hi, i’m jess — a gatherer of words, artists, and questions that get to the heart of things.

I’m also a poet, a workshop and event facilitator, and a cheerleader for your artistic endeavours.

I care about making a place for creatives and tender souls to sit with words that make us feel alive. Please stay awhile, and find an offering that connects with you — whether that’s developing your writing practice, sharing your story, or finding community with each other.

what is gentle company?

Gentle Company is the name of my corner of the internet on Substack — a place to write in a new format, send out weekly love letters, and interact in a new way. I’m learning my way around; this feels a little bit messy and a little bit beautiful. I think that means it's alive.

subscribe & keep me company.

Becoming a paid subscriber ($5/month or $50/year) supports my creative work and gives you access to my monthly Poetry Club, as well as upcoming writing prompt projects and chat boards with the community.

There is also a Founding Member option for you for $150/year; if you have the means, and would like to support me as I begin to build this space, this is a way for you to participate from the ground up. You will get ongoing reports of my career milestones, gives you access to Poetry Club and my Collective Conversation events; you’ll get the occasional snail mail, All Of The Perks when my *as of yet unsigned* book finally comes into fruition, and my eternal gratitude and adoration. (I would love to create a program for founding members that feels ~exclusive~ and fun - any and all suggestions can be sent to jessjanz@gmail.com).

Thanks for making the internet a beautiful and tender place to be.

xo jess.