We are pleased to feature Jess Kreiser of Jess Kreiser Illustration as our second Business spotlight in the Rochester Makers Gift Shop summer vendor series
About Jess Kreiser Illustration
Jessica Kreiser is an artist and founder of Jess Kreiser Illustration. Inspired by nature, food, stories and animals Jessica creates stunning hand illustrated cards and prints. Her work is featured in our gift shop through September. Learn more about her in the interview below.
When did you start your business?
JK: I have been painting and drawing all my life but started my business this past year.
Where did you get the inspiration for your business brand?
JK: My inspiration comes from all different places, nature, food, stories and animals.
What makes you want to teach/do your business?
JK: Art has been a passion of mine since I was a young girl. I worked in accounting for seven years and was miserable every single day, one day I realized that it was time for a change and that I needed to pursue something that made me happy.
For you how does what you do as a brand or business related to wellness?
JK: I believe that my artwork relates to wellness because art is a way to express yourself. Self expression is so important to mental and emotional health, it can be a great form of stress relief and relaxation.
How do you stay healthy?
JK: I try to eat healthy, go for walks with my energetic toddler and paint!
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your career?
JK:Its tough getting started and figuring out all the nuances to running a business. Every step I’ve taken, new challenges come up, but each of those experiences has been a great way to learn and grow, and make my business and artwork stronger.
When you aren’t painting what do you like to do?
JK: I love spending time with my family. I have a 1.5 year old son who keeps me on my toes every day!
What is it that inspires you to keep going as an entrepreneur?
JK: The belief that I’m working toward something that is worth while and that I am working to fulfill a life long dream. Being able to get up each day and create is a wonderful and amazing experience.
What are you working on now?
JK: I always have many things going at one time it seems! But currently I am working on a collaboration with another local artist, starting a branding company with one of my long time friends (we offer branding, business event branding/design, wedding/party invitations and logo design) and doing freelance illustration.
What has been your best experience thus far in your business?
JK: Being able to do something that I love every day!
What has been your biggest challenge as a company? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
JK: Being self employed is tough, but so rewarding. My biggest challenge is probably overcoming self doubt, I still struggle with it every day, but I work hard and do the best I can and at the end of the day feel great about what I’m doing. What advice do you have for others interested in pursuing their own business.
What advice do you have for others interested in pursuing their own business.
JK: I would say, to start now! I put off pursuing what I loved for so long, telling myself that there would be a better time or that I wasn’t ready. It’s a lot of work and being persistent is tough some days, but it’s worth all of that energy. Life is much too short to be doing something you hate day in and day out.
Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?
JK: Just that I hope to see you around Rochester, whether its through my artwork or in person! Thanks for taking the time to read a little bit about me and what I love to do.
To learn more about Jessica or connect with her, reach out via the following channels
