I'm Jessica Haggett, from Kennewick, Washington and I’m 26.
2) What was your upbringing like
I was the youngest of 4 and grew up in a smaller town in Washington. My parents taught me about hard work at a young age and also taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. I think that’s why i’m generally, unusually optimistic.
3) Who was your first hero
Miley Cyrus, ha
4) How did you get into motorcycles
I saw a girl ride through university campus and thought “she must be a badass”. I don’t think i’d ever seen a women on a bike before. She looked so carefree and rad. I wanted to be her. About 2 months later I had the thought “maybe I could buy a motorcycle”, and without knowing how to ride, or knowing anyone who rode I bought my first bike.
5) What was your first motorcycle
A 1985 yellow Honda Rebel 250
6) How have motorcycles changed your life?
In almost every imaginable way possible. I’ve basically made motorcycles my whole life with The Litas. I spend a lot of my time organizing and running The Litas, and when i’m not doing that, i’m usually riding.
7) What prompted the Litas
I saw groups of women who rode in other cities and it looked so fun. At the time I had no female friends who rode and wanted that friendship and community. I had only ever ridden with guys and that just seemed silly. So I decided to start The Litas Salt Lake City.
8) How has started the Litas changed you
I think it’s helped me grow in so many ways. Whether it was developing skills like building a website or learning Adobe Illustrator or learning how to run and manage such a large community, it’s pushed me to always keep learning. Another thing that has impacted me a ton is all the incredible relationships i’ve formed. I’ve had the chance to meet some pretty g’damn rad women.
9) What lessons has it taught you
It’s reinforced something i’ve known my whole life, ignore negativity. It comes in all forms and the best and only thing to do is ignore it. You can’t keep everyone happy, and it’s not your job to. All you can do is be you and keep the people who support you close.
10) What criticisms have you received and how do they make you stronger
I make it a point to not talk about criticism I’ve received. It only gives those people and comments power over me, which I refuse to do :).
11) What it like being in the spotlight?
Feels a lot like things did before… it’s a lot of me behind my computer screen getting things done. My favorite thing though, is going to events and meeting moto-babes from around the world who call themselves a Litas.
12) Is it hard being the person in charge?
Everything comes with its challenges, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
13) How did you come up with the idea
My boyfriend broke up with me and i was devastated. In hindsight, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It allowed me the time and creativity to come up with The Litas.
14) What is one of your favorite stories from a branch opening up
Not really a story, but one of my absolute favorite things is seeing posts on instagram of the girls at their events and meetups. They all have huge smiles plastered on their faces, and I think it’s so rad that they are able to meet these other women and form friendships.
16) How do The Litas inspire you
ALL of these women are total badasses. They “raise hell” on the daily and I think that in itself is so inspiring. Like, you can do whatever the hell you want and set your mind to, and these women embody that in their everyday lives
17) Do you have any dream motorcycle trips and what would it be?
I would love to ride all through New Zealand and meet up with Lita babes in all the cities. Auckland is our largest branch - 100 women - pretty nuts.
20) Any words of wisdom?