Conversations with the Inspiring Jessica Mortarotti

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Mortarotti.

Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been entrepreneurial for as long as I can remember. When I was 11 years old, my friend and I walked around our neighborhoods handing out handwritten flyers marketing our fantastic and responsible babysitting services. I ended up getting a few clients out of that effort and perhaps at that early age, I learned the satisfaction of making money from something I thought of, and on my own terms.

In college, my roommate and I would sit around, almost nightly, and obsessively discuss business ideas that we wanted to start. To this day, I am constantly thinking of new business ideas, following trends and looking at ways that things could be done better.

I started my first real business in 2007. Carmela Ice Cream was a product of me following food trends and sensing a craft ice cream movement on the horizon. I was also in a major foodie phase at that time in my life and wanted to start a food business I could fully immerse myself in. My other, actually my main goal, was to learn about starting and running a business.

When I had the idea for HotBox, I took everything I had learned with Carmela and applied it. I wanted to create a wellness business that I was passionate about personal and one that I believed would have the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Going from an idea to an actual business is a major journey and one that many people get lost on along the way. It’s so easy to get caught up in the details, the “analysis paralysis,” or to listen to that negative voice in your head that tells you ALL the excellent reasons why you shouldn’t do something.

One piece of advice I always give is to hold onto your vision tightly. If there is an idea that keeps coming back to you over and over again (not just a one-time thought) that’s the universe telling you-you are passionate about it. At this point, you just need to start taking steps towards that vision and as you get distracted or frustrated along the way, always steer yourself back on track. There will definitely be “two steps forward, one step back” days, but if you keep moving forward one day, you will realize you’ve achieved what you set out to.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into HotBox Infrared Sauna Studio story. Tell us more about it.
Generally, my day to day is focused on the overall direction of the company and our marketing efforts. I am incredibly proud of the two brands that I’ve built, but I’m also proud of my team. My business (and life) partner, Zach Cox has been instrumental in taking my ideas into reality and we have been very fortunate to have worked with amazingly talented people along the way. No matter what the project, I am proud of our commitment and passion that we dedicate to creating the best possible businesses for our clients to enjoy.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
It truly is a journey starting out in a career or starting a new business. It’s important to pace yourself so you don’t burn out and be conscious to enjoy the ride as you go.

Image Credit:
Jessica Mortarotti

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