Jessica Parker is the founder and CEO of KUSSHI, a female-focused travel accessories brand that protects your investment pieces. She runs a remote team from her now home in Munich, Germany, but always loves coming home to New York. Jessica has lived in many places over the last 10 years including Vermont, Germany, England, and China. She has traveled to over 40 countries on six continents and counting. When she’s not working, you can find her in the mountains hiking with her husband and two year old daughter.

This is the Female Founders' Club. We're so excited to have you here! What does it mean to you to be part of this club?

I am very honored and proud to be part of an initiative that recognizes and supports fellow female founders. Female foundership represents a small subset of business owners and I believe that women encounter unique challenges and obstacles when starting their companies. That is why the MIRACO Female Founders' Club is so wonderful – it is vitally important to create a forum that brings together and celebrates other female entrepreneurs.

You are the founder of KUSSHI. Can you tell us about why you started your business?

I was carrying my beauty essentials in a ziplock bag and I needed a solution. I wanted a better way of keeping my products protected, organized, and sanitary while traveling. Initially, I designed a bag for myself to solve for my own needs but, when all of my friends and family wanted bags as well, KUSSHI was born. 

I believe jewelry should be high quality and an investment. I wear my jewelry every day so buying pieces that will stand the test of time is really important to me.

What are the things you put on in the morning – clothes, skincare, makeup, jewelry, whatever else – that make you feel ready for the day?

My days begin rather simply - making my bed, followed by a brief skincare regimen that prepares me for the day. I have a very short routine – cold water wash, toner mist, eye gel and a face cream. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use an ice roller after I wash my face. Then some sunscreen, eyeliner and mascara and I’m ready to start the day. 

What does jewelry mean to you? 

I am a minimalist through and through, but I do have my favorite pieces of jewelry that hold special meaning to me and that I wear daily. I’m actually not one of those people who takes their jewelry off at the end of the day. The pieces I wear are on me all the time and literally become a part of my body. I feel uneasy, as if something is missing, when not wearing them.

Do you own a piece of jewelry that is meaningful to you or that you have an emotional connection to?

I have an emotional connection to the two necklaces that I layer and wear every single day. Both were gifts from my husband. My husband worked with a goldsmith to design the first necklace when we were dating. The second is a chain he bought me when we were in Italy celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary.

What is your top tip in regards to wearing, buying, or living with jewelry?

I believe jewelry should be high quality and an investment. I wear my jewelry every day so buying pieces that will stand the test of time is really important to me. It may be years before I take my necklaces off again!

What is your favorite MIRACO piece and why?

The Infinity Bracelet and the Infinity Ring are definitely my two favorite MIRACO pieces. They are both beautiful, sophisticated, and dainty enough to add to my everyday jewelry collection. Once I put them on, they may never come off!