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Exhibitor Interview: Jessica Sutton Maniatis, Founder, JSGD – WELL Summit

Exhibitor Interview: Jessica Sutton Maniatis, Founder, JSGD – WELL Summit

JSGD is a Sponsor & Exhibitor at L.I.V.E. W.E.L.L. Party

If it’s possible to live inside a website, then we’d be happy to set up shop inside JSGD. Stunning photographs, clean, modern design and copy that breathes with warmth and wit: it’s not a stretch to say we often find ourselves clicking through for a dose of inspiration!

After spending the beginning of her career working in-house designing packaging, website and retail displays for a growing beauty brand, founder Jessica Maniatis quickly learned the value of having a strong brand presence.Thriving on the intimate interaction between smaller creative departments, she began freelancing to fulfill her artistic calling. She enjoyed the personal relationship with her clients so much, she went on to found JSGD.

Focusing on independently-owned small businesses, JSGD has brought to life many brands through the development of everything from their logo to online presence. The firm, a woman-owned and operated business, prides itself on a collaborative approach with each of its clients.

Choosing to work with clients who are passionate trailblazers makes working at JSGD everyday a joy…and if their website is any indication, it shows!

The W.E.L.L. Summit can’t wait to welcome Jessica, Martha and Meaghan to our L.I.V.E. W.E.L.L. Extravaganza, where they’ll be providing complimentary fifteen minute branding consultations for attendees. Sign up early and bring them a question or concern for them to offer insight and tips for your brand!

JSGD delivers gorgeous design, brand development and strategy for web, print, and mobile. In a single sentence, can you sum up one of the most important pieces of advice to help a brand with their messaging?

Consistency is key.

We love that JSGD is independently owned and operated by all women! Do you have any advice for a woman entrepreneur who is thinking about making the leap to found her own company?

I think the biggest piece of advice I could give would be to trust your gut. Find ways and time to quiet your brain and listen to what your intuition is telling you, it never fails.

Running your own business can feel lonely most of the time. Build a support circle of fellow women you admire that are following their dreams as well – it’s truly invaluable to have a sounding board or someone to share your frustrations with.

And lastly, learn when to say no and stand your ground. Very rarely will you regret it and you’ll build a newfound respect from others and yourself.

What’s the most useful piece of advice you received from a female friend/peer/mentor when you struck out on your own?

I was advised early on to never stop planning for or booking what’s next – especially when your business is at its busiest.

We’re thrilled to have you sponsor The W.E.L.L. Summit! As a Boston-based brand, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the L.I.V.E. W.E.L.L. Extravaganza than with a JSGD booth. Tell us what attendees can expect when they stop by to meet you that night.

We can’t wait, it’s gonna be such a wonderful weekend! We’re planning to do two hours of fifteen minute “mini consultations” at our booth from 8-10pm, which attendees can sign up for earlier. Plan to bring a frustration or pain point of your brand and we’ll chat with you about some possible solutions. It’s always so helpful to hear a fresh perspective and we’re excited to lend a hand.

JSGD has worked with some of the trailblazers in the wellness & green beauty industry (The W.E.L.L. Summit’s own Thirst Juice Co. & Follain, to name two!). As the Founder and Creative Director of a successful small business, we’re sure you wear a million hats. How do you incorporate wellness into your daily life?

Finding a healthy work/life balance as a business owner is no easy task. I try to carve out time early each morning for a long walk with my dog. I leave my phone at home and try to take in the smells and details of early morning life in my neighborhood. I’ve found it very meditative. I also try really hard to get to my favorite yoga studio each week. My husband and I receive a seasonal local farm share which is always introducing us to new veggies and forcing us to try new healthy recipes – eating well together is our favorite pastime.

We know Boston to be a very healthy city. For those who many be visiting Boston for The W.E.L.L. Summit, can you recommend three of your favorite healthy places to eat, drink and sneak in an early morning run?

Eat: Ester in Dorchester is a hidden gem. They have a rooftop garden where they grow their own produce – and what they can’t grow, they source locally. The owner lives right around the corner, and she always comes by your table to make sure you’re enjoying your meal. I love little personal touches like that.

Drink: Thirst Juice Co!

Early morning run: Head to the “other” side of the Charles! North Point is right over the bridge from Beacon Hill and so scenic + quiet 🙂

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Neal Halfon

Neal Halfon, MD, MPH is founding director of the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities, and also directs the Child and Family Health Leadership and Training Program in the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Dr. Halfon is professor of pediatrics in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; health policy and management in the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health; and public policy in the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Is well known for his health related publications.