Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Gerena.
Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I worked corporately as a graphic designer and marketer for about 10 years and when my son was born, I was looking for flexibility with my schedule so I started freelancing. I was freelance designing marketing materials and website design for about 5 years. All the while collecting and hoarding stationery products. I loved the idea of always having a card or note at the ready. Then in October of 2019, I had a few friends request custom card orders after seeing my watercolor illustrations that I posted on Instagram. I realized how much I enjoyed creating my own designs that I thought perhaps I could start selling them online. And that’s when I started Jen Gerena Design. I started off creating all originals and selling all the originals individually. Quickly realized that if I wanted to scale my business, I would have to rethink my approach. Still sticking with my original watercolor artwork and utilizing my graphic design background I am able to create and modify artwork and files. From there I started selling my designs via social channels and Etsy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are definitely high points and low points with owning your own business. I love the creative piece and the flexibility that it affords me. However, with that comes many hats I need to wear and I pivot to each one on the regular. Creative, sales manager, social media manager, customer service, product assembler and shipping department. I will say it’s been fun figuring out and tinkering with what works and what doesn’t work in regards to packaging, messaging, as well as designs.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I started my company, I knew I wanted to offer and become a sustainable brand. Every year I donate a portion of sales to onetreeplanted.org to plant trees. Since 2019 I have been able to donate enough to have 550 trees planted globally. I initially started with 5” x7” cotton card stock and cotton envelope card packs featuring my watercolor designs and then introduced wrapping paper in early 2020 that included digital illustrations that I’ve created on my iPad Pro. I now offer gift tags, enclosure cards, stickers, magnets, single cards both blank and with sayings on 100% recycled card stock and recycled kraft envelopes in addition to the cotton card stock. Designs that really resonate with customers I’ve tended to expand the offerings onto multiple products. Best sellers are my rainbow series, strawberry, floral and mushroom designs.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m a small business owner and I love to support fellow small business owners. I would love to have my products in every small business shop to be honest. I believe small business owners are essential to the local community. I also hope to expand upon my product line. And the ability to plant more trees year over year with customers support
Pricing:
- $5-$24 range of product pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: jengerenadesign.com
- Instagram: @jengerenadesign
- Facebook: Jen Gerena Design
Image Credits
Jen Gerena Design
