634: Jess Racklyeft of Jesses Mess on finding your true self

Award-winning author and illustrator Jess Racklyeft has created more than 50 children’s books, but her path to a full-time creative career was anything but straightforward. In this episode, Jess chats with Fiona about moving from publishing and sales into illustration, the realities of making a living from creative work, and why experimentation, side projects and simply making things for the joy of it continue to play such an important role in her career. You'll learn: How Jess moved from publishing and sales into a full-time career as an author and illustrator What the business of children’s books really looks like, from the lengthy publishing process to royalties, multiple income streams and the importance of treating creativity like a business Why protecting time for play, experimentation and creativity without an outcome can be so important, especially after burnout Connect with Jess: IG:  @jessesmess Need help with your own business strategy, impact, visibility or personal brand ? Get in touch: [email protected]  Connect with My Daily Business: Instagram: @mydailybusiness_ TikTok: @mydailybusiness Email: [email protected] Website: mydailybusiness.com Resources mentioned: AI Monthly Chat Group for Small Business Owners My Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses Special thanks to HoneyBook for sponsoring this podcast. HoneyBook helps independent businesses manage everything from enquiries and contracts to invoices and payments, all in one place. Use this link and code FIONA to receive 30% off until the end of September 2026. Want to get your #smallbusiness sorted in 2026/ 27? Check out our 1:1 business coaching packages from a one-off session to 6-months of coaching. Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA. We also love Descript. Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.