We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Phillips a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to stop treating this creative work like a side hobby and fully step into building a life around it. On paper, it probably looked irresponsible. I was trying to balance other creative businesses: photography, writing, and YouTube channel at the same time, without any guaranteed outcome, steady roadmap, or real safety net. Most people around me understood one creative pursuit and were very supportive.

The backstory matters because for a long time I played it safe creatively. I had ideas constantly, but I kept them private or unfinished because I was worried about judgment and worried about failing publicly. It’s easy to say you’re “creative” when nobody sees the work. It becomes real the moment you attach your name to it and put it online for strangers to critique.

The turning point came when I realized I was spending more energy protecting myself from failure than actually building the life I wanted. The different ideas and files I had unfinished for photo projects, story ideas, clothing quotes – all unfinished because I kept waiting until everything felt “perfect”. So I made a decision that honestly scared me, the risk wasn’t only financial. It was personal. Creative work is intimate. When people reject a random job application, it stings. But when people reject something you created from your own mind, it feels different. There’s nowhere to hide in that.

There were definitely moments where it felt uncertain. Slow growth. Low engagement. Times where I questioned whether I was spreading myself too thin. But over time something important happened: people started connecting with the authenticity behind the work. Not just the final product, but the perspective. That risk changed me more than anything else because it taught me that momentum matters more than waiting for permission. It also taught me how to build resilience. Creativity stopped being something I “wanted to do someday” and became part of my actual identity and daily discipline.

Looking back, the biggest reward wasn’t just the opportunities that came from it. It was proving to myself that I could bet on my own vision before anyone else validated it first.

Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jessica aka Jess and I am the Clothing Creative/Owner of Nerd Royalty Clothing. This idea started from an unexpected moment while I was taking apart a laptop that my niece had accidentally spilled juice on. As I was checking for damage, I remember thinking, “I need a shirt that says something about me being a nerd.” That thought stayed with me for months.

At first, I pushed it aside because I wasn’t sure I considered myself a “real” nerd. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that being a nerd isn’t about fitting a stereotype. It’s about being passionate about the things you love, whether that’s technology, gaming, music, anime, books, or other creative pursuits.
In December 2020, I started brainstorming names and ideas for a clothing brand that would celebrate that mindset. I originally planned to launch in March 2021, but a few setbacks delayed things. There were moments when I questioned whether I should continue, but I chose to keep pushing forward. Nerd Royalty officially launched in May 2021.

Today, Nerd Royalty is more than a clothing brand. It’s about encouraging people to embrace their passions and wear them proudly. We currently provide shirts, hoodies, and sweaters with creative nerd related sayings or statements. We’ve started getting into taking personalized orders as well and will add tumblers, mugs, crop tops and tank tops soon. My goal has always been simple: to remind people that being a nerd isn’t something to hide. It’s something to celebrate.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe one of the biggest factors in building Nerd Royalty Clothing’s reputation has been authenticity. From the beginning, the brand wasn’t created to follow trends or capitalize on a market. It was created from a genuine passion for nerd culture and a desire to challenge the stereotypes often associated with it.

Another key factor has been consistency. Since launching in 2021, I’ve continued to show up, improve the brand, engage with the community, and stay focused on the mission behind Nerd Royalty. Building a reputation doesn’t happen overnight, it comes from consistently delivering quality products, providing a positive customer experience, and staying true to your values.

I also think the message behind the brand has resonated with people. Nerd Royalty is about embracing who you are and being proud of your interests, whether that’s technology, gaming, anime, science fiction, or any other passion. People connect with brands that reflect their identity and values, and I’ve worked hard to create a brand that makes customers feel seen and represented.

Most importantly, I listen to the community. Customer feedback, conversations, and genuine engagement have helped shape the brand and strengthen the relationships we’ve built over the years. That connection has been instrumental in earning trust and establishing Nerd Royalty as more than just a clothing company, but a brand that celebrates individuality and self-expression.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new customers for Nerd Royalty Clothing has been a combination of social media and word-of-mouth referrals. Social media has allowed me to connect directly with people who share a passion for nerd culture, while also giving me a platform to tell the story behind the brand and showcase new designs.

At the same time, word-of-mouth has been incredibly valuable. When customers genuinely connect with the message of one of the statements and wear it proudly, they naturally introduce the brand to friends, family, and others within their communities. Those personal recommendations often lead to some of the strongest and most loyal customers because they come with a level of trust that can’t be replicated through advertising alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopnerdish.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nerdroyaltyclothing
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nerdroyalty