Jessica Dolan is on a mission. She wants to help people simplify their lives by confronting — and eliminating — clutter.
“By simplifying, people are able to do the things that fulfill them in their lives,” Dolan said.
A graduate of State College High’s Delta Program, Dolan studied business administration, management and marketing at South Hills.
While working full time for several years, she planned her future course, one that would lead to the creation of her own business. In 2004, “Room to Breathe” was launched.
“I work one on one with clients, facilitating change on the spot. I help with decision making and setting up new spaces.”
In addition to home organizing, Dolan offers home staging services. “I help get homes ready to be sold,” she said.
Dolan has an interest in interior design, especially reworking what a client owns to give a home new life. “I try to repurpose, to be environmentally sound.”
Currently, Room to Breathe has two part-time assistants and a long list of contractors Dolan enjoys working with on a regular basis.
Because she is a “go getter,” Dolan was not satisfied to own just her own business. She felt it was necessary to help other women get started, and succeed, in business.
In 2009, she created the first Entrepreneurial Women’s Expo.
“The idea had been a long-term goal since I started my business,” Dolan said. In 2009, it felt like it was time. “By May of that year, we opened registration. We had 120 women attend the first event.”
The EWE event is focused on changing the business dynamic that many women experience. “I break up groups and cliques,” she said. “I want to get attendees to meet new people. I enjoy challenges. I am detailed oriented. We live in a small community. If we work together we can accomplish a lot more than we would otherwise. Women in business need a little help in figuring out what to do next.”
Dolan said she relishes the idea that she can support other women in business. This year’s EWE event welcomed 152 business women and 40 young women from high school and college whose participation was underwritten by a grant from U.S. Rep. GT Thompson, R-Howard.
“I want to show young girls that they can go for it. I help them find mentors. It is really rewarding,” Dolan noted.
Her greatest challenges come in striking a balance between work and leisure, and dealing with gender roles and expectations. “There is still a difference between men and women in business. Women still have to prove themselves a tiny bit more than men. We have to be able to juggle all that you must do to run a successful business.”
