My daughter changed my life
Tesco magazine's real-life cover girl Jessica Huie, 29, tells how her daughter Monet, 10, is her inspiration
Being on the cover of Tesco magazine as an inspirational woman was beyond my wildest dreams. When I discovered I was pregnant with Monet, and going to be a single teenage mum aged 17, I moved out of home. After Monet was born I became quite depressed and felt as if everyone had written me off. I saw a counsellor and she suggested I go back to school.
Working hard
I did an intensive evening course three times a week to get my A Levels. And I worked in a shoe shop to earn the money to support us. Once my parents saw that I was determined to change my life they helped out and looked after Monet while I studied. I worked my way through university. It was tough and there were times I wanted to drop out. But I juggled everything and kept thinking of the future I was making for us. And I was so proud of myself when I got a great first job in marketing and PR.
I hope my experience inspires the people I meet to achieve their dreams
Without Monet, I'm not sure where I'd be. I've never stopped making progress in my career and Monet is always on hand to help. She was even the inspiration for the greeting cards company I run in my spare time – that features pictures of people from different ethnic groups. And she already has ideas about improving my business.
Make your mark
I hope my experience inspires the people I meet to achieve their dreams. I'm an ambassador for the Make Your Mark Campaign, which aims to help young people be in control of their destinies. And I go into schools and give talks, which is so rewarding. Occasionally I get emails from children telling me they were thinking of giving up on school but after speaking to me they decided to stay on in education. I've even met the Prime Minister to discuss how to encourage more young people to be enterprising.
Top tips on achieving your dreams
- Make the most of opportunities – say yes to as much as possible
- Look after yourself and stay healthy in body and mind
- Be positive and upbeat
- Be stubborn – go for what you want, if it doesn't work out at least you tried
Be a Tesco magazine cover star
Would you like to be a Tesco magazine cover star? Apply now
From left: Photographer Liz McAuley and fashion editor Martha Ward ensure the photographs are picture perfect; our cover stars are all smiles; the gang brave the old English sea at Camber Sands beach in East Sussex
Great ideas for keeping the kids entertained
Great days out
Great activities for kids this summer
Family-friendly holidays
Free days out
Kids' corner
Kids' fashion
Kids' cookery
Kids' gardening