I grew up on UK’s roughest estate now I’ve got millions in the bank, I’ve sacrificed being liked for being succesful
A MUM who grew up in “Britain’s biggest hellhole” has revealed how she had to make ‘unpopular’ decisions to get to where she is.
At the age of just 36, “mumpreneur” Jessica Crane has already made a fortune as a salon business coach, property guru, wealth and business coach and public speaker.
She enjoys regular trips to Dubai with her husband Jordan, son Hunter, eight, and daughter Harley, 10.
But the Jessica admits that she has used an ‘unpopular’ business approach to get where she is today.
Effective leadership is what matters most, according to Jessica.
Sometimes, this requires making difficult decisions, such as letting go of underperforming team members or managing resources judiciously.
“We have had to make tough choices and let team members go who are not performing,” she says.
“It’s not a popular decision, or one I want to make. But in all honesty, if your communication and the management of your team is strong, they will be supportive and understand.
“If you want to build a successful company, it’s going to come with having to make tough choices, and not all of these are going to be popular. Be prepared to be disliked at times on the way to your success.”
It is not just staff members that Jessica has let go of.
Brought up in Ward End, Birmingham – described as a “Britain’s biggest hellhole” by one newspaper, Jessica has left her old life, including family members behind to strive for success.
“The area was known for knife crime, drugs, guns and pitbull fights,” she says.
“The police stopped responding to call-outs and at night, I’d struggle to sleep through the sound of sirens and fighting outside.
“I saw how the women on the estate suffered financial, physical and emotional abuse at the hands of men.”
Her tough upbringing meant Jessica learned from the age of 12 that hard work was the only way out of a life of poverty and violence.
“After years of witnessing men being violent to women, and made to feel ‘not enough,’ I was emotionally burnt out and untrusting of people,” she previously admitted.
“I felt disconnected and guarded in my relationships.”
Now with a family of her own, Jessica decided that to move forward, she needed to distance herself from her former life.
She admits it was a difficult choice but felt it was her only option when it came to moving on.
“When I became a mother, the hurt and betrayal I felt deepened as I realised people I trusted had been willing to hurt me,” Jessica explains.
“I made multiple attempts to mend damaged relationships, but when met with dismissive and belittling responses, I knew it was time to prioritise my own well-being.”
Rebuilding her life away from her family, Jessica explains that she found a new sense of belonging in her “chosen family” and friends.
She explains: “I have always been self-sufficient and focused on creating my own environment.
“I never felt like I belonged in that family, and I found support and love in my husband, children, and close friends.
“My husband is very family oriented and our children are our top priority.
“We have lots of close friends who I consider more as family who we love to be around and spend time with.
“I think it is healthy to choose to be around the people who fill your cup.”
Jessica explains that, although her decision to cut ties with her family may be controversial, it was entirely justified in her eyes.
Breaking free from generational cycles of trauma can bring about feelings of guilt and obligation, but Jessica says that it gets easier over time.
She now coaches female entrepreneurs and often advises clients struggling with similar issues to set firm boundaries and consider taking a break from toxic relationships if needed.
WHAT JESSICA LEARNT ON HER WAY TO THE TOP
Investing in Yourself is a Must
Jessica emphasises the importance of investing in oneself. She says that personal investment is a key factor in achieving success.
“Successful people invest in themselves as they understand their business is fueled by them and their knowledge, so the more they grow, the more the business will grow.”
Jessica also highlights that personal growth and development are vital components of building a thriving business.
“This is now the first expense I plan for, and it is a top priority to be around mentors in masterminds and get the skills and knowledge I need.
Over the years I would say I have easily invested over £250k in mentors, coaching and learning – this is the ONLY shortcut to success. In my first few months of business when I wanted to change my business model from face to face to online I quickly got stuck, my money mindset was holding me back and I could hear my grandparents telling me ‘don’t spend what you haven’t earned’ so I was struggling to invest money I didn’t yet have. I ended up hiring a coach, and from that initial investment my ROI was huge and I never looked back or ever questioned investing in myself ever again. It’s an absolute must.
Most people wait ‘for the right time’ – but the truth is there will never be a right time. I think the universe rewards us when we take risks and put ourselves out there. It’s like a test of how willing you really are to get the results you want”.
You Will Have to Put a Lot In Before You See Anything Out
Acknowledging the challenges and setbacks that typically come with entrepreneurship, Jessica stresses the need for perseverance and dedication. Jessica’s own experience of tirelessly working on her business, even in the face of obstacles and personal responsibilities, serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to success.
“Sometimes you are going to spend a lot of time building something and learning how to build it at the same time. It can take hours and hours, weeks even months. With zero guarantee it’s going to work.
When I launched my business to an online model it took months for me to dial in my sales funnels and get the ads to perform. Was it frustrating? Absolutely. Did I want to give up multiple times? Absolutely.
At this point I had a newborn, a toddler, and had just moved to a new city with no friends, no family, no childcare or support. I was pulling all-nighters, looking after children in the day and working all night to get my online model working.
I think today everyone is looking for short term and instant gratification – you’re made to believe that if you’re not successful by 25 then you’re a failure. You need to be able to sacrifice short term for long term, and building a successful business takes long term thinking”.
“I’ve noticed a lot of women I coach going through a similar thing – some are the first in their families to own a business, create significant wealth, or stop domestic abuse and drug abuse,” she says.
“Where possible, a relationship can continue if there are healthy roots.
“The initial move would be to put some firm boundaries in place to protect you, your space, energy and environment.
“If the relationships are toxic and your boundaries are not being respected – maybe it’s time to take a break.
“If it’s less painful, you can tell yourself that this is a short-term break initially – but the main thing is that this decision has to serve you, your mental wellbeing.
“You can live your life, and they can live theirs. Your paths may not align, and that’s okay.”