We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jasmine Isom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jasmine below.
Jasmine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the moment I picked up my first crayon, I knew I had a deep-seated passion for creating. As a child, I’d spend hours sketching and painting, losing myself in the world of art.
My entrepreneurial spirit emerged early on too. Even in middle school, I was jotting down business ideas in a note on my phone. The idea of turning my art into a business was always at the back of my mind, waiting for the right moment.
That moment arrived in the summer of 2021, following my return from serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I decided to take the plunge and launch my Etsy store, JasmineTreeDesign. Initially, it was a means to earn extra income while I was in college, a practical step to support my studies.
However, everything changed in January 2023. That’s when I noticed my business was gaining significant traction. It not only started to outperform my regular job but also attracted a loyal following. This shift in momentum was a game-changer for me. It made me reconsider my initial plans and opened my eyes to the potential of turning my passion into a full-time profession.
There wasn’t a single dramatic “aha” moment; rather, it was a gradual realization that my art and business had the potential to grow beyond my initial expectations. That’s when I decided to fully commit to the path of creative entrepreneurship.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve always been an artist at heart, with a passion for creativity dating back to my earliest memories. Simultaneously, my entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force in my life. From crafting flower clips with my mom as a child to venturing into various entrepreneurial endeavors, I’ve always sought innovative ways to share my creations with the world. After returning from my LDS mission, I took a significant step by launching my business on Etsy, a platform that allowed me to introduce the world to my artistic journey.
Initially, my Etsy store, JasmineTreeDesign, primarily featured prints of my artwork that I had accumulated over the years. I also offered custom artwork services such as watercolor family portraits and LDS Mission maps. However, my business truly found its niche in the world of waterproof vinyl stickers. I consistently produce fresh and original sticker designs, focusing on themes that resonate with my passions and beliefs, including the LDS Church and Christianity, nature, mental health, and pop art.
One of my proudest achievements was the introduction of my Youth Theme Stickers and art print digital downloads in January 2023. These quickly became a best-seller on Etsy, largely because I offered them in bulk, making it convenient for LDS church leaders to purchase them as gifts for their young women and young men. This success inspired me to expand my offerings to include stickers for girls’ camp and primary activities. Following the October 2023 General Conference, I introduced “Think Celestial” stickers inspired by President Russell M. Nelson’s profound message. My vision for my business extends beyond commerce; I aim to share the gospel through my art while spreading joy to those who receive it. Moreover, I take pride in providing options for LDS leaders to purchase meaningful gifts for the youth in our community.
In the summer of 2023, I had the wonderful opportunity to showcase my art and stickers at the Provo Farmers Market. It was a transformative experience that enabled me to grow even further. Among my most popular offerings were my LDS Temple stickers. What began as a modest collection of temple designs expanded rapidly due to overwhelming demand and enthusiastic customer requests. Over the course of the summer, I designed 5-10 new temple stickers every week, resulting in a collection of over 120 temple designs. Witnessing the delight on the faces of market-goers as they discovered stickers representing their home temples was incredibly gratifying.
Reflecting on the past year, I am immensely proud of the progress I’ve made in my business. Balancing full-time college studies with a part-time job has its challenges, but my unwavering commitment, hard work, and countless sacrifices, including working late into the night and dedicating my Saturdays, have propelled my business forward. This past year has been a significant chapter in my entrepreneurial journey, and I’m thrilled about the future. When people think of JasmineTreeDesign, they often associate it with our distinctive LDS Youth Theme stickers and our extensive collection of temple stickers, a testament to the passion and creativity poured into each design. My business is not just about selling stickers; it’s about making art that brings joy, inspires faith, and connects with the hearts of our customers.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, my creative journey is deeply rooted in a clear goal and mission. I believe that art has the power to inspire, uplift, and connect people on a profound level. My primary mission is to use my creative talents to spread joy, positivity, and faith in the world.
I create artwork and products that resonate with individuals and align with their values. Themes such as the LDS Church, Christianity, nature, mental health, and pop art hold personal significance to me and serve as the foundation of my work.
Furthermore, I am driven by the desire to share the gospel through my art. I see it as a unique and innovative way to convey important messages and teachings. Whether it’s through LDS Youth Theme stickers, temple designs, or other creations, I hope to provide individuals with visual reminders of their faith and values.
Another key part of my mission is to create products that serve practical purposes. For instance, my bulk stickers for LDS church leaders offer a simple yet heartfelt way to connect with the youth in our community. It’s about making it easier for them to share moments of faith and joy.
In essence, my creative journey is guided by the belief that art can be a source of inspiration, faith, and happiness. I want my work to serve as a positive force in the lives of those who encounter it, connecting with their hearts and spreading a little more light in the world. This mission is what fuels my passion for creating and drives my commitment to my craft.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Supporting artists and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem doesn’t always require financial investment. In today’s digital age, there are numerous ways for society to actively support artists for free. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for artists to showcase their work, and the simplest acts of engagement can make a substantial difference. Liking, commenting, and sharing an artist’s posts and artwork not only boosts their visibility but also provides valuable feedback and encouragement. These interactions create a sense of community and help artists connect with a broader audience.
Leaving positive reviews on platforms like Etsy can also significantly impact an artist’s reputation and credibility. It acts as a vote of confidence and can sway potential customers or clients, while simultaneously providing valuable feedback for the artist’s growth and improvement. It’s crucial to recognize that reviews wield a substantial influence on a business’s performance. In the event of an unfavorable experience, I would encourage individuals to consider reaching out to the artist directly to share their feedback, offering them an opportunity to address concerns privately rather than through a public review.
Additionally, when individuals generously extend shout-outs and recommendations on social media, they magnify an artist’s reach and introduce their work to new and diverse networks. These collective actions cultivate a supportive environment where artists find both recognition and the motivation to continue creating and sharing their work with the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jasminetreedesign.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminetreedesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JasmineTreeDesign