Jessica Lee is a former Wall Street executive who has transitioned into a beauty and lifestyle creator, entrepreneur, and founder of The Davis Standard. As a Korean American businesswoman, advisor, investor, and mother of two, Jessica represents the modern, multi-faceted mom who is redefining success in the digital age. She blends her extensive industry expertise with relatable content, providing career-driven women with valuable insights on beauty, wellness, and work-life balance.
After two decades in finance, she launched The Davis Standard, a platform that has grown to engage 300,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok. Through her platform, she empowers ambitious women navigating career changes, entrepreneurship, and self-care. We caught up with Lee to learn more.
Tell us about your background on Wall Street and what inspired you to become a content creator.
I spent 20 years on Wall Street, focusing on private credit and equity investing. In 2019, I noticed that while many corporate working women were consuming content on social media, there weren’t many influencers or creators who truly represented that demographic. I started posting organically, initially sharing what I was wearing to work as a working woman and mom. Over time, I began offering helpful career tips for women because I realized there was a lack of executives providing that kind of content. When that content really took off in 2023, I decided to take the leap, leave my corporate career, and embrace a new challenge as a full-time content creator. Since then, my content has evolved beyond career advice to cover beauty, style, wellness tips, and motherhood, topics that resonate with women of my generation.
Tell us more about The Davis Standard’s mentor program and your mission to empower professional women.
Midway through my content creation journey, I realized that many women were seeking mentorship and career advice, so I began offering one-on-one mentorship sessions and hosting monthly Q&A sessions through Instagram Stories. I’ve always been brutally honest when it comes to career tips, especially for women who feel stuck or are considering a career transition. Now that I’m a full-time content creator, there’s even more interest in my journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and I’m excited to be building The Davis Standard mentorship program to empower women navigating these transitions. The program is designed for working moms, stay-at-home moms, and women looking to shift from corporate careers to becoming entrepreneurs or content creators.
It breaks down everything they need to know in an easily digestible format, covering topics like how to set up a business, the advantages of entrepreneurship, building a community, and monetizing their platform. My mission is to equip women with the tools they need to confidently explore new career avenues and take advantage of business opportunities.
How do you like to enjoy your time in the Hamptons?
I spend every summer in the Hamptons, and it’s truly one of my favorite places to unwind. We usually rent a house for the month, but lately, we’ve been exploring different areas. One of our favorite places to stay is The Roundtree in Amagansett. It’s right on the beach, super cute, and incredibly peaceful. We love spending time with friends, doing bonfires on the beach, and just soaking in the serenity. When it comes to food, Round Swamp Farm is my go-to spot for groceries and fresh produce. I also can’t resist stopping at Briermere Farms in Riverhead for their amazing homemade pies, especially the raspberry cream and chocolate cream!
For dining out, il Buco al Mare in Amagansett is my favorite for delicious Italian food. For shopping, I love strolling through East Hampton, which has the cutest boutiques. And when we’re feeling adventurous, we rent a boat off Sag Harbor and go wake surfing. It’s such a fun way to enjoy the water!
Can you tell us about your work on the Dress for Success Inspire Committee?
I got involved with Dress for Success several years ago through a good friend who is now the chairman of the organization. I immediately felt a strong connection to their mission because of the incredible work they do to empower women in the workplace. As one of the few Asian women in finance, I’ve always believed that representation is so important, and I love the impact Dress for Success has on underserved and underrepresented communities.
As The Davis Standard platform grew, I saw a great opportunity to further inspire and support women by leveraging my social media presence and professional network. Being part of the Inspire Committee allows me to continue that mission by helping women build confidence and pursue their career goals.
What’s next for you and The Davis Standard?
The best and most exciting part of this journey is not knowing exactly where it will take me next. That’s the nature of social media. It’s always evolving, and so is The Davis Standard. If you had asked me when I first started if this would lead to opportunities to work with incredible brands, CEOs, and industry leaders, I don’t think I could have imagined it. While I may not know exactly what’s ahead, one thing I do know for sure is that I thrive on the unknown. I love the challenges, the opportunities, and the ability to inspire women in my community in new and meaningful ways. I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes me!
