Meet Jessica Padilla | Designer and Art Teacher, Brand: Jesslynnpadilla

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Padilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It all started in August of 2018 when I graduated with my Master’s in Fine Art. My first vision was that when I graduated I would be showing my work in art galleries. But, that never came to pass. In all honesty, I have debt to pay back. I loved creating and making with my hands. Weaving together intimate stories with my collages. I needed to find a solution, an outlet quick. I didn’t want to lose the momentum, energy and spark that I built up in Grad School. I wanted to continue to maintain a more creative based lifestyle. Plus, I wanted to find another space where I could connect with others who also enjoyed my art. People who were like-minded, and wanted a part of what I created. I realized in that moment I didn’t have to be in an art gallery to sell my artwork or create connections.

God answered my prayers, my deepest desires.

So, I stumbled into the realm of stationery, more like it found me through the grace of God. I created (formerly) Bighendesigns, now renamed Jesslynnpadilla. I found myself becoming fully immersed in the world of sticker making. And enjoyed it! I could transform my art into something usable and functional within someone’s journal, or planner. I could still tell my stories through my designs without the high price tag.

I made my own art gallery. People all over the world use my designs within their journals to create beautiful layouts of their dreams, travels, experiences…it has been the most enjoyable experience in my life. I have now transitioned into making rubber stamps with hopes of reintroducing my first love: stickers.

And so the birth of my brand Jesslynnpadilla began…

What should our readers know about your business?
When I first started my business, I guess you can say I was pretty sheltered. I was new, and really didn’t see the full scope of what it meant to run a business. As well as growing quickly. Plus, working full-time as an art teacher. Flash forward to 2022, I have come a long way from starting on Etsy. I still work as an art teacher but also maintain my business. Looking back on how far I have come, was it easy? No, not at all. I feel with each year it has gotten harder. Like, I am leveling up on a game. Running a business has brought its challenges but also incredible memories created with people from all over the world. It has given me a deeper sense of purpose in life.

Although, I have to say it. It is super important to surround yourself with the right people. I feel blessed by the people that God has surrounded me with that support me and push me to keep moving forward.

It has been an important thing for me to learn to take one day at a time. Never rush in head first. You have to have a bit of heart too. Setting short and long term goals help.

I started this journey because I wanted to create a space where I could share my joy for making. For the enjoyment of creating something beautiful, something treasured. I hope every moment is special, unique, and opens a creative path for each person that uses one of my stationery products.

I am looking forward to what the future holds and excited to continue to share my passion for designing beautiful stationery to create with. In the meantime, I am going to live in the present which is a gift from God.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in a very rural community but deeply connected to the arts. If I had a close friend with me for the week, I would first off, feed them. There is a wonderful Thai restaurant near me I would take them to eat at. Maybe, walk off some of those calories at a nearby park. Spend a few days traveling to some local art spots like Wheaton Arts, Noyes Museum, and Grounds for Sculpture. Travel to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Eat again. If time permits, and depending on the weather, head down to Wildwood, NJ for some beach and boardwalk fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God first and foremost, my beautiful mom, and all the beautiful people God has brought into my life over the years. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the memories we created together.

Plus the incredible journaling community I am currently a part of. Love you all!

And a big thank you Lilly (@paperludus) for recommending me!

Thank you for dreaming big with me!

Website: www.jesslynnpadilla.com

Instagram: jesslynnpadilla