Our people: Jessica O'Hare searching for adventure

Jessica O'Hare strives to "live through my actions, put in the work, and show people my intentions through the way I conduct business and maintain relationships."

The News caught up to her Thursday at Ashley Furniture where she is director of operations.

Q: Where were you born? What do you remember about that place?

A: I was born on Beale Air Force Base in California (about 40 miles north of Sacramento).

I don't remember a lot about the base or local area, except that it only snowed once while we lived there.

We moved when I was 4 or 5, so most of my memories are of playing with neighbors, going to preschool, and spending time with my dad. My mom was active-duty Air Force at the time and had to be gone a lot. We didn't have FaceTime, Skype or Zoom then, so my dad and I would record cassette tapes of us talking and mail them to her while she was deployed.

Q: What brought you to this area?

A: My mom got orders to Cannon Air Force Base right before I started third grade, so we moved to Clovis.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: At one point, I wanted to be a veterinarian, because I love dogs, but it turns out that I'm pretty squeamish.

I'm glad I settled for being a pet owner.

I also wanted to be a chef. I still love to cook and host dinners. People keep letting me feed them, so I must OK in the kitchen.

Q: What did you study in college?

A: I studied sociology and Spanish at Eastern New Mexico University. I had a wonderful experience there and so many adventures, like traveling with the Spanish Department to Merida, Mexico, for the Spanish Immersion Program.

Q: What led you to become director of operations for Ashley Furniture?

A: I was an outside sales representative for The Portales News-Tribune and I called on Ashley Furniture.

Cassidy Self stole me. I'm grateful too, because I enjoy sales, but I love being an operator for our local stores.

Q: What is the secret to being a great salesperson?

A: Every salesperson has their own "secret sauce," but for me customer service is the key.

If you can listen to your guest, build trust, think creatively, and solve for their needs, you can earn a customer for life.

Q: Tell us about your family...

A: My husband, Randall O'Hare, is the manager at Southwest Shooting Center.

We met in college and have been friends for 18 years. He was also my bartender for 10 years, and it's hard not to love the man who makes your drinks.

Honestly, we got tired of the universe pushing us together, so we're saving everyone some heartache by being together.

He's my favorite person, so our pet name for each other is Favorite.

My mom, Debbie Yi, is retired Air Force and lives with us. Or maybe we live with her?

She's been my rock, because I had my kids young, and she's always been with me, supporting me. She's caring, supportive, and actively helps with the kids still.

Everyone who knows us can tell you that we're pretty much opposites, and I like to joke that we always love each other, but don't always like each other.

My oldest son, Parker Yi, is a full-time music education and performance student at Eastern New Mexico University.

He's the one you should be interviewing, because it seems like just about everyone I run into knows him.

His primary instrument is the euphonium, but he also plays trombone, sings in the choir, and surprises me daily with new talents.

My youngest son, Jonas Lennon, is a student at Portales High School. He's got the spirit of a salesperson, so maybe he'll come work with me someday.

He's still discovering his future career path, but is a straight A student and wants to pursue dual enrollment courses starting next year. Keep your eyes peeled, because I suspect he'll impress us all too.

Q: What's the best sandwich?

A: If tortas count, a carne asada torta.

I'm also a huge fan of the shrimp Po'Boy at Courthouse Cafe and anything with turkey and avocado.

Q: What is the scariest animal?

A: Spiders. That's a common one, I know, but I hate the way they're always catching you by surprise.

Q: What's your favorite movie?

A: I love Hayao Miyazki's movies and watched many of them with my kids. They're visually imaginative, but the themes are relatable and suitable for all ages.

One of my first favorites was "Princess Mononoke."

I even have a kodama, a Japanese tree and nature spirit, tattoo.

Q: What is your favorite smell?

A: In nature, fresh mountain air, especially after it rains.

I also love perfumes and colognes. On a man, Tom Ford's Ombre Leather.

Q: What is Jessica's perfect day?

A: I love an adventure, so getting to go somewhere new.

In August 2022, Randall and I went on a 10-day road trip through southern Colorado. We picked up our marriage certificate in Pagosa Springs, hiked to Silver Falls, and signed it together. No wedding ceremony, no reception, no guests, just us sitting by the falls. That was a perfect day.

Q: What's your favorite kind of food?

A: Everything. I love to eat. That's really the best part of travel. Saeng's Pad Thai is at the top of my list, along with sushi.

I think that everyone also has a core junk food.

You're either a cheeseburger, taco, or pizza person. For me, it's green chile cheeseburgers. I could eat that everyday. And don't forget the fries.

Q: What is your favorite saying or quote?

A: "Everything in moderation, including moderation."

People who know me, know I can be a little extra. I like staying out too late, over indulging, and when it comes to my birthday month, October is for Jessica.

Another one is, "Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't."