Meet Jessie Campagna | Educator, Author, Illustrator and Speaker

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

Hi Jessie, what do you attribute your success to?
The single most important factor to my success is the people who come along side of me. When I look back to starting a preschool in 2010, or look forward as I become an author/illustrator/speaker, it is the support of others that creates success. People have the power to carry our belief through their day, live out our message, commit to helping in unexpected ways, and share information with their own networks. I know God works through people; over and over it is the people who have carried my success alongside of me.

When I started a preschool 15 years ago, it was a big decision for our family. Although my degree was in education, I didn’t know how to translate that into an independent business. As LMNO Preschool grew, it was friends, community members and cheerleaders of all types helped to make my vision a reality. More than 120 students have started their education with me at LMNO Preschool. The connection, longevity, and the love of this community is what has made this school a success. I have loved every bit of these 15 years teaching and growing very capable, bright children into thinkers and doers.

A dream that was nestled inside of me has now become a reality. I am a published author and illustrator! Again and again, it was the people who taught me, led me, helped me, prayed with me, and gave their time or connections to this project that became Marker and Lid, my first book! I have a willingness to yield to others when I know they are more knowledgeable. I could not have published a book without countless minds contributing along the way. As I learned and became stronger in this field, many cheerleaders have shown up for the first time, or all over again, giving their hearts and belief to the message of this important story.

In short, my success is not my own. My success is the love that surrounds me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is developing every day. I have always loved creating, and was born into a very artistic family, so I think the excitement about creativity comes naturally. I have always admired others for their vulnerability in making art for the world.
A teacher, I was born to be. I love watching a child light up with a sense of belonging and wonder. It really fuels me. And reading books aloud goes straight to the heart of a child. My grandma read to my sister and me as little girls. I had a tiny blue record player in my room for audio stories and absolutely loved listening over and over again.

So when the dream of becoming an author/illustrator was placed on my heart 25 years ago, it should have come as no surprise. I always considered those two titles together, never independent of each other. The words that touch a heart paired with art that connects to a person is the big picture for me as an author/illustrator. How would this dream ever come true? I dabbled in writing and ideas for books, always jotting down ideas and notes in my journal or on a napkin. Then the ideas churned little by little. I became a better story teller, my confidence grew and my art developed by enjoying the process. For years, the work of becoming an author/illustrator has been cultivated through teaching, parenting and living an intentional life. It is a combination of many things along the way: understanding the heart of a child, learning from those around me, considering what is unsaid in the world, honoring what I believe will be valuable to say aloud, practicing art with our girls at our kitchen table, trying new things, deepening relationships, growing my faith, and humbling myself so I could really be vulnerable without my ego in my way. I believe important things take time. Indeed, this was an important process, and it did take time. I want others to know they can work little by little toward the calling of their heart. It doesn’t happen overnight and it shouldn’t. When you develop something over time, it has deeper roots, wider meaning and can hold more space in our hearts. That is the takeaway for me. Disappointments and fallbacks along the way are hard. But don’t lose heart because those hard times make us stronger, and help us to know we really want to keep trying for something that is still out of reach.

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 would take a friend to the Reunion Coffee House in Commerce City. It is cozy, inviting and carries an important mission to help youth reach their potential. The people are incredible and the cause is very important.

We would go to Sugar Mill Antique Mall right off of i-25 near Mead. The restored items and creative art is like walking through a treasure box.

We would go country dancing at The Grizzly Rose, our family favorite on Sunday nights when all ages can get in!

Brass Armadillo on i-70 would be a stop because you can walk for hours and get lost in the booths that are full of antiques and vintage items galore.

Mile High Thrift is super fun. Off of Washington and 112th in Thornton, CO. Best thrift store in the world!

We would go for a day trip to Fort Collins because I grew up there and it lives in my heart…a college town at the base of the foothills with a very charming old town. Big City Burrito has always been the best for lunch!

Downtown Brighton with the little darling shops is so nice to browse, and 100% we would go to lunch at my favorite Mexican food resturaunt, La Estrallita.

Old Town Arvada is a favorite too. AdiLuna Boutique is full of wonderful things, so delightful there, and they carry Marker and Lid! Yippee!

Dion’s Pizza and salad to bring home and work on a 500 piece puzzle would be so great for a quiet afternoon.

We would walk around the Veteran’s Park lake near Adams County Fair Grounds. The memorial for all branches of the service are inspiring and the walk is really nice on a blue sky Colorado day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My loving husband, TJ and my incredible daughters, Vivian and Sylvia
Our wonderful extended family
Our lifetime friends and new friends, every step of the way
Our Reunion Neighborhood Community
Landing Place Church Community
KendraVPhotography.com
My Word Publishing, who guided my steps to becoming a published author and illustrator
Miriam Laundry Children’s Book Masterclass for a strong foundation in understanding children’s book writing
My LMNO Preschool families of 15 years
Reunion Coffee House
People who understand the idea of Marker and Lid, and see the vision I see, it feels like such a gift from them.

Website: https://jessiecampagna.com

Instagram: JessieCampagna

Facebook: Jessie Campagna

Image Credits
Kendra Visioli and
Adam Johnson