Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jess Capeling, Founder of Jess' Paper Co., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the creator and owner of Jess' Paper Co. I turn my digital illustrations into a variety of stationery items for your everyday boho, desert vibin plant lover. On my website, you will find everything from vinyl stickers to home decor to gifts and office tools.
Tell us about yourself
I am a hardcore fan of a big cup of coffee, road-tripping with no plan, my 54 house plants, the coziness of fall, and of course, dogs. These passions of mine often reflect in my work and are a source of my inspiration. I grew up in Barrie, Ontario. I always knew I wanted to be an artist. When I was 18, I moved to Vancouver to study Therapeutic Recreation at Douglas College. Living on the west coast made me fall in love with mountain adventures, the city art scene, and all the new opportunities this was when my business came to life. In the spring of 2019, I was starting my second year of college and opened up a little Etsy shop. At this time, my business was on the side. Once I graduated, I realized that I wanted to pursue art full-time and go in my own direction, business picked up, and I took the leap into a "full-time small business owner," and my life changed! After I got married, we decided to sell everything and spend six months converting a sprinter van into our dream home on wheels; then, we moved in full-time! This was the peak of covid times, the world shut down, and we "quarantined" in our 40 square ft van touring around Canada. It was a dream, really. A year later, I found myself struggling to operate my business out of our small living space, and we found an apartment in Calgary, Alberta. One of our favorite places to visit in the van, so why not make it a reality... and here we are! I now work full-time as a small business owner in Calgary, Alberta.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Some of my biggest accomplishments so far have been hitting my first $100,000 in sales, being a part of some big in-person markets around Calgary, moving into a bigger office space, getting to 35,000 followers on Instagram, and just being able to see my growth as a business owner is so cool to see.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is balancing your life and business at the same time. Being a business owner means I wear hundreds of hats, and it leads me to work probably more than I should. So, for me being able to carry out personal boundaries with my business is my biggest struggle, but I am working on it; my business is truly an extension of myself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Rest is productive!
- Everyone starts somewhere; you don't have to have it all figured out in the beginning. Slow growth is the best growth.
- Stay authentic to who you are and what you want to create! You started this for yourself, don't forget that!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jesspaperco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesspaperco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesspaperco/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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