an otter. Simple, yes.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would have to say Brynne Weaver. Phenomenal writer. Love her books and she really sparks my mind to pick up a pen again. Locally, I would probably go to Rose & Thistle
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Absolutely obsessed with the art museum. Walking into that museum is truly an experience every time. I heard at one point only 30% of the art pieces they possess are displayed at one time. And they change them out every so many months. So you can go time and again and end up seeing new things. Don’t even get me started on the history of the museum.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Toughy but Mr. G’s Orange Ice Cream on a hot summer day
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My other half Matt. He’s so encouraging and supportive. He never really questions what I want to do. I look at him and say “I think I want wallpaper on that one wall in the bathroom”. He looks at me and asks if I know what I’m doing. Most times it’s a “I’ll figure it out as I go” and he’s like “go for it!” I taught myself so much because he knows I’m capable of anything I’m setting my mind to and I’m a do-er so I make it happen lol
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, fun, safe
