Jessica Caswell-James Speaker | Enterprise & Lifestyle & Careers & Women & Assemblies and Celebrations Events

Jessica Caswell-James

Motivate your students with some inspiration from a successful entrepreneur who lives by this simple motto - "If you don't ask, you don't get"

As a child Jessica had a passion for social media and fashion, she attended the University of Wolverhampton to study Media Communications & Creative Writing and this led her to develop her business idea. Jessica launched Shorso in 2013, an iconic fashion brand for women, featuring a range of statement pieces inspired by wardrobe classics. As her business grew from strength to strength, she successfully launched an online concession with House of Fraser in 2015.

However, life as an entrepreneur has many challenges and she almost lost it all when her business partner went into administration. Not one to be beaten though, her entrepreneurial drive, grit and determination saw her relaunch Shorso and continue to strive through the covid pandemic which saw many businesses close their doors. In addition to Shorso, Jessica delivers motivational talks and has previously carried out community work with The Prince’s Trust.

Her determination and ‘bounce back attitude’ is something often talked about in business - hear from Jessica first-hand about the difficult times, how she overcame adversity and is now back on the road to success again.

Jessica takes students through the journey of starting her business, which gives them an amazing insight into becoming an entrepreneur. Her motivational talk is sure to inspire and motivate, with focus on ambition and life skills which appeals to people from all industries and backgrounds. She can also tailor her talks to appeal to those looking to achieve progression in the workplace.

Her motivational talk aims to teach others that although failure happens, it’s how you deal with it, and move forward to greater success. Jessica has previous experience talking to school groups, colleges and universities. Jessica's references describe her presentation as “enlightening, engaging and encouraging”. Those who know Jessica would describe her as a confident, outgoing and bubbly person with an infectious laugh and bright personality.

Testimonials from Teachers

"Jessica was really good and engaging, the pupils/students enjoyed her talk and asked her loads of questions at the end."

– Mrs Gill, The Priory School

"Many thanks for last Thursday evening we enjoyed it very much."

– Karen Athawes, Deputy Headteacher, Ercall Wood Technology College

"Jessica Robinson took part in our 2017 Careers Fair and delivered a most interesting and motivational talk to our Year 1 AS and BTEC students. Jessica’s presentation was extremely engaging and all of the students benefited from it a great deal. It was a pleasure to welcome Jessica to our College for this event and I will be asking her to attend the same event next academic year."

– Amie Williams, Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College

"Jessica Robinson delivered a very motivational talk to our Level 6 BA (Hons) Fashion & Textiles students as part of their Creative Industries and Employability module. Jessica’s presentation was enlightening, engaging and encouraging and the students clearly enjoyed and benefited from her enthusiastic ideas and her personal experiences in industry. It was a pleasure to welcome Jessica to our module session and I will be asking her to deliver a similar talk to our final year students during the next academic year."

– Michael Rutley, Senior Lecturer, University of Wolverhampton

"Jessica delivered two inspiring presentations to our Year 11 students as part of their Cross Curricular Day. Students were clearly engaged, and enjoyed hearing about her hard work and well deserved success. Jessica answered all questions thrown her way, which our students appreciated greatly. Thank you Jessica."

– Michaela Page, Head of RE, PSHE & Citizenship, Castleford Academy