Juggling Fame and Business: Inside the Chaotic Routine of ‘Mormon Wives’ Star Jessi Draper

A Life Defined by Constant Motion

For Jessi Draper, the 34-year-old star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the concept of a standard daily routine is non-existent. Draper, who balances a burgeoning reality television career with the management of her Utah-based hair business empire, describes her life as inherently chaotic. Her professional portfolio includes the JZ Styles salon, a dedicated hair-styling academy, and a company specializing in hair extensions and care products.

Draper’s professional journey began in 2016 with the opening of her salon, followed by the launch of her hair-care brand and the establishment of a nine-month training academy in 2022. While she originally wrote the curriculum for the school, she now relies on a director to oversee daily operations, allowing her to focus on high-level logistics and brand development.

Balancing Business and Reality Television

The demands of filming a reality show have significantly altered Draper’s relationship with her businesses. Previously, she was a constant presence at her salon, but her current schedule requires her to move between filming locations and her various offices. She notes that her participation in the show is treated as a professional commitment, requiring strict punctuality even when the subject matter involves her personal friend group.

This season proved particularly challenging for the entrepreneur, as she navigated the complexities of a divorce while cameras were rolling. Draper recalls instances where she would receive updates from her legal counsel in the middle of filming scenes, highlighting the blurred lines between her public persona and private struggles.

The Daily Grind: Coffee, Sodas, and Logistics

Draper’s day typically begins at 7:00 a.m. On mornings when she does not have custody of her two children, she utilizes the time to decompress, often journaling or enjoying coffee from her home pantry. However, the rest of her day is fueled by a local staple: “dirty sodas,” which are beverages enhanced with syrups or creamer. Draper admits that her salon’s own dirty soda bar contributes to a habit that can reach four drinks per day.

When she has her children, the morning is a race to get them ready for school by 8:30 a.m. The commute often involves a negotiation of musical choices to keep the peace between her six-year-old son and three-year-old daughter. Throughout the day, Draper relies heavily on digital tools, particularly Google Calendar, to manage her “Type B” lifestyle, which she describes as unpredictable despite her own organized, “Type A” tendencies.

Managing Motherhood and Self-Care

Draper’s approach to domestic life is pragmatic. Admitting she is not a cook, she relies on pre-prepared meals or food delivery services like DoorDash to manage dinner for her children. A nanny assists with childcare in the afternoons, allowing Draper to transition into her evening routine of homework, play, and bedtime by 8:00 p.m.

To protect her mental well-being, Draper recently made the decision to remove social media applications from her personal phone, citing the negative discourse surrounding her show as a source of unnecessary stress. In the evenings, she focuses on decompression through podcasts, skincare, and early bedtimes, usually aiming to be asleep by 11:00 p.m. Despite the intensity of her schedule, Draper maintains that she finds success in the ability to work alongside her friends and family, viewing her busy life as a blessing rather than a burden.

Source: businessinsider.com