Jessie Andrews is a self-made entrepreneur, designer, and creative director whose career has been shaped by curiosity, discipline, and trust in her own instincts. Raised in Miami, she moved to Los Angeles at a young age, choosing an unconventional path driven by ambition rather than certainty. Early work in film and modeling gave her a front-row view of creative industries and the confidence to step behind the scenes.
Before turning 21, Jessie began designing jewelry as a personal project. That idea became Bagatiba, a brand known for its clean lines and thoughtful design. As it grew, she stayed closely involved in creative direction and brand strategy, building a strong foundation for what came next. She later launched several other ventures, including Basic Swim, Basic Sport, and Jeu Illimité, each guided by her belief that fashion should be inspired by real life rather than strict seasons.
Over time, Jessie expanded her focus beyond product design. She became known for building immersive brand experiences and innovative retail concepts, including Tase Gallery in Los Angeles. The space blended art, fashion, and community in a way that felt natural and intentional.
Alongside her work as a founder, Jessie has continued acting, appearing in film and television while developing new creator-focused projects. Today, she remains deeply hands-on in everything she builds, guided by resilience, balance, and a commitment to steady growth.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days change depending on where I am, but the structure stays the same. I wake up early and start with quiet time before the noise begins. I review my calendar, check notes from the day before, and set three priorities. Not a long list. Just three things that actually move something forward. Between brand work, creative reviews, meetings, and travel, it’s easy to stay busy without being productive. Blocking my day keeps me focused. I leave space for thinking, not just reacting.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas usually come from observing. Travel plays a big role. Walking through a city, seeing how people move, dress, or interact gives me direction. I capture everything immediately—notes, photos, voice memos. Then I sit with it. I don’t rush execution. Once an idea sticks, I test it small. Jewelry designs, retail concepts, even Tase Gallery started quietly. If it holds up over time, I build it out.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited by creators building across disciplines. Not fitting into one title. Fashion mixed with film. Retail mixed with art. That kind of fluid creativity feels more honest and sustainable.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Writing things down. I don’t trust my memory. Notes keep me grounded and prevent mental clutter.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stop asking for permission. You don’t need validation before you start.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe pressure is optional. Most stress is created by expectations we didn’t choose.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Invest in yourself before asking others to invest in you. Time, energy, learning—it compounds.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away. Literally. A walk, a shower, silence. I remind myself things are only as hard as I make them. That reset usually brings clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Staying hands-on longer than expected. I didn’t outsource creative direction early. That consistency helped my brands feel cohesive as they grew.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I once rushed a product launch because timing felt right. The product wasn’t ready. Sales reflected that. I pulled it, reworked it, and relaunched months later. The lesson was patience. Momentum means nothing without quality.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A traveling pop-up that blends local artists, designers, and one-night-only collaborations. No inventory overload. Just experience and connection.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Apple Notes. Simple. Everything lives there—ideas, lists, reminders, sketches.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I reread books more than I chase new ones. Anything focused on mindset over tactics tends to last longer.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Films that feel character-driven. I’m always drawn to stories about people becoming themselves.
Key learnings
- Consistent structure creates freedom in fast-moving creative careers.
- Ideas benefit from time, observation, and small-scale testing before expansion.
- Staying hands-on early can preserve clarity and cohesion as projects grow.