Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Brantley-Hoyes
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a Miami native, so this city has been a big part of my story from the start. I spent over 25 years working in tech, an industry that I enjoyed but also found incredibly high-pressure and demanding. At one point, the stress became overwhelming, and I began looking for ways to manage it. People suggested meditation, but I struggled with traditional methods. Sitting still and “clearing my mind” wasn’t working for me, so I started experimenting with essential oils, hoping they could help me relax and focus.
Through this experimentation, I discovered that certain scents had a calming effect that allowed me to settle into a meditative state quickly and naturally. Scent meditation, as I began to call it, felt intuitive and didn’t require a lot of time. It became a tool that I relied on daily—not just to manage stress, but to help me focus, be present, and feel more energized for the work I wanted to accomplish. This practice became so impactful in my life that I eventually decided to build a business around it. That’s how Soulful Essence was born.
With Soulful Essence, I wanted to create something that offered people a way to pause and ground themselves, even on the busiest of days. I think a lot of us have that tendency to overthink and get caught up in the rush, and for me, scent meditation became a way to break out of that cycle. Now, I’m grateful to be able to share this tool with others, and I hope it can help them as much as it has helped me.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—there are always challenges, no matter how much experience you have or how carefully you plan. But over time, I’ve learned that obstacles aren’t something to fear; they’re opportunities to grow. As a long-time yogi, I’ve tried to approach difficulties with a solution-focused mindset rather than getting lost in the problem. It’s a practice in shifting perspective, and I remind myself that my mindset is really the only thing I can control.
Of course, that’s easier said than done, and it took me a while to get here. Early on, I often felt overwhelmed or stuck in analysis paralysis, unable to make decisions because I was so focused on everything that could go wrong. My regular meditation practice, particularly scent meditation, has been essential in helping me break that cycle. It grounds me and allows me to approach challenges with a calm mind. Now, when obstacles arise, I try to respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally. This mindset shift has been invaluable—not just in business, but in life.
As you know, we’re big fans of Soulful Essence. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Soulful Essence is all about making mindfulness easy and effective with our one minute, scent meditations. We create natural essential oil blends designed to help you clear your mind, stop overthinking, and boost productivity—all in just a minute.
What makes us unique is how simple we’ve made it to take a mindful pause in your day, no matter how busy you are. Whether you’re working, relaxing, or preparing for the day ahead, our blends help you reset and get back on track.
I’m proud of how Soulful Essence helps people find moments of calm and focus in their hectic lives. It’s not just about the oils, but about giving people a simple tool to stay grounded, productive, and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think there’s a misconception that finding a mentor means locating one perfect person who has all the answers and will guide you through every decision. In my experience, that’s not how it works. While it’s great to have people to look up to, I’ve learned that the key to growth is to ask questions and build relationships with a wide range of people. Mentorship, for me, has come from many sources—whether it’s my old landlord, who I pestered with questions before diving into real estate, or plumbers, engineers, retailers, and countless others. I’ve learned something valuable from each of them.
It’s about curating a network of knowledgeable individuals who are successfully doing what you want to do. The most important thing is to make sure you’re seeking advice from people who have experience and success in the areas you’re interested in. If you’re not getting that, then it’s not the right advice for you. I’ve also found that social media and platforms like YouTube can be excellent resources when you need information quickly. But always remember, the advice you take should come from people who are actually living the success you’re striving for. And never be afraid to ask questions, I’ve found that most people are always happy to help!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soulfulessence.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulfulessence/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findyouressence
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Soulfulessence
Image Credits
@iwannagency
