How Country Charm and Urban Dreams Collided
In Nostalgia Street episode 12, we invited a special guest, Jessica Myers to sit down and share some memories of the past. Vince kicked off the conversation with one of his fun and random questions for Jessica about celebrities who might be considered "not dead," and what they are doing. She humorously suggested Elvis might be a cake test-taster on a show like Ace of Cakes.
The conversation shifted to Jessica's introduction as the CEO of Porchlight and then we delved into Jessica's childhood, asking about her early years on a dairy farm in Winner, South Dakota. Jessica described the farm life as "feral" and shares anecdotes about doing chores, including feeding calves in blizzards. We talked about how Winner was named after winning a train race against a neighboring town, and Jessica reflected on the work ethic instilled in her by farm life.
We then asked Jessica about her favorite childhood games, and she mentioned playing board games like Battleship, Guess Who, and Life. We talked about how those games have changed over the years, specifically Life. The conversation touched on the limited entertainment options in the '80s, the introduction of a satellite dish, and the excitement of getting channels like Nickelodeon and Disney.
As the discussion moved into Jessica's teenage years, she talked about being influenced by PBS and expressed a desire to be a leader or "the boss." She recalled her early leadership tendencies, even in childcare settings, and the realization that she needed to leave the farm for more stimulation and humanity.
We jokingly referenced Star Wars, urging Jessica to "get off the farm" like Luke Skywalker. Through the conversation, we got a sense of Jessica being an instigator from a young age.
From organizing keg parties as a young child to recalling the trends and fashion cues of the late '80s and early '90s, Jessica shares amusing anecdotes and painted a vivid picture of her formative years.
She reminisced about playing board games like Battleship, Guess Who, and Life, as well as learning to gamble with blackjack using a jar of pennies. Growing up on a dairy farm, Jessica described the feral and carefree nature of her early years, emphasizing the strong work ethic instilled by daily chores, even in challenging weather conditions.
The conversation delved into Jessica's high school experiences, from her rebellious nature to her unique approach to participating in the girls' basketball team. She also shared the charming story of how she asked her future husband, Matt, to Winner Formal, marking the beginning of their enduring relationship.
Throughout the conversation, Jessica reflected on the music of her youth, expressing her love for bands like The Cure, The Smiths, and The Pixies. She discussed her influential role in planning the prom as the junior class president, showcasing her early penchant for taking charge and organizing events.
Jessica then recounted a valuable life lesson given by her class advisor, Mr. Donahoe, who told her not to try to make everyone happy, which helped her release unrealistic expectations of herself.
Jessica then fast-forwarded to the past five years, detailing her journey from living in New York City and Chicago to returning to South Dakota with her family. The inspiration for Porchlight arose from recognizing a gap in providing a pathway for individuals to move back to rural communities. The name "Porchlight" symbolizes leaving the light on for those returning home.
The discussion concluded with a nostalgic childhood memory of playing the original Nintendo, particularly the Nintendo Power Pad and games like Track and Field. Jessica fondly recalled the hours spent gaming and reflected on the evolution of gaming culture, emphasizing that although the platforms have changed, the love for gaming remains.
Overall, the conversation provided a delightful blend of humor, life lessons, entrepreneurial insights, and nostalgic recollections, showcasing Jessica's vibrant personality and diverse experiences.
—------------
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn
Learn more about Porchlight.
—--
Learn more about 4Front Studios and connect with us on social media!
114 S Main Ave Unit 220, Sioux Falls, SD 57104