Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Griffin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been creative. My mom saw it in early childhood and by middle school, I have been selected to be in a special art class where the children were taught college-level art techniques and art history. In high school, I had wanted to attend SCAD, but tuition fees didn’t allow it. I had also met my future husband by then and so, decided to become self-employed, so I could eventually work out of the home, so I could be with my future children later. I got my professional nail technicians license before I graduated high school and started on the road that I am on today.
In the late 90’s. I began working for an interior designer. She taught me many things especially about creative business, apprenticed me if you will. I am completely self-taught in all of the areas I work in. After I worked work with the interior designer for 2 years, she moved her business and we parted ways, I started an interior design company of my own and I worked doing interior design though my company up until I had children.
After I had my children, I made items for them. I focused on being a mom. In April of 2011, I opened an Etsy shop with the intention of selling handmade goods to help pay the bills. All of my experiences had melded into this new artist/designer venture. I took what I learned in the interior design and applied it to other mediums. I feel that with most design and art, there are basic principles that apply to any medium. Rule of thirds applies, for example, applies to home interiors just like it does photography, as well as visual art such as oil painting or mixed media on canvas. It was an easy crossover for me. Initially, I made little girl things to sell in my shop. Pink hair bows, fairy wands, flower clips. But that didn’t last long. By 2013, I was miserable and hardly selling anything. I hated making pink stuff. Pink is just not my color. But, I was looking at what everyone else was successful at selling and trying to reproduce that with my own spin. It wasn’t working and I think everyone knew it. My work wasn’t my best because I was making what I thought others wanted and not what I wanted. All of that changed in 2014 with my first styled photo shoot.
I created a line of characters and costumes based on my children. After all, they were the most easily accessible models. I did a total of four shoots: one for each character. It took about a year to make everything and then photograph it. I was very happy with how it all turned out. I posted the images on DeviantArt and they were well received. It encouraged me to create more characters and do more photo sessions. But it takes money to make all the costumes and props. So, I listed the items I made for those four original photo sessions, and suddenly, things started selling. Then, I was getting requests to make the items and costumes again and again. Today, those items, such as my moss hair clips, are staples in my Etsy shop.
Things have now grown. It is still just myself working this business; however, I have over 300 items in my shop and I offer photo packages using my costumes and props. I have had my work featured in several print magazines such as Bridal Guide Magazine and Jewelry Affaire magazine, plus several blogs and eMagazines. I’m not at the point of full-time supporting myself or family, but I am doing what I love and I’m putting beautiful things out into the world.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been far from a smooth road. As I said, so far, it’s not an income replacement, But, the journey has taught me many things that I am grateful for. My best piece of advice is probably not to compare yourself, or your business with someone else. Each of us has our own journey and it’s going to look different for everyone.
That being said, it is good to find a community that supports you and your work. And I don’t mean just buying from you or using your services. I mean, a community that attends your art shows, talks you up and shares your posts on social media. Word of mouth goes a long way. You may find that those that support you are not currently in your friends/family circle. Don’t let that discourage you. I let it discourage me at first and took it to mean that my work isn’t worth supporting. But that’s not the case at all. It’s just that some people may not “get” your art or the service you provide, especially if it isn’t a trendy or popular look. Just keep going and your supporters will be drawn to you.
We’d love to hear more about Jennifer Griffin Studios.
I specialize in using previously loved items. Even my costumes don vintage fabrics and findings. Plus, using vintage and antique items means that the pieces can’t be duplicated. They are exclusive. No one else in the world will have a piece that is the same as yours.
Something else I love is finding new ways to use items. The genres I work in lend a hand in my ability to create unique and wonderful things and then photograph them. I love items from another age, relics. I love those previously owned items have a history, a story. They have been places and seen things, in a way. I love the idea that something that is old can be made new. Something that one might discard still has value.
This idea of exclusivity makes my pieces more art than accessory or costume. But what really sets Jennifer Griffin Studios apart, is customer service. I strive to not only create durable, unique wearable art but also to make sure my clients feel like the special people they are. I don’t want them to simply like their item/photos, I want them to love it.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I haven’t directly experienced setbacks or barriers in business simply because I am female. I think in the arts, I’ve not seen gender play as big of a role as in other industries. However, when it comes to supporting and lifting one another up, sometimes the cattiness of women get in the way. We need each other and shouldn’t judge and assume things about other women, especially other female artists. We can be so discouraging to one another, which does nothing to help the arts or women in general. Through encouraging one another, helping one another, lifting one another up – this is how we overcome difficulties and barriers, both in life and in business.
Pricing:
- Art Jewelry Starting at $34.99
- Costume Accessories Starting $29.99
- Full Costumes Starting $99.99
- Mixed Media Art Starting $69.99
- Photo Packages Starting $169.99
Contact Info:
- Address: 101 Caracas Drive
Woodstock, GA 30188 - Website: https://www.jennifergriffinstudios.com/
- Phone: (770) 894-7309
- Email: JenniferGriffinStudios@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifergriffinstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferGriffinStudios/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JGriffinStudios
- Other: https://jennifergriffinandlilymairi.blogspot.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
