Jess is an independent artist living in Bondi, creating nursery art for kiddies and their stylish mums. With a Scandi-meets-Bondi-Beach aesthetic, artworks are designed to be timeless so little ones can grow with their rooms. We caught up with Jess this week to talk art, acupuncture, and to find out how her beautiful biz came about…
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I’m 24 and the youngest of 5 kids. I have a very close, big family. I’ve always been the biggest perfectionist in my family and was very studious. After a 6 month travel stint in Europe, I ended up doing a business degree. I did a few marketing internships and accepted a graduate role at an advertising agency. A year in, I was miserable! I was suffering from a serious case of ‘doing what your supposed to do’.
After months of insomnia and anxiety I ended up seeing an acupuncturist. Lying there one day with dozens of pins all over, I had a realisation that I didn’t have to continue on this path. I quit the next day and went to Europe for a month with my boyfriend. It was so liberating. I came back and allowed myself a few months to experiment and focus on doing what I enjoy. It wasn’t long before I was painting everyday and the rest is history!
How did you get started with your biz?
I’ve always painted artworks for my nieces and nephew’s bedrooms. I really enjoyed painting them contemporary pieces that were timeless and would grow with their rooms. I loved seeing how much enjoyment they got from their artworks, as well as my siblings and siblings-in-law!
A few of their friends contacted me for artworks for their kids rooms and nurseries, so I developed a bit of a collection. I soon recognised that there was a high demand for high quality prints that appeal equally to mum and dad as they do the little ones. So, I decided to launch By Bambi (after my nickname), an online store selling artworks for kiddies and their stylish parents.
Artworks are made with the best quality materials you can find and will last 100 years – to be passed down from little to littler. I also do commissions for custom artworks, which is very fun!
What (or who) are your biggest influences?
From a creative standpoint – I’ve been very inspired by CJ Hendry, Ines Longevial and my art teacher, Daryl.
From a business perspective – Mia Friedman is a huge influence, Elizabeth Gilbert and her book Big Magic, and the podcasts ‘How I Built This’, ‘Masters of Scale’ and ‘Ted Radio Hour.’
From a personal perspective – my boyfriend Matt (who is like a co-founder!), my parents (my advisory board!), my siblings and my best friends. I am so lucky to have such a supportive network of creative & wise family and friends!
If you could sum up your day in three words what would those words be?
Pilates, Painting, Podcasts.
What does your workstation look like? (share a photo if you’re brave enough!)
Big desk with paints, paper, my notebook, a cup of tea and my laptop.
Give me your best kid distraction strategy:
Is that a rocket over there?
Most embarrassing moment in your biz?
Yet to have one – early days!
What are you most proud of achieving biz wise?
I’m most proud of launching my website. I’m a perfectionist, so my natural tendency would have been to spend another year ‘perfecting’ it before sharing it with anyone. I’ve learnt so much from launching my site before I felt ‘ready’ – it allowed other people to offer feedback and suggestions. I’m learning that “done is better than perfect”!
What are your big goals for the next 12 months?
Launch my Wall sticker collection and evolve my artworks!
Exclusive reader offer
Jess is offering the #nestlingcollectivetribe free shipping of your order of By Bambi goodies! Just use the code ‘PANDA’ at checkout. You can shop, follow and stalk Jess here:
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