Giveback Collective Love: Jess Poon
Jess Poon is a female entrepreneur, founder, and Creator of Studio Crescent CO.
Her favorite travel destinations are Greece and Portugal. But, did you know she was not just born a Branding and Web Designer? She actually worked a 9-5 as a Conference and Event Planner and realized she wasn’t truly fulfilling her life purpose. That was the beginning of her entrepreneurship journey.
As the founder and creator of Studio Crescent Co. (previously known as Grace and Oak), she is dedicated to helping women chase their own dreams. She does this by providing guidance to online business owners and creatives to get a better sense of themselves so that it shows through their own business. Jess actually “gets goosebumps” when women choose to put themselves first to live a life they love. Partnering with coaches, content creators, designers, and more to generate their dream business, she is your go-to gal! Studio Crescent Co. is “a small studio with a big heart. Here, we celebrate new beginnings, embrace change, and encourage infinite growth.” Amazing, right?! Go, Jess!
If you didn’t think she could get any more amazing…she has been a Giveback Partner with Kurandza since 2020! As her business has flourished by helping women level up and provide insight to find their confidence and place in this world for their business, she realized she wanted to give back to a cause that supports this same mission.
And look no further because Kurandza aligns perfectly with Studio Crescent Co. values. Jess says that she has “a dream that all girls and women will have equal opportunities to education. That’s why I partnered with Kurandza as a Giveback Partner. I truly believe our impact can surpass our clients and the local community - it can change the world.” And it can change the world! Did you know that with the help of Giveback partners like Jess and many others, we have supported 250 girls with education scholarships in Mozambique!
Some questions that we asked to find out more about her journey and partnership with Kurandza:
What motivated you to start this business?
I have always wanted to work at a job where I can make an impact, which was why the majority of my 9-5 career was working with not-for-profits and associations.
When I was in my mid-20s, I felt pulled to do something different. Something more exciting and not so “routine”. What started out as a quest for “location-freedom” turned into a life-changing experience. For the longest time, I never thought I was “creative’. In fact, that word never would ever cross my mind when asked to describe myself. And as I grew older, I came across more and more women that would be hiding their talents, brilliance, or confidence just because they didn’t feel like they were “______” enough or felt like they couldn’t go after their dreams without having all the boxes ticked off. I soon realized that I was doing the same thing — listening to my self-limiting beliefs and choosing fear over my dreams.
I knew I had to make a decision in order to make a change in my life. So, I decided to make a bet on myself… and a year and a half later… here we are! Now I have the opportunity to do what I love every day.
Studio Crescent is more than just a brand and web design studio, we are on a mission to empower the modern woman to redefine success and freedom through the power of branding.
Why did you decide to give back with your business?
Giving back has always been an integral part of my life growing up - probably why “acts of service” have always been my love language! I always had the desire to leave the world a bit better than I entered it - whether that be giving back in time, expertise, or money. I knew that if I were to ever grow a profitable business, I wanted to pay it forward and create a ripple effect that will last for decades, even generations.
When I founded Studio Crescent, I knew I wanted to work in a “give-back” component early on in my business model so that it can be sustainable as I continue to grow my business. It has been one of the best decisions I have made so far.
Why do you choose to support Kurandza out of all the other non-profits out there?
First and foremost, the thought and care Elisabetta put in Kurandza drew me in immediately! Branding aside, I admire how involved she is with the community and taking the time to understand the challenges each village was experiencing and find thoughtful solutions for them. I also absolutely love how approachable, transparent, and thoughtful everything was structured. From the quarterly touchpoints to the annual report, educational posts to the 1:1 videos from the girls, I love seeing (and hearing) how our contributions were making a difference. You can really tell that the Kurandza team really has the women + girls’ best interests at heart in Mozambique. I mean, just take a look at the Holistic Education program that goes beyond just the four walls of a classroom!
Second, I can’t think of a better cause to support than girls’ education. Education has been such an important part of who I am - and without it, I can’t imagine where I’d be. While I might not have been a straight-A student, education goes beyond textbooks and exams. It’s the start of a journey of uncovering who we are and where we want to spend our time — brick by brick, it shapes the foundation of who we are and whom we aspire to be.
Growing up in a culture where women are taught to be quiet or compliant, I want nothing more than to empower the next generation to feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated using their own voice and chasing after their dreams.
What’s your favorite part of the work you do?
Meeting so many talented, ambitious women from various industries, hearing their personal stories and dreams, and then being able to weave all of that into something tangible that is a representation of themselves. I feel truly honored to be a part of their entrepreneurial journeys and play a small role in them chasing their dreams.
Starting and running a business is no easy feat. And in a world where we are told what to do and who to be everywhere we go, I love the freedom entrepreneurship gives because in itself is a self-discovery journey of its own. It’s redefining what success and freedom mean to that specific person! There is no “one golden rule” to follow - it’s what works best for you.
One piece of advice you would share for those who want to create their own business but are feeling held back by something?
Identify what exactly that fear might be, write it down on a piece of paper, and then write down three logical responses to those hesitations.
Imagine what you would say to your best friend if they were coming to you with the same hesitations! Because when we create the space to face our fears head-on, we realize that they aren’t as scary as they might seem in our heads!
“I have a dream that all girls and women will have equal access to education and opportunities—no matter who they are and where they live. So that one day, they can graduate from secondary school, pursue their passions, and empower the next generation of girls. That’s why I choose to partner with Kurandza as a Giveback Partner.”
Thank you Jess for all your support and for adding your voice to our important mission!