We recently connected with Jessica Giovine and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I was working as an Art Director in licensing cosmetics in NYC over 6+ years ago. Feeling burned out, I was trying to find stress relieving ideas for commuting and creative plans for the future. I had had the idea of a calligraphy business in the back of my brain for some time, but was unsure where to start. So, I decided to watch some youtube videos, and start teaching myself. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought 2 pre-made wood signs, and decided to practice after a few weeks of learning, and from the power of posting a photo of one of the signs on instagram, I received so many messages asking where followers could buy the sign (personal instagram page). I was in shock! This was when wedding calligraphy signs were really first getting started, and I only knew of 1 person in NJ who *kind of* did this as a business. I went and bought a mirror, wrote some faux-names on it like a seating chart, and posted a photo and immediately received a message asking if I could be hired for a wedding. I knew I had something in that moment! 6+ months later, after commuting 6 am-7 pm, coming up with a business name, making a business instagram, and networking like crazy on social media booking weddings, and with other small businesses, I was financially able to take The Jess Press full time and quit my city job!

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?

I have my BFA in Graphic Design, and always worked in the licensing or adult cosmetics/beauty industry. I started as a graphic designer and package designer from my first job out of college, and worked my way up to NYC as an Art Director with a team under me, while still designing! I loved what I did, but always had an idea for the future to work in weddings and invitations/calligraphy. I started learning calligraphy as a side hobby during my work commute, and on weekends, as stress relief, but also as a business idea. I never thought in a million years, it would lead me to where I am now!

I offer all Modern Calligraphy services from all signage (welcome signs, seating charts, cocktails, etc) to envelopes, place cards, etc, as well as all Stationery services ranging from save the dates to invitations to all day of stationery (menus, programs, any printed materials). You name it, I can create it!

I believe what sets me apart of other businesses is that I am able to create basically anything! I offer all hand paintings of venues also, as well as custom maps, which not everyone offers a full artist spectrum. I have had clients who approach me with zero clue what they want the vibe of their wedding to be, and I break it down for them! From color, to style, to what they want their wedding to feel like, I make it all come together with textures and dimensions.

I am most proud of the way I have handled my business under pressure. Besides sometimes working with tight deadlines, printer delays, or lost packages, I always find a solution to the problem no matter what. My mom passed away three weeks before my son was born, and 2 months before I went back to work after having my son. Even going through grief and postpartum life, I still balanced my business and got everything done in the timelines I preplanned for myself. I am so dedicated and my business is my first baby!

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

I truly feel that although I was one of the “first” of my kind in my location, I have remained a top tier business because of my customer service, as well as my offerings. Invitations, all day of stationery, all calligraphy and printed sign needs,and custom paintings and maps are not items that all businesses of this kind offer. I am very extroverted and will talk to anyone! And that is truly how I built my business–through networking with others, having conversations, and also having a catchy business name! :)

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I recently started a monthly blog that goes out to all of my former clients of the past 6 years, as well as current clients and inquiries, and I’ve received amazing feedback! And it allows me to share events I’ve been a part of all through the years. I also have a custom “The Jess Press” candle, that is made by a local candle shop, and even more recently, I started a podcast! It’s called Jess Press Play, and it focuses on interviewing small business owners on growing their business, and the hardships of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thejesspressshop.com
• Instagram: thejesspress_
• Facebook: thejesspress
• Linkedin: jessica giovine
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJessPressPlayPodcast

Image Credits

Image 1: Courtney Occhio Photo
Image 2: Dr Zazga Photo
Image 3: Susan Elizabeth Photo
Image 4: Tay Brauer Photo
Image 5: Lauren Ashley Photo
Image 6: Courtney Simpson Photo
Image 7: Rafal Ostrowski
Image 8: The Leighton Co