Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Dresser.
Hi Jess, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Jess—event planner, creative entrepreneur, taco enthusiast, and most proudly, mom to Avery (7) and Addie (5). I grew up in Belmont in the Bay Area but found my heart and home in Point Loma, San Diego, where I live with my husband and our two girls. Family is everything to me, and my greatest joy comes from making magical memories with them—whether we’re camping under the stars or dancing in the kitchen.
My path into events and creative storytelling began in hospitality—managing restaurants, leading catering teams, and soaking up every detail behind what makes a great experience great. That foundation led me to launch JD Creative, my agency focused on building community through thoughtfully produced, story-driven events. I’ve had the privilege of producing everything from large-scale festivals like the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival to intimate, empowering gatherings like Trailblazers Unfiltered: Ladies That Launch, a summit dedicated to women entrepreneurs and bold career pivots.
A big piece of my heart lies in helping local businesses shine. Through experiential marketing and immersive activations, I create space for brands to show up in a way that feels real, memorable, and magnetic. Whether it’s a curated vendor marketplace, a sponsored panel, or a pop-up bar moment, I love being the creative connector that bridges brands to the audiences they’re meant to reach.
In 2025, I launched Craft Cart—a full-service mobile bar experience that brings high design and top-tier hospitality to weddings, festivals, and brand activations. What started as a passion project has quickly grown into a seamless extension of the work I do with JD Creative. Together, the two businesses layer beautifully: JD Creative handles the big picture strategy and storytelling, while Craft Cart delivers the on-the-ground magic—from curated cocktail menus to branded guest experiences.
At my core, I’m all about connection—between people, between brands and their communities, and between moments that make life a little more beautiful. I wear a lot of hats—founder, planner, mom, occasional chaos coordinator—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No lol—not in the slightest. I’ll keep it real, like I always try to do.
Building something from the ground up—twice—isn’t easy. There have been late nights, missed moments, and plenty of times I questioned whether I was doing the right thing. Juggling motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship is a wild ride, and there’s no manual for how to do it “right.”
Starting JD Creative felt like jumping into the deep end with nothing but grit, instinct, and a belief that storytelling and community-building mattered. I faced imposter syndrome hard in those early days—wondering if people would take me seriously, if I could land the big clients, or pull off large-scale events without burning out.
Launching Craft Cart added a whole new layer—permits, licensing, equipment, branding—it was a beast of its own. There were moments I felt in over my head, especially as I tried to grow one business while launching another during an already packed season of life. But I kept coming back to why I started: to create meaningful, memorable experiences that bring people joy.
It’s been far from smooth, but it’s been worth every twist and turn. Each challenge has stretched me, taught me, and helped me grow into the leader (and human) I am today. And I’m still learning—every single day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At my core, I’m a creative connector. I run two businesses—JD Creative, a boutique agency specializing in event production and brand storytelling, and Craft Cart, a full-service mobile bar experience that brings beautifully designed, elevated beverage moments to events of all kinds.
With JD Creative, I work with brands, entrepreneurs, and organizations to turn ideas into experiences. I specialize in experiential marketing, event strategy, and community-driven activations that are anything but ordinary. From planning major festivals like the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival to curating meaningful gatherings like Trailblazers Unfiltered, I’m in my element when I’m weaving together storytelling, design, and logistics to bring something truly memorable to life.
Craft Cart was born out of that same desire—to give people more than just “a bar” at an event. I wanted to create a moment. A vibe. A conversation starter. Whether it’s a wedding, a brand pop-up, or a community celebration, Craft Cart delivers a high-touch, fully licensed bar experience that’s equal parts polished and playful.
What sets me apart is the intention behind everything I do. I don’t just plan events—I curate moments that leave people feeling seen, inspired, and connected. I have a deep love for local businesses and often use both JD Creative and Craft Cart as platforms to help other brands shine. I’m proud to say that many of the experiences I produce are built around collaboration, inclusivity, and storytelling that actually resonates.
What I’m most proud of? The relationships I’ve built, the trust my clients give me, and the fact that I’ve created two businesses from scratch while raising two daughters and trying to be a present, grounded human. I don’t take any of it for granted.
How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t just about big wins or perfect outcomes—it’s about alignment. It’s being able to look at my life and feel proud of the way I show up—for my family, my clients, my team, and myself.
Success is building something that matters, creating with intention, and staying true to my values even when it’s hard. It’s watching my daughters see what’s possible when you lead with heart and work ethic. It’s producing events that bring people together, watching brands grow through the experiences I help create, and knowing that I played a part in making someone feel inspired, supported, or celebrated.
Of course, hitting goals feels amazing—but the real success is in the little moments: happy clients, repeat business, meaningful partnerships, and a life that feels full (even if it’s also full of chaos).
If I can keep doing work I love, with people I respect, while raising two kind little humans and still sneaking in the occasional Taco Bell drive-thru—then yeah, I’d call that success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://craftcartsd.com/
- Instagram:
