From Nurse to Top Leader: A Conversation with My Upline & Friend, Jessica Ledford
Today, you’re getting a special treat: a live-style interview with my upline, mentor, and friend, Senior Executive Director Jessica Ledford. If you’re in direct sales, especially with Color Street, this is one you’re going to want to settle in for. Her story is powerful, relatable, and full of wisdom.
Let’s dive in. ✨
Listen in to this episode of the podcast.
Meet Jessica: Mom, Nurse, Leader, and Texas Tornado Wrangler
Jessica’s life is full — and I mean full.
She’s a mom to three little girls (nicknamed the Texas Tornadoes), married to her high-school sweetheart, and works full-time as an ER nurse. All of that alone is enough to fill anyone’s plate, yet she’s also built one of the biggest, strongest teams in Color Street — over 1,200 stylists — and recently celebrated $10 million in team sales.
But her journey didn’t start with big goals or a business plan.
It started with a friend sending her a set of nail polish strips.
Jessica was a busy nurse manager working 50–60 hours a week with three kids under three when she tried Color Street. She fell in love with how quick and easy it was, especially compared to taking three toddlers anywhere outside the home (mamas, I know you feel this).
Her friend offered the opportunity three times before Jessica finally said yes — not because she wanted a business, but because she wanted the discount.
But then something shifted.
People started complimenting her nails everywhere she went. She’d casually say, “Oh! It’s Color Street — have you tried it?” and that simple conversation starter led to customers… and then team members… and then the realization:
“I really love sharing this product.”
And that’s where her business began to grow — organically, authentically, and in alignment with her life.
The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
Jessica opened up in the interview about her “inner mean girl” — that voice so many of us know well that whispers:
“You’re not good enough.”
“You don’t know what you’re doing.”
“You’re not cut out for this.”
When she joined, she clicked submit and immediately thought, What have I just done?
But she didn’t quit. Instead, she did something so many women overlook:
👉 She told her sponsor the truth — about her fears, her strengths, and the areas where she needed support.
👉 She started personal development in tiny, realistic doses.
👉 She learned to shut down her inner mean girl and turn up her inner cheerleader.
She didn’t start with 30 minutes of reading every morning.
She started with quotes.
Five minutes.
Little steps.
And those steps compounded into confidence, clarity, and massive growth.
Her advice?
“Start small. Try personal development anyway. Give it a chance. It will change you as a mom, wife, leader — everything.”
And she’s right. I’ve seen it in myself, my team, and thousands of women I’ve coached.
Finding Time When You Have NoTime
ER nurse. Mom of three. Leader of over 1,000 stylists.
How does she do it?
Jessica shared her exact process, and it’s brilliant:
1. Identify your non-negotiables.
Work shifts, kids’ activities, appointments — anything that cannot move gets put on the calendar first.
2. Plan month → week → day.
Instead of trying to plan an entire month of business tasks (which can get overwhelming fast), she plans:
- the month at a high level
- the week in detail
- the day with flexibility
Life happens (hello, stomach bug!) so she shifts instead of stops.
3. Separate “stylist tasks” from “leadership tasks.”
She knows what moves the needle in her personal business AND what her team needs from her — and she treats them as two roles.
This is a game-changing tip for anyone growing a team.
Working With Your Spouse (The Real Talk)
One of the most common questions I get — and Jessica gets — is:
“What is it like working with your spouse?”
Her answer is honest, vulnerable, and so valuable.
First: it wasn’t always this way.
In the beginning, they were stressed, exhausted, financially struggling, and barely talking. Three babies, long work hours, and life piled on top of them.
Then Color Street became a spark — something that lit Jessica up. Her husband, Jared, noticed and slowly began helping with small tasks:
- dropping orders at the post office
- learning the comp plan
- helping with team questions
- doing admin work
Over time, when COVID hit and he lost his job, the business he once supported from the sidelines became his new full-time work.
Today, they’re true business partners — even though their working styles are totally opposite (he’s spreadsheets, she’s organized chaos 😆).
Her advice to anyone whose spouse isn’t supportive (yet):
“Share what this business MEANS to you. Your spouse can’t support what they don’t understand.
And then — ask for help. They can’t read your mind.”
If You’re Thinking About Starting (or Restarting) Your Business…
Jessica’s biggest advice for new stylists?
Jump in. Start imperfectly. Learn as you go.
You’re not going to break anything.
It’s nail polish — not emergency room surgery. 😅
Ask questions.
Use the training.
Let yourself be excited.
And trust that you have everything you need to succeed — including a whole community cheering you on.
“Be proud you took that step. Most people never even hit the submit button.”
Amen.
Rapid-Fire Fun: Jessica’s Favorite Trip?
Her favorite trip ever?
Her honeymoon to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. 🇨🇦
She loved the beauty, the celebrations, and the experience of traveling with her husband right after saying “I do.”
(Plus — anytime you need a passport, it is a big deal!)
Connect with Jessica
Want to follow Jessica, learn from her, or peek at her Color Street journey?
You can find her at:
👉 JessicaLedford.com
We’ll drop the link in the show notes too.
Final Thoughts
This conversation was so special — not just because Jessica is my upline and friend, but because her story reflects what’s possible when:
✨ you trust yourself
✨ you grow your mindset
✨ you start messy
✨ you build relationships
✨ and you don’t give up
Whether you’re in Color Street or another direct sales company, I hope you were encouraged and inspired by Jessica’s journey.
If this resonated with you, share it with a friend or team member who needs the reminder:
You are capable of more than you know — and your journey starts with one brave decision.
Until next time, friend. 💖