inPulse: Weekly Update with Jessi Stead
Last week, we caught up with Jessi, our Experiences Director as we talked team building, radical acceptance, and the LVF Holiday Exhibit!
Welcome to inPulse! This is our weekly spotlight series where we check in with team members across inWorks LLC to share what’s energizing their work, celebrate milestones, and surface upcoming events or shoutouts.
This week, we’re catching up with Jessi, our Experiences Director!
Fun and Games in the Team: The House Cup
For the past handful of weeks, Jessi has organized and executed our House Cup as apart of our weekly lunch huddle. This is a long-form creative team-building challenge designed to spark connection, creativity, and a little friendly competition. From September to December, teammates compete in fun activities that build confidence and camaraderie.
“I can’t wait to see how our team grows closer, capable, and confident from the start of the House Cup to the final crowning of the champion!” - Jessi
Jessi’s Approach to Tough Weeks
When things get busy or overwhelming, Jessi doesn’t pretend it’s easy. Instead, they embrace a slower pace—moving gently through the day with a toddler on one hip and a puppy by their side. Jessi knows that inspiration doesn’t always come instantly, and that’s okay.
“I struggle a lot to get myself up and running and have found that the best thing I can do is move as slowly as I can.
If I slow down, eventually things start to feel easier, and I get to appreciate the progress moment by moment.” — Jessi
A Curated Win: Holiday Exhibit Opening
Jessi shared a meaningful moment from the past week—the successful opening of this year’s Holiday Exhibit, a celebration of local artistry and team collaboration. This year’s show features more artwork than ever before, and Jessi had the honor of curating the entire collection.
The exhibit builds on the foundation laid last year by Leah, who took on the ambitious task of coordinating and curating the inaugural Annual Holiday Exhibit.
Growth In Motion: Jessi’s Evolving Roles at inWorks LLC
Jessi’s journey is a powerful example of how creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration can shape a career.
Starting as an artist contributing ideas to the art|Works Initiative, Jessi quickly became a driving force behind its mission to support artists navigating the business and tech side of their craft. The initiative was co-founded with Ilya Lehrman and Ricky, inspired by Jessi’s own experiences vending at art shows through her business, Playthings Studio.
During the pandemic, Jessi and their family purchased their home, and subsequently, our office and home. In April 2024, they transformed the barn into a gallery, officially becoming gallery owners while Jessi was still working full-time in university administration.
Now, as Experience Director at inWorks LLC, Jessi’s role has expanded to blend technical expertise, creative leadership, and employee experience strategy. They lead a team of communications specialists and prioritize initiatives like the House Cup culture strategy and mentorship-driven professional development. This role reflects years of hands-on learning and a deep commitment to building environments where creativity and collaboration thrive.
Upcoming Event: Black Friday Market at Longview Farm
Jessi is excitedly awaiting the Black Friday Market at Longview Farm. This special weekend blends two creative experiences: the Holiday Art Exhibit inside the gallery and a vendor pop-up market outside. Together, they offer a unique and meaningful holiday shopping experience that celebrates local artists and makers.
Jessi shared that this year’s exhibit is especially exciting, with more artwork than ever before. The outdoor vendor market adds a vibrant, community-driven layer to the event, making it the perfect way to spend Thanksgiving weekend.
“Both spaces will bring with them a unique holiday shopping experience, and combined they give us a wonderful excuse to spend Thanksgiving weekend right where we are meant to be—amongst friends and family.” — Jessi
Whether you’re browsing handcrafted art or connecting with local vendors, the Black Friday Market promises warmth, creativity, and connection.
🌟 Thanks for tuning in to this week’s inPulse
We are grateful for Jessi’s down-to-earth leadership, creative heartbeat, and recognition that it is okay to ebb and flow with your inspiration.
Tune in next week as we continue to highlight the people that make inWorks LLC move in harmony.