Influential Woman · Technology | Online Marketplace | Food & Beverage Technology
Jessie Francis
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, spotandeat
Boston, MA 02126
Her Story
About Jessie
Jessie Francis is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of spot&eat, a technology driven online marketplace founded in 2023 that connects customers and businesses with restaurants, food trucks, caterers, personal chefs, private dining experiences, and event venues through one centralized platform.
Her mission is to simplify how people discover and book food and venue services while helping local businesses expand their reach, maximize revenue opportunities, and connect with new customers. Through spot&eat, Jessie is modernizing the way catering, dining, and venue services are discovered and booked for celebrations, corporate events, and special occasions.
Before beginning her entrepreneurial journey, Jessie built her professional foundation in the healthcare field, where she developed valuable experience in communication, customer service, problem solving, adaptability, and working in fast paced environments. She later carried those skills into entrepreneurship, combining them with her passion for innovation and business development to create and grow her own technology company.
Jessie earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Alabama State University, where she developed analytical and problem solving skills that continue to influence her approach to entrepreneurship and leadership. As Founder and CEO, she has established strategic partnerships, developed relationships within the hospitality and business communities, and led the development of a growing marketplace designed to create opportunities for both customers and local businesses.
Jessie is an active member of Boston Business Women, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, and Entrepreneurista. Her involvement reflects her commitment to professional development, collaboration, continuous learning, and supporting the entrepreneurial community.
She credits her journey to her faith, community, supportive friends, church members, dedicated team, and mentor, Tyra Ancrum, whose guidance and support have contributed to her growth as an entrepreneur.
Guided by integrity, loyalty, respect, and perseverance, Jessie is committed to building spot&eat into a trusted platform that strengthens connections between customers and local businesses. She also hopes her journey encourages other women entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities with confidence, embrace challenges, remain resilient, and continue building toward their vision.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, perseverance, and the people who have supported me throughout my journey. My community, church family, friends, team, and mentors have reminded me that meaningful success is rarely achieved alone.
Entrepreneurship has taught me the importance of remaining committed to a vision even when the path is uncertain. Some of my greatest periods of growth have come through challenges that required me to adapt, make difficult decisions, and continue moving forward when giving up would have been easier.
I am especially grateful for my mentor, Tyra Ancrum, whose guidance, encouragement, and perspective have helped strengthen me as both a leader and entrepreneur. Ultimately, I attribute my progress to faith, resilience, a willingness to keep learning, and having people around me who believe in the vision while also challenging me to become a stronger leader.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most meaningful pieces of advice I have received is to be the light in the midst of darkness. Even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging, I remind myself that difficult situations often present opportunities to make the greatest impact. Instead of focusing on obstacles, I strive to remain a source of hope, positivity, and leadership for those around me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to never let rejection define your future. Every "no" is simply an introduction to a greater opportunity waiting ahead. Success requires resilience, determination, and the willingness to keep moving forward despite setbacks. Develop the confidence to persevere, embrace challenges as learning experiences, and avoid limiting yourself to small opportunities when much bigger possibilities may be ahead. Continue believing in your vision, remain faithful to your purpose, and trust that persistence will open doors you never imagined.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is ensuring that my voice is heard as a woman leading a technology startup in a traditionally male-dominated industry. As one of the first female founders building a platform comparable to companies such as Uber Eats or DoorDash within this niche, establishing credibility and earning trust as a startup requires persistence and confidence. At the same time, these challenges present tremendous opportunities to break barriers, inspire more women to pursue entrepreneurship, and demonstrate that innovation and leadership are strengthened through diverse perspectives.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are loyalty, respect, integrity, and service. I believe strong relationships are built on trust, consistency, and treating people with dignity. As a founder and leader, I strive to do what is right even when it is difficult, create opportunities for others, and build partnerships that have a meaningful impact. These values shape how I lead, how I support others, and how I contribute to my community.
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