What's in a Rich Life: Jess Zeng

A monthly guest feature for Three Dots

This year, one of my goals with Three Dots is to highlight more individuals who embody what it means to live a "rich life." This concept is deeply personal and can hold different meanings for everyone. But at its core, I see it as embracing creativity and staying true to oneself.

Jess and Frank through the years

Jess doesn’t know this, but she gave me the idea for the ‘Rich Life’ segment. We had just wrapped up a FaceTime catch-up and I hung up feeling energized by our conversation, as I usually do. She is one of the most creative people I know and because she is always trying new things (like ceramics, her own nail designs, knitting), she inspires me to do the same.

I ask for her advice on many things— nail inspiration, when I need to know if something like faux fur is a vibe or not, a good restaurant recommendation (she gave me a Thai restaurant recommendation in Hell’s Kitchen…best pad see eww I’ve ever had). Jess and I were colleagues at a New York City-based start-up and even though I was in NYC and she was in LA at the time, we quickly became work friends and now, because we no longer work together, actual friends.

Jess lives on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and describes her interests as the following:

shopping (vintage clothing, shoes, perfumes, bags, hats, more shoes), crafts (nails, knits, ceramics), coffee, exploring different forms of exercise (newest is ballet!)

What is the best compliment you've ever received? Or, if you'd rather answer: what is the best compliment one could give?

My favorite compliments as of late:

You’re always leading life with a smile
You give me Samantha Jones vibes (fitting as I was binging SATC when I first moved to NY)

My fav compliment I’ve given is that someone has such a youthful, bright spirit! It makes me feel like they are so true to their inner child and embrace life with curiosity and excitement.

Do you believe in the “signature scent"? If so, what's yours?

I love fragrance! It sets the mood for any day, any errand. I went on a year-long quest for a signature scent... Then figured out that a signature scent is just too hard to commit to…. I now believe in scents of the season or just the day even. I’ve been trying a sample of Ganymede by Marc Antoine Barrois for the past 3 weeks - mineral, intriguing, warm at the core. And the perfect level of intoxicating I think!

Shoutout also to D.S. and Durga’s Steamed Rainbow. Fell in love with it at first smell, which is so rare for me.

Allison Bornstein, the internet's stylist, coined the three-word style method. What three words would you use to describe yours?

Ooh. I’ve heard of this but have never thought of my three. At the moment, I’d say…
Chill, Effortless, Fresh

For reference, I’d say my current NYC uniform is my Ballerette black flats with a little block heel and fun purple socks, a pair of selvedge denim from kyoto, and a chocolate/black wool cable knit sweater. And my black drapey wool coat over all that!

And in hand is my vintage chloe paddington with fun keychains on it.

Describe your music taste.

Spunky, raptastic, upbeat

Any movies or books you're looking forward to?

Just watched Companion last night at the theaters. Would recommend it, despite the gore! Definitely felt anxious about the world and AI and robots afterwards, but as I walked outside the movie theatre and the snow was coming down and I was walking to my train, I definitely felt a rush of love for nature and humanity. lol

What would having a "rich life" mean to you?

A rich life is being surrounded with people, things, and experiences that bring me joy and comfort. And having good health!

What pop culture headline of 2024 most captivated you? Why?

Kai Cenat’s November subathon really got me watching his streams into the late night ... I still get a lot of kai cenat clips on my fyp. Loved watching how much fun he and his friends were having playing all the random games.

What’s your morning routine?

Every new year, I make a Do More and Do Less list. On my Do More list is “more whole breakfasts”!

I can’t function without 1) a tallll glass of water with a dash of apple cider vinegar and 2) a protein-filled breakfast before anything. 3) And of course coffee afterwards.

My quick breakfast favs have been a protein waffle with coconut yogurt and smashed raspberries on top, with a tiny drizzle of maple syrup. Or, a sourdough toast with avocado, sliced tomatoes, toasted garbanzo beans, a squeeze of lemon, microplaned parmesan, and lots of pepper and flaky salt on top.

What things have you enjoyed cooking lately?

Still on my caesar salad kick lately, Erin shouted this out a few weeks back (Molly Baz’s recipe is stellar). And sub the croutons with panko crumbs pan fried with a bit of oil and sambal sauce. Also - never really had this growing up, but a broccoli cheddar soup has been such a great comfort food at the moment!

Been wanting to begin my sourdough adventure, so I'm hoping to start the journey of making “mother” sometime soon!

Are there any memes or emojis you use frequently?

🫵😲🤷‍♀️🧍‍♀️💋

What are some habits that have significantly improved your life?

Not drinking coffee on an empty stomach first thing in the AM! Not 100% sure but I think this has helped my digestion.

I use my Hobonichi weekly planner to jot weekly happenings, random tasks, and events down and use cute washi tape and stickers to prep each week. I love writing things down so this helps me get more organized (I also end up adding events to my Gcal too lol)

Is there a quote or motto that you find particularly moving?

“Everything happens for you, not to you” This quote has helped me shift my perspective on many things and reminds me that I’m really the only person that can control how I want to live.

I recently saw this on tiktok and made me pause:

“If you consider yourself to be self aware but you’re only aware of the things that you need to improve on and not the things you’re actually great at and proud of, you’re literally not self aware”

What is one book, movie, music, or tv show you find yourself recommending often?

Not one, but 3 quick ones, all competition shows because that is 85% of what I watch.

The Final Table - this may be the best cooking competition show ever (sad that there has only been 1 season)

The Great British Baking Show… a baking competition show, its just good vibes all around

Legendary … a voguing/underground ballroom competition show

As always, thank you for reading. If you think you know someone (it could even be yourself) that embodies a rich life, let me know.