Jessica Waugh, JWaugh Education and JWaugh Wellness

Title: Owner / Founder
Location: Las Vegas, NV

What's your background, and how long have you been in the beverage industry?
I've dedicated over two decades to the F&B and hospitality industry. Beginning in front-of-house roles, I progressed to become a sommelier and wine director in my first decade. Shifting gears in the second decade, I served as the Director of Education for SGWS NV. In 2020, I founded JWaugh Education—a platform offering personalized coaching to prepare students for rigorous wine exams. Now, entering my third decade, I've launched JWaugh Wellness, specializing in individualized coaching that integrates wellness practices, with a focus on women's health. 

What are the top three challenges to maintaining your well-being in your work? 
1. Managing being a neurodiverse entrepreneur. Once becoming an entrepreneur, my neurodiverse tendencies really started to shine and as such, I went through testing to be able to understand myself more. I was late diagnosed with ADHD and every day is a challenge of managing how my brain works so I can be as efficient as possible for my companies and as helpful as possible for all my clients, all while doing what's best for my health, growth, and happiness.
2. Controlling my hyperfocusing. I have thrown my back out twice, often forget to eat, drink, and even pee, and often go into complete tunnel vision, ignoring everything around me without meaning to. In some ways, it is a superpower, but in other ways, it is a detriment to my health and well-being. I have created, and continue to create, lots of fail safes through trial and error to keep my well-being top of mind so I can operate at a capacity best for my clients and myself. 
3. Making time for fun. I am the queen of delayed gratification. It is very easy for me to say no to things that are beneficial for my mental health and social health while in the formative years of my companies. This also stems from studying for some of the hardest exams in the world. I rarely did anything that didn't contribute towards my education and growth. Friendships aren't the easiest to maintain when you so easily put them aside for growth and progress.

What are 3 things you do (or try to do) to maintain your well-being?
1. Exercise - I've come to realize that movement benefits not only my body but also my mind. While I appreciate its physical effects, the impact of exercise on my mental health is truly invaluable.
2. Nutrition - I meal prep every Monday, and this allows me to make sure I don't have to think about food for the rest of the week. It is easy to forget to eat or to want to binge eat everything in sight during/after my hyperfocus sessions. This way, everything is portioned out so my goals are met, and I don't have to worry about making decisions. 
3. Connection—This one is still a work in progress. I give a lot of myself to my one-on-one clients, and as such, many times when I'm not working, I want to be alone to recuperate and recharge my battery. However, I know how important it is to have family and social time, so I'm trying to be more cognizant of prioritizing time to just relax and have fun with loved ones.

What other beverages do you drink when you're not drinking alcohol?
These days, I rarely drink alcohol, as with my evolving age and fitness levels, I find I don't process it efficiently. I pretty much always have a bottle of water in my hand. I start each day with a protein shake and always have lime ginger sparkling water in the fridge. I'm loving the mocktail scene as it evolves, and I enjoy trying those when I am out and about. 

What would people be surprised to know about you? 
I like a lot of adrenaline-based activities like skydiving and zip-lining. I have yet to bungee jump or base jump, but I am definitely game for it when I can prioritize it in my schedule. Pretty much anything in the air I am game to try out. 

What are you looking forward to?
Meeting the people I'm destined to cross paths with and supporting them on their journey towards achieving their goals. There's nothing more fulfilling than witnessing someone discover their inner strength—the light and energy it brings not only to them but also to everyone around them—and how it propels them forward on their path. That's the magic! 

What's your weirdest wellness hack?
Not sure how weird this is, but cold plunging has changed my life! I cold plunge at least three times a week now for roughly five minutes at 38*F. The funny thing is it took me months to even try it, and I barely got to a minute the first time, but now (almost a year later), my body craves it.

What inspires you on your journey in the beverage industry?
Helping others find their direction in the industry. It just lights me up and inspires me to be better each time. There are so many facets to this industry, I love when someone hits their stride and forges their own path that is unique to them. We are all meant to contribute in some way, and seeing how collaboration and compassion can skyrocket each individual just warms my soul. 

What is a quote that you love?
"Life comes down to the choices you make and the chances you take - and chance and convenience don't live on the same block." ~ Sandra Yancey

You can connect with Jessica on Instagram for education @jwaugheducation and TikTok for wellness @jwaughwellness