In the latest episode of Ever Onward, listeners are invited to embark on a journey of empowerment, innovation, and resilience with Jessie McKinney, the CEO and co-founder of Red Aspen. The episode begins with an intriguing tale from Ryan Cleverley, COO and CFO of Ahlquist, who shares a lighthearted story about a costly promise made to his son during an Alabama football game. This anecdote serves as a humorous segue into the economic insights he provides, emphasizing the current lending environment and its implications for various market sectors.

As the episode progresses, Jessie McKinney takes center stage, sharing her entrepreneurial journey that began in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Her story is one of perseverance and grit, highlighting the influential role of mentors like Orville Thompson in her career. The challenges she faced transitioning from a corporate role at Scentsy to becoming a stay-at-home mom are laid bare, setting the stage for the founding of Red Aspen. Jessie, alongside co-founders Jeannie Reese and Amanda Moore, embarked on this venture from a modest apartment in Boise, driven by a mission to empower women through direct sales.

One of the most poignant moments in the episode is Jessie’s reflection on a life-changing experience that reshaped her priorities. The emotional journey of contemplating mortality during a health scare underscores the importance of gratitude and expressing unspoken feelings. This transformative moment became a catalyst for Jessie’s personal and professional growth, ultimately leading to the creation of Red Aspen. Despite limited resources, Jessie and her team were determined to launch the company, achieving breakeven within six weeks and setting the stage for future successes.

The episode delves into the explosive growth Red Aspen experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by bold innovation and strategic risk-taking. The company’s commitment to launching new beauty products each month, including the unexpectedly successful press-on nails, exemplifies their adaptive approach to business. The pandemic, while challenging, provided a unique opportunity for growth as salons closed, leading to an impressive 850% increase in sales. Jessie’s narrative is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing the hard work and dedication required to manage a rapidly expanding business without external investment.

Throughout the episode, the interconnectedness of aspen trees serves as a metaphor for Red Aspen’s network of independent consultants. Jessie highlights the importance of strong partnerships and collaboration, both within the company and with local communities. The pride of being an Idaho native and the responsibility to give back are emphasized, with a focus on building relationships with local universities to enhance the state’s workforce.

The discussion transitions to the technological challenges faced by Red Aspen, particularly in developing a sophisticated Shopify website for their direct sales model. Overcoming these hurdles involved integrating multiple apps and platforms to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. This innovative system has allowed for targeted marketing efforts, contributing to the company’s sustainable growth.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt conversation on motherhood and work-life integration. Jessie shares her experiences of balancing entrepreneurship with family life, emphasizing the importance of grace and flexibility. The notion that work-life balance is more about integration than equilibrium is a key takeaway, providing reassurance to parents navigating similar challenges.

Ultimately, this episode of Ever Onward is an inspiring narrative of courage and confidence, encouraging listeners to embrace their own challenges and achieve greatness. Jessie’s story is a reminder that with determination and a supportive network, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.