About TESS

Contessa T. Walker – Jackson lives by the mantras “can’t give up now” and “there’s nothing too hard for God.” Tess is the CEO  & Owner of Exclusively By Tess, a full-service event planning firm. Tess is also an entrepreneur, team builder, author, civic leader, product specialist, mentor,  visionary, mastermind, speaker, educator, and new blog series – Tessology Tuesdays. She has worked behind the scenes at the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards, to name a few. Tess holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision, a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, and is a Certified Specialist in Event & Party Planning. View Exclusively By Tess Here

Tess is the Founder & Owner of Teacher’s PETS Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 2008. Tess started a K-12 Academy (Teacher’s PETS Academy), which provided one-on-one instruction using the A.C.E. Curriculum. It hosted students that could not excel in the regular classroom setting, whether it was the public or the private sector; it was designed for the student who needed individualized one-on-one instruction and boosts. View Teacher’s PETS Inc. Here

Tess continues to fuel her passion and ambition as the published author of My TESStimony, through which she portrays her journey as a business-woman, wife, mother, and lover of life. The book’s universal mandate is that “a virtuous woman is a woman of strength”—which supports her ventures as an entrepreneur, civic leader, and mentor to many. Tess is the author of The Royal Experience – Everyday Etiquette & Modern Day CourTESSy. There are two versions of this book—one for strictly for girl groups, and the other for girls and boys. This syllabus/book was created to help launch poised, polished, and elegant young ladies into a successful pattern for life. When we lay down a firm foundation of etiquette and courtesy, we elevate ourselves to a higher level–one that sets us apart from all others. So if you’re ready to become modern-day royalty, then it’s time to go back to basics! Our confidence-building program teaches children the principles of manners and sets the foundation for excellent communication and social skills. These workshops are fun and interactive, providing an opportunity for your children to learn and practice leadership skills while teaching courtesy, respect, and hands-on social and dining skills. Tess is the author of How to be a Stay-At-Home Entrepreneur Mom. This quintessential guide shows you how to run a business without compromising your goals for your family and your personal life. Filled with helpful tips, easy-to-implement techniques, and strategies to keep your full life organized and productive. This guide is just what you need to find the perfect balance between your work life, your home life, and your goals.

Tess is also a product specialist and currently has a perfume line, Impress with Tess, which celebrates youth and femininity in its top notes that bring the aquatic nuances with pure and sharp notes of water lily, apple, freshly-sweet mandarin, and apricot.

Tess has received the following awards: Teacher of the Year (2005);  Who’s Who Among Professionals (2008); Junior National Young Leaders Conference Education Leader and Mentor Award (2008 – 2012); School Choice Leader Award For Teacher’s PETS Academy (2013-2016); and the Small Business Influencer in Leadership Recognition Award (2016).