Meet Jerrica Thurston | Entrepreneur and Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerrica Thurston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerrica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Someone once wisely said that successful businesses are built on offering a solution to a problem.

Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve ventured into several businesses. These range from a photography business creating stunning portraits, to handcrafting unique gifts you might see on Etsy. My most recent and passionate venture, however, draws from personal experience – advocating for my children who are on the autism spectrum.

As a photographer, I noticed my clients not having time to display their portaits in their home. I found they were only sharing their images from their session with me on social media platforms. Jerrica Thurston Photography is a full service business. I offer a variety of products like prints, canvases, lay-flat books, and cards to ensure my Client’s have the opportunity to walk away with keepsakes in a tangible form. My handcrafted venture, Perfectly Imperfect Designs, offers customized gifts suitable for any special occasion. Buying the perfect gift can be stressful, so crafting custom gifts with loved ones names or photos on items makes the perfect gift!

Presently, my focus has shifted towards supporting families with children on the autism spectrum and other neurodivergent conditions like ADHD. Based in Grand Junction, Colorado, I see a huge disconnect between caregivers and the resources available. Resources that could benefit families in a variety of areas. So I decided to create a online hub for these resources. The goal for slopecares.com, is helping families discover and navigate resources such as; financial aid, repsite care, and waiver applications. There will also be information on helping caregivers understand their legal rights, and learning to advocate for their children. The ultimate aim is to ensure every person feels equipped and empowered to provide the best support for their loved ones.

What should our readers know about your business?
What distinguishes my business is the unique blend of personal drive and desire to aid other families, even as I navigate my challenges parenting two autistic children.

As an advocate for my children and someone who wears many personal hats, finding balance can be challenging, especially with my ten-year-old son who’s on the autism spectrum and attending public school. This task becomes even more daunting as I also have a three-year-old autistic daughter to take care of.

Despite starting in 2023 and being largely non-verbal, my daughter has made impressive progress due to the superb assistance from Dr. Swann’s clinic. However, she’s still a toddler, so we have quite a bit of a journey left in her development.

My faith and my mother’s pride in me instills the confidence I need to keep pressing forward. In addressing the substantial needs of our community on the western slope, I am fortunate to have connected with other local professionals equally passionate about contributing to our community. Truly, it takes a village to make a difference.

In an attempt to consolidate our efforts, I initiated a local Facebook community group comprising parents, service providers, and advocates who are making a significant impact on many lives. I am also in the process of developing my website, slopecare.com, designed to be a portal to various resources in Grand Junction. This includes ABA providers, homemaker services, financial aid information, Medicaid waivers, legal support, and local food banks among others.

The aim is not just to provide resources, but also to bring attention to the myriad challenges faced by caregivers of neurodiverse children. The journey can often be isolating and connecting with others who understand our day-to-day experiences can be difficult. However, these connections and the sense of community they create are critical. Through my efforts, I hope to encourage such relationships and foster a strong supportive community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve been lucky to call numerous intriguing places across the US my home – ranging from Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, Tennessee, and Utah. However, the standout location for me is undoubtedly, Grand Junction, Colorado. Situated just an hour’s drive from Moab, Utah, this scenic beauty is where the remarkable Colorado National Monument resides. Imagine living amidst the grandeur of the world’s most expansive flat-top mountain located on the western slope of the Mesa.

Living here, you get to enjoy the wonder of a full-circle view of nature’s stunning beauty. Known for its mountain biking, Grand Junction perfectly combines an enticing desert atmosphere with vibrant greenery, just a quick 30-minute drive up the Mesa. The local aspen trees with their multitude of colors will take your breath away.

After a day of outdoor adventures, my go-to place for a bite is Pablo’s Pizza. It’s not just about the food; the incredible atmosphere will leave an imprint on your memory. Trust me, a trip to Grand Junction is all about celebrating the great outdoors amidst the astounding natural beauty.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The driving force behind my determination to support families in Grand Junction, Colorado, comes from the influence of Dr. Swann and my dearly departed mother, Ginny Wilkerson.

Dr. Nichole Swann, a renowned psychologist located in Western Colorado, has made a remarkable impact on me as a Resource Coordinator. Specializing in diagnosing neurodivergent children, her work extends to offering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in locations such as Rifle, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction Colorado.

My connection with Dr. Swann sparked when she assessed my children for autism. I was captivated by her dedication not just to deliver her services, but also to fiercely advocate for her patients’ rights.

What sets Dr. Swann apart is her holistic approach. She empowers families by providing them necessary knowledge and strategies to effectively support their children. This dedication spills over to larger community issues, influencing state and district-level educational policies. Dr. Swann’s continuous efforts to enrich her patients’ lives serve as an enduring source of inspiration for me.

Website: www.slopecares.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/slopecares/

Other: My photography page www.facebook.com/jerricathurston My website is set to launch February 1st 2023

Image Credits
photos by me 🙂