Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1208034
58 ascp skin deep march/april 2020 A NEW FUTURE Originally from the "small horse town" of Bernalillo, New Mexico, Jessica became a mother at 14. "My little girl and I met a little earlier than most, but it never took away from my future—it actually gave me a new one." Jessica says it took her a long time to tell her story publicly because of the criticism and condescending attitudes she received for many years. "Often the people who criticize your life are the same people who don't know or understand the price you paid to get where you are today. Even now, it feels like a fresh wound because this is my life, not just a story." When Jessica told her family about her pregnancy, a family member she admired said, "What a waste of a good life." Jessica did not feel defeated by the statement —instead, she felt empowered to prove her family wrong. "Those words lingered in my heart and mind for many years," Jessica says. "They made me realize my own worth. I was not going to be another statistic, and I wanted to show every single person who doubted me—and show them that having a baby young would never be a waste of a good life." With little support, Jessica had to find a way to care for herself and her infant daughter. "Even then, I knew damn well I wasn't going to fail. My kids are my motivation and my purpose. My life wasn't easy, but I built me." Today, Jessica's children are grown and as ambitious as their mother. Her 25-year-old daughter is following in her footsteps; she just finished esthetics school and is in the process of opening her own spa in Atlanta. Her son is 20 years old and is in the Army. Jessica also has three grandchildren. "They call me 'Glammie,' and if you ask me, it suits me perfectly." "My life wasnʼt easy, but I built me." —Jessica Marie Top: Jessica Marie's daughter, Raven, is also an esthetician. Above: Jessica and Raven brave the cold during the EOTY photo shoot.