Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica McCready.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The beginning was interesting.
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. The earlier years were tough.
Growing up all I wanted to do was perform. I would daydream daily about singing and dancing like Beyonce’. My family couldn’t afford training so I buried that dream deep down. I did dance and step on school troops and community teams but I always dreamed of going to a school of the arts. I worked through high school and went off to attend Florida A&M University where I attended for two years. I dropped out and moved back to West Palm Beach where I worked countless dead-end jobs ranging catering, Child Care Professional, Customer Service, Cleaning, Administrative Assistant, you name it. I did it. I wasn’t happy, I lacked freedom and substance. While working these dead-end jobs, my creative wheels began turning and I started a dance company by the name of Prestige Dance Company for little girls.
When I was 23, I was invited to my first poetry spot and there, my life changed. I started to go every week and eventually I got on the Mic. I loved it! Shortly after starting to write poetry, I decided to combine music, dance and poetry to tell stories theatrically. I had a vision and friends who were artists that were intrigued and ready to make it come to life. I began writing, producing and directing Choreopoems. This is where I lived the dreams that I once suppressed as a child. I didn’t care about bills or the cares of this world; I just wanted to create. I became an artist at Lot 23, the artist lofts sponsored by the City of West Palm Beach and there I was immersed with even more artistry. However, I lost sight of the more practical things in life like credit, relationships, career. I quit my job as a breakfast cafe manager and decided to start helping people with their Odd Jobs.
At one point in time my artistry was at a standstill, I was broke with nowhere to live, my heart was broken and I was falling into a deep depression. I decided to take my leap of faith and move to LA. I had under $200 in my pocket, four days booked at a hostel and my business cards in hand. It was my fresh start and the opportunity to take my dreams to a big city. In hopes that I could take care of myself and be artistically free.
While living at the hostel, I got on every freelance work app there was. I did a lot of cleaning. I would push my basket with all my cleaning supplies on the bus and travel wherever they needed me. I was just happy to be here. I started creating my music, taking dance classes and I began to come alive again. Eventually, I started getting different requests like packaging inventory, childcare, house sitting and that’s when I realized I was getting in my grove. I was just happy to be here. I started creating my music, taking dance classes and I began to come alive again. I began to get request for jobs that I couldn’t do and that’s when it clicked. I would be the Lady to connect freelance workers with people who really need their service.
Now three years after my leap of faith, Thee Odd Job Lady has expanded immensely, my artistry is developing and I’m feeding that inner child that just wanted to create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The mental strain that comes with growing up and living in poverty felt like it was choking me.
Not smooth but I’ve always had grace and mercy. I lived in a hostel for one whole year that was located on 7th and San Pedro (near Skid Row). That environment was harsh and scary.
Being Thee Odd Job Lady without a car in LA also put quite a strain on things.
It took a while to get consistent clientele and then Covid 19 hit the world. Just like any other business, Thee Odd Job Lady suffered and came to a complete halt. We are recovering now.
Going from a lady that did Odd Jobs to a Company that provides overall assistance was a mental obstacle as well. To put myself as a position as a CEO, legitimizing the business, expensive website drama, ineffective marketing and the list goes on. At one point in time, I thought I wasn’t good enough or worthy of this being successful. I am the first in my family to be an entrepreneur or an artist so I have never seen this done before.
Balancing Artistry and Work has been a struggle as well. The inner artist in me wishes to create. The bills say otherwise. Bringing those two to a happy medium takes a lot of time, effort and energy.
Locating a space for our circle of silence “Thee Tea Tree” The winter months are approaching and it will be too cold soon to have it outside.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Thee Odd Job Lay?
There are many of us who have more things on our to-do list than we have hands or hours in a day to complete them. That can quickly become stressful and overwhelming, which might make you want to do it even less! Thee Odd Job Lady is here to increase the peace by providing assistance to all people in their lives, both personally and professionally. We understand that personal assistance has been considered a luxury and only accessible to the wealthy. But we also know that whether it’s a single parent or a fully staffed company, everyone benefits from the contribution of a team effort. You deserve assistance just because you’re a part of our human community!
Our Services Include:
Residential
Errands, Organization (office, room, closet, cabinet, etc.), House Sitting, Meal Prep, Shopping, Laundry Services, Companion Services, Vehicle Maintenance, Pet Sitting, Post Office Runs, Nanny Services, Care Giving.
Professional
Errands, Event Staff, Production Assistance, Boutique Clerk, Cashier, Administrative Assistant, Catering Staff, Host, Inventory, Faxing, Filing, Extra Hands, Pop Up Shop Support, Packaging, Data Entry, Shipping, PowerPoint Presentation Creation, Bookkeeping, Excel Spreadsheet Creation, Customer Support.
On Demand Executive Assistant
This is a flexible and cost-effective option for those who could benefit from a Personal Assistant occasionally, but not enough for a monthly subscription. This is great for events, gatherings, business meetings, etc. Submit your request for service.
To-Do List Concierge
When you provide your entire to-do list in detail, you will also indicate what budget you have for the completion of each task. Each item is then assessed, and Thee Odd Job Lady determines the best plan of execution. We manage your to-do list and facilitate the means to accomplish that, including hiring, scheduling, and following through with the completion of each task provided.
Our network has two major divisions. We have partnered with freelance workers of all expertise in Los Angeles and South Florida. Our partners are skilled professionals that have been thoroughly screened and trained by Thee Odd Job Lady and affiliates. We are allied with elite businesses to provide services and products on demand. Our affiliates are trusted businesses and it is our pleasure to connect them with you!
The ease and relief that comes to people after their interaction makes my heart smile. That connection is something I live for. I’m the most proud of being able to give other people like me (Freelance Workers) with opportunities to provide for themselves.
My competitors are apps. The compassion, connection and customer service that comes with human interaction is what stands us apart for the others in my industry. I’m a call away with all concerns and inquiries. The experience is customized by me.
We’ve also Partnered with Sista Alchemist to bring you Thee Tea Tree, a circle of silence, meditation, prayer, yoga and tea.
It’s my goal to increase the peace and spread light.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, we intend to branch off into all major cities in the United States.
We plan on being able to provide stable and sustainable work for freelance workers.
Pricing:
- Residential Services start at $20.00 per hour
- Professional Services start at $25.00 per hour
- To-List Concierge Starts at $75.00 (10 items)
- On Demand Executive Assistant start at $30.00 per hour
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.theeoddjoblady.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theeoddjoblady
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theeoddjoblady
Image Credits:
Daniel Fortune for the initial profile picture Messy Desk Multimedia For the Odd Job Lady Flyer
