Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Phillips.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I had my first child in 2009 and quickly realized there was a void of support in the area when it came to breastfeeding, and somehow in my sleep-deprived state, ended up volunteering my (very nonexistent) free time to running a mom-focused non-profit organization, and then founded a few non-profits related to breastfeeding, babywearing, parenting over the years, over a few states, across a planet, etc. 🙂
A few years in (and with a lot of nudging from the community) I realized that I could make a profession out of what I was currently doing for free, and that I was actually GOOD at and enjoyed what I was doing. I was homeschooling my kids at the time (10 years+) and planning a future that meant I would be a single mom surviving on just my income, which was terruifying at the time, but my patients and their trust in me have helped SUnshine Lactation grow into the top lactation business in the area.
And then, somewhere along the way, I realized that what I was doing was less about breastfeeding, and more about helping people feed their babies, but also connect and find joy and authenticity in the postpartum experience. Sometimes that ends up having nothing to do with boobs and that’s cool. 😘
You never know what someone is going through 💕
I am now a single mom of three kids, and this little ‘boob business’ has become our livelihood, supporting fellow mothers and women has become my life’s calling, and the lessons I have learned from the families I have supported along the way have been invaluable. I absolutely love what I do and what I am building in this community..
I suppose I have a unique approach because I grew up overseas, mostly in Japan; because I have a degree in CS and programming and know that ease of access is important to new families, and because I also strike a balance between ‘hippie’ and ideal, and meeting parents where they are. I am also truly local;; I was born in Jax, left when I was a few months old for Japan and the Pacific, grew up surfing other oceans my whole life, and somehow made my way back here… like a sea turtle.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it was always challenging trying to find time to support other mothers while raising and homeschooling my children, I can’t tell you how many times my kids heard “I’m on a call with a mama give me a minute!”
When I launched my practice, I didn’t realize it would become my sole source of income, a legacy for my children, my lifeline through many difficult changes in our lives, but I am glad it has, because I cannot imagine anything more purposeful than genuinely and empathically supporting women during such a crucial season of life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a clinical International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), but before that I was a mom, volunteer breastfeeding counselor, babywearing educator, organic farmer, homeschooler, programmer, editor and graphic designer. I specialize in helping new parents feed their babies, however they feed their babies, and find their joy in the postpartum experience.
I have pursued extensive additional training in herbalism, oral restrictions and tongue ties, infant and maternal sleep, and maternal mental health, and approach each patient from a holistic standpoint; whatever we’re doing has to work for mama, the household, the family, or it doesn’t work
I’ve been here on and off for 15+ years and I’m not going anywhere, I love this community and love helping build healthy, happy families.
I also surf and have lived next the the ocean my whole life, and know how important it is to be able to return to the places that bring you joy ASAP.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love our coastline and natural resources! Jacksonville is surrounded by water; how many other cities look so blue on a map? We also have diverse surf breaks and fishing; lots of options to choose from within 1 hour which is amazing.
I dislike that we don’t highlight those natural resources and the beauty of our waterways more, and that we don’t have more outdoor venues and activities downtown for families and young children.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunshinelactation.com
