Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Willis
Hi Jasmine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2016, I made the leap from my corporate job to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. I initially explored a variety of ventures, including running a bouncy house rental company, working as a Paparazzi jewelry consultant, and pursuing photography. Over time, I transitioned into opening an in-home daycare and after-school program.
In 2017, while taking pictures for a customer, I was asked a simple but life-changing question: “Can you print invitations?” Without any prior experience in printing or design, I said yes, and RyanPrints was born. That first year, I worked with three customers during graduation season, and even though I was new to the process, I realized that creativity and design had always been a part of me.
By 2018, RyanPrints had taken shape. We grew to six graduation customers and started expanding our services to include birthday invitations, business cards, and other event materials.
In 2019, we experienced significant growth, printing over 30 graduation orders. The momentum was exhilarating, and it was clear that RyanPrints was becoming more than a side hustle—it was a community staple.
In 2020, we leased our first official location in Thomaston, Georgia, with plans to celebrate a grand opening in March. Then, the pandemic hit, and like so many businesses, we faced uncertainty. But instead of slowing down, we used that time to refine our skills, learn new techniques, and adapt to a changing world. It wasn’t easy, but we persevered and came out stronger.
In 2022, we moved to our current location at 310 N Church Street, Suite C, in Thomaston. Over the past two years, we’ve grown exponentially, serving customers nationwide while maintaining a strong local presence. Today, we’re proud to have over 100 loyal repeat customers, with new faces discovering us every day.
What started as a simple “yes” to a customer request has blossomed into a thriving local commercial printing company. At RyanPrints, we’re passionate about bringing our customers’ ideas to life and making every project special.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a woman-owned business, it has not been easy. Most companies don’t want to lease a printer to you because you are 1) a new business and 2) a minority-owned business. We don’t have the same opportunities that others have.
When I started out, I had to buy everything from the printer to all of the supplies. I was blessed enough to have people who would donate things to my company. However, this company has grown out of the dirt.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One thing I love to tell people is how our company got its name. Ryan is my son’s name! He is honestly the only reason this company exists. He is my greatest gift!
Our company offers everything from personal prints like invitations to marketing material. We also offer on-the-spot services such as copies, fax and laminating services.
We are stepping into offering more same-day and next-day services on our prints. This one thing will set us apart from most of the companies around us.
We work hard to ensure not only quality products but also affordable prices!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I honestly don’t know where RyanPrints may be in the next 5-10 years.
I know I am currently shifting my mindset from a “small print shop” to a commercial printing company. This is a big step for me because I have been running from my true capabilities!
I hope to have a larger space with more employees because I just want to sit back and cut the checks! lol
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanprints.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanprintsit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanprintsit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ryanprintsit
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanprints
