Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Giovine.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was working as an Art Director in licensing cosmetics in NYC over 8+ years ago. Feeling burned out, I was trying to find stress relieving ideas for commuting and creative plans for the future. I had had the idea of a calligraphy business in the back of my brain for some time, but was unsure where to start. So, I decided to watch some youtube videos, and start teaching myself. I went to a local craft store and bought 2 pre-made wood signs, and decided to practice after a few weeks of learning, and from the power of posting a photo of one of the signs on instagram, I received so many messages asking where followers could buy the sign (personal instagram page). I was in shock! This was when wedding calligraphy signs were really first getting started, and I only knew of 1 person in NJ who *kind of* did this as a business. I went and bought a mirror, wrote some faux-names on it like a seating chart, and posted a photo and immediately received a message asking if I could be hired for a wedding. I knew I had something in that moment! 6+ months later, after commuting 6 am-7 pm, coming up with a business name, making a business instagram, and networking like crazy on social media booking weddings, and with other small businesses, I was financially able to take The Jess Press full time and quit my city job! That business has now turned into a full service luxury stationery and calligraphy business, as well as hosting a podcast.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing is ever smooth! In order to grow, you have to make mistakes. The smallest mistakes to the bigger ones. Learning how to work with vendors, dealing with paper shortages (covid!), navigating personalities, filing quarterly sales taxes! There is never not an obstacle to overcome in some way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in bespoke (custom) wedding stationery: not limited to save the dates, invitations, and day of stationery designs, as well as modern hand-calligraphy signage for weddings/events. I believe what sets me apart of other businesses is that I am able to create basically anything! I offer all hand paintings of venues also, as well as custom maps, which not everyone offers from a full artist spectrum. I have had clients who approach me with zero clue what they want the vibe of their wedding to be, and I break it down for them! From color, to style, to what they want their wedding to feel like, I make it all come together with textures and dimensions.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
HoneyBook is wonderful for my financial and automation side of the business.
I host my own podcast, Jess Press Play, which is very inspiring to hear other business owners discuss their struggles and achievements. I listen to podcasts all day when I’m working, and personally just love anything pop-culture, because it allows my brain to laugh and not take every minute so seriously! Favorites: Stassi Schroeder, Let’s be Honest with Kristen Cavallari, Call Her Daddy, Viall Files, Giggly Squad, Not Skinny but Not Fat, The World’s First Podcast
Inspirational podcasts: Kreatures of Habit, MeSsy, Money Hungry Mama, Podcrushed, The Power of Purpose
Pricing:
- Invitations start at $3,000
- Day of Materials Minimum $2,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thejesspressshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejesspress_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejesspressshop
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/TheJessPressPlayPodcast/videos
