Out of Office with Jesse Walker
of Mixt Feelings and Dreamstate Collective
What’s your name, where do you currently live?
My name is Jesse Walker, and I currently live (with my parents, my husband and my bulldog, in my childhood home) in Washington, DC.
Where do you feel most at home [your truest self/energized/restored]?
For me, there's not a specific place that comes to mind, but rather a feeling I get when I'm most in my element. I feel most at home when I'm in a bustling house -- with lots of people coming in and out, plenty of delicious food and drinks on a communal table, and people around me who want to engage in honest, open conversations over several glasses of wine. I guess I'm describing a dinner party with loved ones as my most at home feeling.
What is your soul’s work?
This is a question I'm still trying to uncover. While I believe this continues to evolve as I grow and change, at this very moment I believe my soul's work is to serve as a connector in community; to evoke joy in even the darkest of situations; and through storytelling, to communicate hard feelings into digestible, relatable words.
What does the word “holiday” or “vacation” evoke for you?
The word holiday evokes a feeling of excitement and lots of color. I love any excuse to engage in celebration, and when I think of holiday, I think of neon tassels, an array of brightly colored fruits, and full permission to let the confetti pop.
What puts you in the vacation mindset?
Any cocktail with sugar around the rim.
What is your favorite part of vacation?
My favorite part of vacation is the second day I'm away somewhere, after I've (ideally) slept in. I become giddy with excitement remembering I'm in a new place, and eager to explore. I also typically pack fun, colorful clothes when I'm on vacation, and I love to put on an outfit that makes me feel playful and confident in a new place. Also (I have many favorite parts of vacation) I love reading while I'm on vacation. I'm an avid reader in general, but there's something about reading a book for pleasure while on vacation that just hits different.
How do you find the essence of slowness [that vacation mentality] in your everyday life?
I try to commit to treating myself to one indulgence every day--typically a scoop of my favorite ice cream at the end of the day. Also, when the work day is over, I close my laptop for the evening and don't even think about opening it back up until the next morning.
What puts you most at ease? The most joyful?
When I'm surrounded by other people that are feeling joyful and excited to celebrate. That feeling is contagious for me.
“ I feel most at home when I'm in a bustling house -- with lots of people coming in and out, plenty of delicious food and drinks on a communal table, and people around me who want to engage in honest, open conversations over several glasses of wine.”
Where does the inspiration for your design and art come from?
I think that my seven-year old self is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. She was so bold and brave. That was also the age I first really started to dress up in costumes as a form of play and self-expression, and I continue to play dress-up regularly.
What is your favorite destination?
I have a special place in my heart for Miami. That city vibrates on a different frequency than anywhere else I've ever been. I know that it can be overwhelming for some people, but I find the vibrancy and energy to be so much fun. I also love that even though Miami is technically in the states, it's not the states at all. If you've been there, you know what I mean. Miami is my happy place.
What is the favorite thing you collected or found?
This cheetah print bag--that looks like something my grandma would've loved--I thrifted while I was on a girls trip in North Carolina (see photo).
What do you believe is the secret to breaking out of the mundanity daily living can sometimes bring?
Taking a different route home regularly to discover new places and beautiful things.
What is one piece of advice/an idea/an assurance you’d give your younger self?
Your high sensitivity is your superpower. Own it!
What is your mantra?
Joy is your birthright!
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