Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Schmidt.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Hello, and thank you for reading! My name is Jenna, and in addition to my full-time role at a law firm in Wisconsin, I am the owner of Curious Capture & Company, LLC. My business is truly a labor of love, offering a variety of services including photography, custom designs, laser engraving, and more. My primary goal is to express my creativity while helping others bring their ideas to life.

I began freelancing several years ago and eventually decided to formalize my work by establishing an LLC, advised by the attorneys I work with to protect my creations. The decision to brand my work was important to me, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see my creations recognized by others. The positive feedback, especially when people tell me they’ve seen my work in others’ homes, is a source of great pride.

Running this business is no small feat, as I balance my 8-5 job with 15-20 hours of work on my side business each week. Though the journey has been challenging, I’ve remained dedicated, constantly learning and growing, especially in areas like photography and design. My passion for photography began in 2008 with nature shots, expanding into events and portraits, and eventually filmmaking. This experience has helped me refine my craft, from editing to understanding visual composition.

Starting with limited resources, I’m thankful that the products I offered early on were well-received, which helped me expand. Today, I offer a wide range of custom items and am constantly inspired by my customers, family, and friends who have supported me throughout. As my inventory grows, I find myself in need of more space, but the creative process is something I cherish.

Ultimately, I do this because I love it. Success, to me, is not just measured in sales but in the joy of sharing my work with others. 2024 was my best year yet, and I’m excited to continue growing my business. In the future, I hope to further expand, possibly opening a small store or collaborating with retail partners. For now, I’m content with the path I’m on.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Starting and running a business comes with both significant success and challenges. Balancing my full-time job with my side business has been particularly demanding, often feeling like two full-time jobs. The early days were especially tough, as I had to build awareness from scratch, relying mainly on word of mouth. However, with consistent presence at shows and social media promotion, I’ve gained a loyal following. It’s incredibly rewarding when customers return and express how much they love my work.

As a sole proprietor, I handle all aspects of the business myself, though I occasionally seek help from friends and family for feedback and support. Managing resources, ensuring profitability, and dealing with occasional debt have been key learning experiences. Despite these challenges, I am grateful for the support that has helped me grow and overcome obstacles.

My creations cater to a broad range of interests, from geek culture to mental health awareness. I’m passionate about mental health advocacy and incorporate this into my designs. Although I don’t have a specific niche, I aim to create something for everyone. However, the intense workload has led to burnout at times, yet I continue to push forward to offer new items.

Pricing can be a challenge, especially with some customers comparing my products to mass-produced alternatives. I always emphasize that my work is handcrafted with care, and by supporting small businesses, customers are valuing quality and individuality over mass production.

To stay competitive, I continually educate myself on the latest trends, tools, and marketing strategies to improve my craft. Since launching my LLC in 2022 and starting photography in 2008, I’ve made significant progress and couldn’t be more grateful for the support I’ve received. As I near 31, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and the impact my work has had on so many people.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I began photography in 2008 and later attended film school to deepen my knowledge. As an artist with a passion for drawing, I combined my skills and launched my LLC. My primary services include photography (senior photos, engagements, events, and more) and a wide range of custom crafts.

As a strong advocate for mental health, I channel my own experiences with depression into my art. My work often reflects emotions and struggles, helping others connect with and express their feelings. While I don’t focus on a specific niche, I strive to create something relatable for everyone.

I’m known for my shadowboxes and Libbey glass cups, which I decorate with vinyl (not sublimation). My LGBTQ line has been especially popular, and it’s incredibly rewarding to hear people recognize my work, like when someone comes up and says, “You’re the one with the Pride shadowboxes!”

The recognition is truly heartwarming, and it’s always a thrill to see my stickers on people’s cars or to receive unexpected compliments. Knowing that my hard work resonates with others brings me immense joy.

What sets me apart is that all my designs are hand-drawn and handmade by me. I never purchase designs or copy others—each piece is unique, often taking days to perfect. While others may sell similar items, my work stands out for its originality and attention to detail.

I hope to be remembered for my creativity and dedication to delivering perfectly crafted pieces that meet each customer’s needs.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?

I take pride in what I do and the services I offer. I try to give what I would love to receive from people. Just know I’m always willing to talk and will meet your needs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://curiouscapturecompanyllc.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouscapturellc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curiouscapturellc
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiouscapturellc