Jessie Williams

From her childhood years, Jessie Williams embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, selling hand-painted magnolia leaves and jewelry crafted from discarded materials on a little table in her front yard. A true treasure hunter, she transformed her mom's bedsheets, thrifted clothes, and scrap fabric into her own unique apparel. Entrepreneurship and creative exploration have become an integral part of Jessie's life.

Self-taught in every aspect of her business ventures, Jessie faced numerous closed doors. Undeterred, she took a leap of faith and opened a retail space tailored to support emerging designers and makers. For the past 21 years, she has dedicated herself to their success and discovery through her business, Edge of Urge.

Central to Jessie's business model is giving back, which she considers non-negotiable. Edge of Urge has raised over $35K for Nourish NC, $50K for Carolina Abortion Fund, and thousands more for the LGBT Center and other underserved organizations close to her heart.

Adaptability and an instinct for opportunity have been key to Jessie's achievements. She honed her skills in handcrafted swimwear, wedding dresses, and apparel, transitioned into jewelry design, mentored small business owners, and excelled in creating engaging retail environments.

In 2019, Jessie and her husband opened Unlikely Professionals—a masculine counterpart to Edge of Urge complete with a beer and wine bar. This addition expanded the offerings of her company, providing a well-rounded experience for customers.

Recently, Jessie and her husband launched Cute House, an Airbnb in Raleigh. Furnished with delightful treasures from both shops, as well as works by local artists and small businesses, this quirky and fun escape offers yet another outlet for creative expression and a celebration of the vibrant community.