Jessica Lee Chicago UPS Store
Enterprise Solutions Architect
Jessica Lee of Chicago UPS Store is a highly successful entrepreneur, business consultant, and community advocate based in Chicago, where she owns two thriving UPS stores in the Northside business district. With an impressive portfolio of businesses that spans restaurants, nightclubs, and bars, Lee has earned a reputation for her innovative leadership and commitment to creating inclusive work environments. She is known for hiring people from marginalized and disadvantaged communities, including those from the LGBTQ+ community and individuals seeking a second chance.
Lee's success is particularly remarkable given the personal challenges she has overcome as a deaf, single mother of two children. Her determination to succeed in both her professional and personal life has made her an inspirational figure in the local business community. At the core of her business philosophy is the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Early Life and Background
Born in South Korea, she was raised with a deep respect for family, tradition, and community. These core values were instilled in her from a young age, shaping her approach to business and life. As a first-generation immigrant, Jessica faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and overcoming language barriers. She became the first in her family to venture into small-business ownership, and her journey to success has been a source of inspiration for others in her community.
Jessica’s upbringing taught her the importance of hard work, resilience, and maintaining strong community ties. Despite facing significant obstacles, including the challenge of being deaf in a hearing world, Jessica has continuously pushed boundaries and sought opportunities for growth. Today, she remains a champion for diversity and inclusion, creating businesses that foster respect and acceptance for all.
Education and Career Development
Jessica attended the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where she studied Biochemistry, Business Law, and Accounting. She furthered her education at DePaul University and later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, an online institution based in Washington, D.C. Jessica is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and her diverse educational background has played a crucial role in her ability to pivot and succeed in various industries.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Jessica built a solid career in corporate finance, working as a CFO for startups and non-profits. Her expertise in financial management and strategic planning allowed her to successfully transition into a variety of business roles, including that of an Enterprise Solutions Architect and Business Consultant. Throughout her career, Jessica has dedicated herself to helping other small- and medium-sized business owners in the Northern Illinois area achieve success.
Entrepreneurial Journey and UPS Franchise Ownership
Jessica’s entrepreneurial journey has not followed a traditional path. After gaining experience in corporate finance, she saw an opportunity to pivot into business ownership. She began her career in business by owning several nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in her late twenties. These ventures were highly successful, with Jessica transforming each one into a profitable establishment. Her reputation for creating inclusive, supportive work environments—where people from all walks of life were given a chance to succeed—became a hallmark of her leadership.
Her success in the restaurant and nightlife industries led to her eventual decision to become a franchise owner. Jessica now owns two UPS stores in the vibrant Northside business district of Chicago. In addition to her UPS franchise ownership, she continues to provide business consulting services to small- and medium-sized businesses, helping them navigate operational challenges, streamline processes, and grow sustainably.
Business Philosophy and Community Advocacy
At the heart of Jessica’s entrepreneurial success is her commitment to creating businesses that serve as a platform for others to achieve their potential. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every employee feels welcome, valued, and respected. This philosophy is rooted in her South Korean upbringing, where she was taught the importance of family, tradition, and community.
Jessica's dedication to social responsibility extends beyond the workplace. She is a passionate community advocate, continuously seeking ways to give back and support those in need. Whether through job creation or mentorship, Jessica is determined to leave a positive impact on both her community and the business world.
Jessica Lee’s journey from a first-generation immigrant to a successful entrepreneur, business consultant, and community advocate is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and inclusion. Her success story is not just about building profitable businesses—it’s about creating opportunities for others and championing the values of family, respect, and community. Through her companies and advocacy, Jessica continues to inspire those around her, proving that with determination and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible.
Lee's success is particularly remarkable given the personal challenges she has overcome as a deaf, single mother of two children. Her determination to succeed in both her professional and personal life has made her an inspirational figure in the local business community. At the core of her business philosophy is the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Early Life and Background
Born in South Korea, she was raised with a deep respect for family, tradition, and community. These core values were instilled in her from a young age, shaping her approach to business and life. As a first-generation immigrant, Jessica faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and overcoming language barriers. She became the first in her family to venture into small-business ownership, and her journey to success has been a source of inspiration for others in her community.
Jessica’s upbringing taught her the importance of hard work, resilience, and maintaining strong community ties. Despite facing significant obstacles, including the challenge of being deaf in a hearing world, Jessica has continuously pushed boundaries and sought opportunities for growth. Today, she remains a champion for diversity and inclusion, creating businesses that foster respect and acceptance for all.
Education and Career Development
Jessica attended the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where she studied Biochemistry, Business Law, and Accounting. She furthered her education at DePaul University and later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Quantic School of Business and Technology, an online institution based in Washington, D.C. Jessica is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and her diverse educational background has played a crucial role in her ability to pivot and succeed in various industries.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Jessica built a solid career in corporate finance, working as a CFO for startups and non-profits. Her expertise in financial management and strategic planning allowed her to successfully transition into a variety of business roles, including that of an Enterprise Solutions Architect and Business Consultant. Throughout her career, Jessica has dedicated herself to helping other small- and medium-sized business owners in the Northern Illinois area achieve success.
Entrepreneurial Journey and UPS Franchise Ownership
Jessica’s entrepreneurial journey has not followed a traditional path. After gaining experience in corporate finance, she saw an opportunity to pivot into business ownership. She began her career in business by owning several nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in her late twenties. These ventures were highly successful, with Jessica transforming each one into a profitable establishment. Her reputation for creating inclusive, supportive work environments—where people from all walks of life were given a chance to succeed—became a hallmark of her leadership.
Her success in the restaurant and nightlife industries led to her eventual decision to become a franchise owner. Jessica now owns two UPS stores in the vibrant Northside business district of Chicago. In addition to her UPS franchise ownership, she continues to provide business consulting services to small- and medium-sized businesses, helping them navigate operational challenges, streamline processes, and grow sustainably.
Business Philosophy and Community Advocacy
At the heart of Jessica’s entrepreneurial success is her commitment to creating businesses that serve as a platform for others to achieve their potential. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every employee feels welcome, valued, and respected. This philosophy is rooted in her South Korean upbringing, where she was taught the importance of family, tradition, and community.
Jessica's dedication to social responsibility extends beyond the workplace. She is a passionate community advocate, continuously seeking ways to give back and support those in need. Whether through job creation or mentorship, Jessica is determined to leave a positive impact on both her community and the business world.
Jessica Lee’s journey from a first-generation immigrant to a successful entrepreneur, business consultant, and community advocate is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and inclusion. Her success story is not just about building profitable businesses—it’s about creating opportunities for others and championing the values of family, respect, and community. Through her companies and advocacy, Jessica continues to inspire those around her, proving that with determination and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible.
