It’s November 1st but I had to wait till Wednesday to bring you October’s WCW I have a special treat for you. The Women Crush Wednesday hashtag and social media trend is nothing new. But I am trying to reclaim that title not just for half naked celebrities or women you actually know nothing about. The women I crush over are using their womenhood, their voice and their passions to make our world brighter. I have some incredible women in my life so I am honored to share them with you. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.

Meet Jessica.

Jessica and I met through a mutual friend, Ariella while we were all traveling in Bali. We are all a part of the Facebook community, Girls Love Travel and Ariella and I connected and had been virtual friends for a while when our paths finally crossed in Bali. We were all able to attend a yoga class together. When Jessica and I got to chatting poolside, Ariella was like “yeah, I think you two have a lot in common.” Somehow this escalated to an outdoor shower photoshoot for our Instagrams and I knew I loved her.

Although our time together was brief, we’ve stayed in contact via social media and I have loved having her positive light in my life. She is a talented yogi, adventurous traveler, and shares the ups and the downs of her life in a vulnerable and inspiring way. She is someone who I am always excited to see what she will do next. Thanks for bringing your light to my life, Jess! I’ll let her take it from here.

1. What do you think makes a woman worth “crushing” over?

Instinctively crushes are usually related to attraction. You see a sexy or visually appealing picture of a girl or a guy and “you crush”.

In elementary school “you crush” on the cutest boy in class. Its hard to crush for other reasons.  Typically on social media platforms  we are usually only getting visual images. What makes someone crush worthy might begin with looks, but you have to have the heart, soul, or passion to back it up…at least in my opinion.

2. What did you do for a living? What was the most challenging part about it?

I recently began a job as a flight attendant with Virgin America. I think the most challenging part is when you do come across the people who aren’t having such a good day and trying to come  from a place of calm to deal with the situation and also get the flight out on time.

3. Who are three women that you look up to and have inspired you the most in your career/life ?

My mom

My aunt

My cousin

Odd they are all family, but I do come from a close family so it does make sense.

4. What is one topic you wish more women knew about on a global scale? Why?

The words “global scale”…makes me think about 3rd world countries and places that may not be as fortunate to have knowledge, and resources for many things I do being from the US. I would have to say, meditation would be my topic.

Prayer is a close second, and if you are able to put the two together….you can get through just about anything. These are powerful tools that I think everyone should be aware of and know how to use.

5. What advice do you give to women who feel that they are constantly surrounded by drama in their group of friends?

Short answer, stay above it. Try not to contribute or add to the negativity.

Long term solution, find new friends. You need to surround yourself around the light bringers. The people that add to your happiness. That make you feel warm and fuzzy. Friends you can trust, count on, and laugh with. Life is too short to surround yourself with negative draining drama.

6. Do you believe being a strong woman with a passion for her career takes away from a woman’s ability to be a loving partner/mother/friend/sister ?

Absolutely not. You can do anything and everything you want, including balancing family and work. Although, I have a feeling my passion for my kids/family will take over my career for a bit and that is something I am willing to sacrifice or put on the back burner to ensure I don’t miss a moment with my minions.

7. What is something you are really excited about currently in your own life?

My new career as a flight attendant and the endless opportunities and possibilities that come with it. I can’t wait to meet new people and see new places. There are so many stories to be written and experienced, and I can hardly wait.

8. Why is self love an important part of being a modern day woman?

You cannot properly love any person, place, or thing until you know how to love yourself first. Simple as that. You have to take care of yourself first before trying to bring others into the picture.

9. If you could have a lunch date with any woman on the planet, who would it be?

Jennifer Lawrence. She is beautiful, talented, and a goofball. I would love to be friends with her, and get a sense for her personality off camera.

10. How can anyone reading this keep up with you and what you’re doing in the future?

Instagram is my favorite and most active platform. You can find me there @yogameetstravel

Second would be Facebook Jessica Ann

Bonus: What is one question you have for me?

What inspired you to start the Women Crush Wednesday series? A specific story or person?

Since I run my business through social media I spend a lot of time on Instagram and Facebook for work. I noticed the trend for #WCW seemed to be very superficial. I agree with you– you need soul and passion to back it up. But that made me think of all the amazing women in my own social circles, near and far, who I believe embody strong, fun, exciting women! I designed the series to feature these ladies in hopes to spread your light a little further. I have seen the impact of women empowering women and I want to contribute to that in a small way by celebrating women who deserve the spotlight! You’re one of them!

Here’s to women worth crushing over all over the globe. ❤ xxx