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Conversations with Jessica Jokinen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Jokinen.

Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For 22 years, I built a career with the same company, developing a strong foundation through long-term commitment and hands-on experience. While I valued the security and lessons that came with that role, I reached a point where I knew it was time to take what I had learned and apply it in a new direction.

Travel and events were always where I felt most alive. Long before Beyond Blue existed, I was the one planning the trips, building detailed itineraries, organizing weekends away, and thoughtfully creating experiences for family, friends, and community. Creating meaningful moments came naturally to me, and I found real joy in bringing people together through shared experiences.

Eventually, I reached a point in my life where the timing felt right to try something new. I didn’t want to look back and wonder what if. So, I took the leap into the travel and experience planning world, turning something, I had always done instinctively into something intentional and refined.
The transition hasn’t been without challenges, but it has been deeply rewarding. Beyond Blue was born from the belief that travel should feel personal, elevated, and thoughtfully designed, not rushed or transactional. Today, I get to help clients connect more deeply with destinations and with each other, transforming ideas into experiences that feel effortless yet meaningful.
Seeing a vision come to life and knowing I played a part in memories that will last a lifetime is what makes this work so fulfilling. Beyond Blue is not just about travel or events; it’s about creating moments that stay with you long after you return home.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I began my journey working under a well-established agency for about a year, which gave me invaluable insight into the industry and will forever be grateful. Coming in with no formal background in travel planning, it allowed me to learn the systems, the standards, and the behind-the-scenes realities of what it takes to deliver seamless experiences at a high level. Eventually, I reached a point where I felt ready to step out on my own.

Building a business from the ground up has been one of the greatest challenges I’ve faced. Beyond the long days and constant learning, the biggest obstacle was establishing credibility in a competitive, crowded market especially as a new, independent brand. There’s no shortcut to trust; it’s something you earn one client, one conversation, and one experience at a time.

What I’ve learned through that process is that genuine relationships are everything. Taking the time to truly understand people, listen to what they value, and show up consistently has been the foundation of my growth. Knowing that I get to create experiences that bring people together and leave lasting memories makes every challenge worthwhile.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in travel planning and event coordination, with a focus on creating experiences that feel personal, thoughtful, and deeply intentional. At Beyond Blue, we design trips and events that go far beyond the everyday experiences that are curated with purpose and meaning.

What truly sets Beyond Blue apart is how closely we listen. Every client begins with a conversation, not a template. We take the time to understand what inspires them, what helps them unwind, and which details matter most. From there, we craft experiences that feel uniquely theirs not something pulled from a checklist or pre-packaged offering.

We believe the most memorable experiences come from going deeper. That might mean uncovering lesser-known destinations, designing seamless itineraries that feel effortless, or incorporating thoughtful touches into an event that guests remember long after it ends. Beyond Blue isn’t about surface-level travel or events it’s about creating moments that feel authentic, elevated, and unforgettable.

At the heart of my work is making life easier, more joyful, and more meaningful for the people I serve. Seeing the excitement when a trip comes together or watching a community connect through a thoughtfully planned event is what motivates me every day.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people are surprised to learn I’ve been married for 24 years, have three adult children, and am a grandmother to a three-year-old, family has always been my foundation and deeply influences how I create meaningful experiences.

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