Tori Green: Who are you? What do you do?
Jaime Lee Simmons: My name is Jaime Lee Simmons. I’m a full-time content creator, stand up comedian, and cohost of the 2 Girls 1 Blunt pod, #5 in Stand up Comedy on Apple Podcasts.
Emily Chesnut: My name is Emily, I’m known as Emily Chestnut, and I am a content creator, comedian, and podcast co-host.
Tori: What was your first business (including running your own business)? How long did this last or are you still involved in the same business?
Jaime: Been an entrepreneur since I came out the womb. My first business was in elementary school where Id sell jewelry on the beach. Right now I have an s-corp that I started after becoming a full time influencer a year ago, so it’s new but the tax benefits are great!
Emily: My first venture into running a business was a martial arts school, I was mentored by the owner and was asked to manage his business for him. This then transitioned into an offer for me to buy the brand and school system off of the company.
Tori: Biggest challenge? How did you get through it?
Jaime: My biggest challenge was and still is overcoming the childhood trauma of having a drug lord father in jail, an abusive alcoholic mom, and having both my sister and dad pass away and alll the fun stuff that comes through it. I got through it by being resilient, not letting it define who I am, and allowing myself to feel my emotions fully so that I can process them and be a functioning adult.
Emily: Fear of myself and my potential was a big one. Limiting myself to what others said I could do as opposed to what I wanted to do. The pandemic really caused this to nip itself in the bud. I think society as a whole realized how shitty the 9-5 life was and how it wasn’t selfish to want to be in a creative profession.
Tori: What is something that you wish you could go back and tell yourself before starting this
journey?
Jaime: That I am worthy of success and self love is the key to finding success.
Emily: It does not matter what anyone thinks of what you’re doing. It’s okay to be selfish when it comes to what you want for your life.
Tori: What did you do before owning your own/running your business?
Jaime: I was a top field sales representative at a marketing agency.
Emily: An attorney.
Tori: What/who made you take the first leap?
Jaime: A bad breakup, moved to a new state within 4 days and said fuck it. I gotta trust myself that I’m smart enough and capable enough to do it and knowing I’m not a quitter. I always make shit happen.
Emily: I think part of it was definitely hating where I was at, and wanting to risk it all on myself and the podcast.
Tori: Who was the first to believe in you and give you real support (financial/sweat equity)?
Jaime: My first sales boss. He gave me a chance when I had no sales experience and hired me for an incredible position. With that, my life changed so much.. for the better.
Emily: I do have to give credit to my first boss, he truly believed in me and nurtured several traits in me that others might not have seen.
Tori: Was this your dream job? If not, what was?
Jaime: Sort of. I always wanted to be famous and help people in some way. I guess now, I help people with their own trauma through comedy. Also, always wanted to be the next Steve Irwin but vet school is expensive and I hate school hahaha.
Emily: Ya know, I never really thought of SW as my dream job but it really is amazing. I am very lucky.
Tori: Why did you get into this field?
Jaime: Because the corporate rat race is just meant to control us. Life is meant to be lived.
Emily: My roommate and podcast co-host Jaime was like girl you can watch me travel or you can come with me!!
Tori: What is your biggest failure that you turned into a success?
Jaime: I don’t believe in failures, all failures are just new paths. And there’s too many to count. The resilience to get back up if things fall through, is how I turned it into a success.
Emily: N/A
Tori: If you could change one thing about your life today for the better, what would it be?
Jaime: To only be surrounded by real, authentic people, who are focused on healing and communication.
Emily: Learning to work and co-exist better with my mental health, specifically ADHD + depression.
Tori: How is your life/work balance? Body, mind, and soul weekly routine?
Jaime: Oh god, terrible. I’m still figuring it all out. I do try to make more time for myself meditating, working out, and doing things I enjoy though.
Emily: Definitely still working on balance! I try and work out to keep my mental on track, but allowing myself to feel and cry as i process emotions is also key.
Tori: Do you say/write out affirmations?
Jaime: Every single day, multiple times a day.
Emily: I say affirmations aloud to myself often. I try to break patterns that I was taught as a child, negative self-talk, things of that nature so that I am reaffirming myself and my feelings. Even if they are negative, all feelings need to be processed and felt. Negativeness is part of life, it is the balance and not allowing yourself to be consumed.
Tori: When was the last time you tried something new/ Stepped out of routine?
Jaime: I feel like this is my whole personality hahaha.
Emily: This week! That’s something big i’m working on, being more comfortable being uncomfortable.
Tori: Favorite book that changed your life?
Jaime: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Emily: N/A
Tori: Do you think your gender gives you an advantage or disadvantage in today’s world?
Jaime: Not at all.
Emily: I don’t think so.
Tori: Have you experienced different treatment from your peers of the opposite sex?
Jaime: Absolutely. I’ve taken legal action against companies because of it.
Emily: Definitely. Both fields that I was in, martial arts and the law are very male driven, and male oriented.
Tori: Thoughts on the glass ceiling?
Jaime: It’s real, but some women can break it.
Emily: It’s definitely a real thing.
Tori: What advice would you give your children/ future children about succeeding in a
patriarchal society?
Jaime: Never back down. Fight by showing how badass and successful you can be.
Emily: You got this babe, keep fighting for yourself and others.
Tori: If you could talk to a young boy/girl from your hometown neighborhood who aspires to
have your career/job/focus what would tell them? Advice.
Jaime: Just start making content. Have fun. Don’t care about likes. And be CONSISTENT. Consistency wins over perfect content. Focus on growing your love for yourself and be confident in what you do. Stay authentic and don’t let the industry change you.
Emily: Just do it. Allow yourself to try and do hard things, especially if it’s what you want to do. Try and find fun in the little things.
Tori: Fun fact about you?
Jaime: I love to sing and dance. It makes my soul feel happy.
Emily: I love sharks but i’m terrified of them.
Tori: Number one piece of advice you remember?
Jaime: Let people show you who they are. Don’t force things. Adjust the relationship accordingly.
Emily: Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Tori: Where can we find you online?
@thejaimeleshow
Emily: @loudemily