same boat in some fashion. It reenergizes me and pushes me to move forward. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? JESSICA: Don’t take life too seriously and just be yourself. I always wish I could go to a high school and stand in front of 2,000 girls and say “Guys, it really doesn’t matter.” There are so many opportunities to find where you belong. In 20 years, they’re going to look back and be like, “Man, why did I care so much about what blah blah thought?” Or, “Why did I do this or that?” Life can be short, it can be gone in the blink of an eye, and I think just cherish what you have and don’t take life too seriously. Are there any habits you have that keep a balance in your daily life? JESSICA: I work out in the mornings at 5 a.m. so that I get my day started early and I’m good about putting time aside for me, whether it’s going to lunch with my friends or going to the spa so that when I have to come to work the next day, I’m able to help make people feel good because I feel good about myself. I also
Quick Q’s: My go-to accessory is… the statement necklace (that my employee, Molly, hates). Current fashion obsession… fur jackets. Can’t have enough of them. Three words to describe Dolce… friendly, loud, welcoming. Something that’s always in my purse is… at least, like, five lipsticks. Favorite place to relax… the patio at Junior’s for a glass of sparkling rose. and making people feel special while also trusting in and investing in your employees creates a foundation. My family wouldn’t be what it is without my team. We are a family, and they have helped raise my kids with me. It’s just become a whole family business. It’s been a journey, but it is so beyond rewarding, and it also teaches my kids a lot.
try to make it a point to leave work in time to pick up my kids from carpool [line], which helps me feel connected with them at home, where I can actually be a part of their schoolwork and not have to run into the house at 7 o’clock [and pick up where things are left off]. They grow up in the blink of an eye, so just squeeze them as tight as you can. Time is important. How do you keep a sense of “you” in everything you do? JESSICA: Between the shop and me momming, I just do it to my realest self. It’s not perfect, so I feel like it truly is me. Dolce is so much of who I am, there’s no front to it. Within it and outside of it, it’s just me being me. We’ve made so many connections through my business that it overflows into my mom life and the people I am surrounded by. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about running a business? JESSICA: Before you start a business, you think you open and immediately take off. But really, it’s through building consistency and great employees and a great support system over time to make you successful. Staying consistent
NOLAFAMILY.COM | DECEMBER 2025 15
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