Jessie James Decker on orchestrating a thriving career and blissful family life.
As a dynamic powerhouse in entertainment and lifestyle, and a devoted mother of four, Jessie James Decker has mastered the art of finding happiness in life's small moments. Supported by her husband, former NFL star Eric Decker, Jessie skillfully balances her successful career with her fulfilling roles as a partner and a mother.
What started as a passion for performance and a vibrant music career has blossomed into ventures in fashion, cookbooks, and more. From the rise of her Kittenish brand to her beloved wine club and expanding kitchenware and eyewear lines, Jessie's journey illustrates the fulfillment that comes from embracing diverse passions.
What was it like growing up in Italy and moving frequently as a military family?
I only lived in Italy for a year, but my mom will tell you it was one of the best experiences of her life. From there, we lived in about fourteen different places. Being a military kid definitely shaped me into the person I am today. I'm extremely adaptable and able to change situations and my surroundings pretty easily. But it's also been nice living in one place now for my kids and having a hometown because I never did.
What is your earliest memory of performing?
Some of my earliest memories of performing are singing the ABCs and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in front of my big Italian family in Louisiana. I would sit in their little house surrounded by all my aunts and uncles. My great aunts and uncles were all in their eighties, and I would sing for them from as early as two and three years old. They would lose their minds! They were super expressive like Italians are. I remember loving how much they loved it.
Then my first time ever being on stage was when I was nine years old. My mom put me in a talent show in Baker, Louisiana. I just remember getting up there and feeling like it was where I was meant to be. I sang and yodeled a song called “Cowboy's Sweetheart.” I had on red high-top tennis shoes, a blue jean vest, blue jean pants, and this cute little red headband. I won the whole thing—kid, teen, and senior citizen divisions—so after that, I knew that was what I wanted to do forever.
When did you decide to explore cookbooks?
“I started writing cookbooks because I love sharing recipes and helping families create memorable meals together.”
I didn't really start cooking until I met Eric. I lived on my own or had female roommates before him. It was just your typical takeout or throw in a pack of oatmeal for breakfast. But I had a hungry football player on my hands. He was always ordering Jimmy John's. I was tired of it, so I called my mom and asked for the recipes she made when I was a kid, determined to figure it out. And I did figure it out.
As I honed my cooking skills, I began sharing recipes on Instagram, which quickly garnered interest. People were asking for more, so I connected with my team to explore the possibility of a cookbook. I'm now on cookbook number three and working on my fourth.
I enjoy sharing recipes for people to make for their families. Sharing a meal at night when you're all sitting around the table together is something that was embedded in me as a child, and it's so special and so important for families. I feel like the heart of the home is the kitchen.
When did you start your own clothing line?
I've always loved fashion. I started designing clothes in middle school, specifically for my stage performances. I was deeply inspired by Selena Quintanilla who designed her own performance outfits and owned a boutique. I thought I wanted to be just like her, so I started sketching. I knew I was going to have a clothing line.
Then I had the opportunity to make a capsule collection of Kittenish in 2014. It continued to grow, and I officially launched the brand and the store in 2019. It took off and hasn't slowed down since. I still pinch myself every day that I get to do what I love—helping women feel amazing with pieces that they truly love.
What is it like having four kids?
I get asked this question a lot. I will tell you that it is putting children and your family at the top of the pyramid. I always envisioned a pyramid, with what's most important—your children and your family—at the top, and then you layer everything else underneath to balance it all out. When you put what matters most at the top of this pyramid, everything kind of falls into place and you don't feel any guilt.
I always put my children first. I don't book any work appointments or phone calls past picking them up from school. I try not to leave them for work trips unless it's absolutely necessary.
What are your family's core values?
Eric and I are committed to instilling core values in our kids, focusing on faith, love, kindness, and the importance of family time. We encourage them to work through everything together as a family. We do everything together, and from my experience as a parent, I can see how we're building incredible confidence in our children.
Putting each other first, making sure that we're all together as much as we can be, and always being kind are the fundamentals of our household. We're a wolf pack.
What are your family beach trips like?
I've been going to the beach, specifically the Destin and Panama City Beach area of Florida, since I was a little girl. It is my happy place. It's where I've created countless cherished memories with my parents and siblings during our boat trips to Crab Island. Riding up and down Panama City Beach during spring break with the music on and the windows rolled down with the other spring breakers.
The sugar-white sand and the gorgeous emerald water—it's just such a special place to me. I remember saying that when I got older, I was going to have a place down here one day. I wanted to be able to do this with my family. I'm pretty fortunate that I've been able to do that and now it is a happy place for my children. It's our second home.
How do you find happiness amidst your busy life?
“I've learned to live in the present, appreciating life's little moments without constantly worrying about what's next.”
I find happiness in simple, everyday moments with my family, whether it's savoring a morning cup of coffee or watching my little ones wake up. My career still drives me, and I am an entrepreneur and an artist. It's my creative outlet, and I still need that part of myself too.
What's next?
I am gearing up for some more projects. I have taken a lot of time off since having my baby, and with Denver, I don't like having to rush to be anywhere. I work from home, and I prefer not having to be anywhere, especially after having a baby. I just needed some time to be home and just be.
But I have a lot of projects coming up. I have more music coming out and more Kittenish news coming. I'm also working on another cookbook, and I have a home cookware line at Walmart that is expanding.
From her early days as a performer to her rise as a successful entrepreneur and devoted mother, Jessie exemplifies how ambition and contentment can harmoniously coexist. Her journey is a testament to the harmony that can exist between professional success and personal fulfillment.
Explore more of Jessie James Decker's world at jessiejamesdecker.com and follow her on Instagram @jessiejamesdecker.
Photos by John Hillin and Grace Photography. Originally published in Beach Happy Magazine, Fall 2024.
