We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jo Torija a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jo , appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
My journey into this field of creativity and craftsmanship began with a personal passion for artistry. Initially, I started crafting items like ornaments, home decor, and candles for my own enjoyment. Over time, I observed that others were showing interest in my creations, often requesting custom pieces. This growing demand encouraged me to transition my hobby into a full-fledged profession.
Looking back, a strategy that would have accelerated my learning process is shedding excessive self-doubt and overthinking. Rather than constantly questioning my abilities, I would have embraced a more action-oriented approach. Trying out new techniques firsthand and diving into various projects can foster skill development more effectively than endlessly contemplating whether my skills were adequate. Time and practice naturally refine abilities.
From my perspective, patience emerged as an indispensable skill throughout my journey. As we acquire new skills, there’s often a desire for immediate perfection in our craft, art, or product. However, perfection comes with dedication and practice over time. Patience enables us to navigate the learning curve, allowing our work to evolve and reach the desired level of excellence.
A significant obstacle I encountered was grappling with self-doubt. I frequently questioned the direction I was taking and my competence in what I was doing. Nevertheless, I learned the importance of trusting the creative process and cultivating patience. Overcoming this self-imposed obstacle enabled me to persevere and grow in my craft.
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’m Jo Torija, a passionate and creative Polish immigrant who has always had a deep love for crafting and creating beautiful things. It all began with my fascination for home decor like table centerpieces, wall signs and seasonal ornaments. I started by making unique pieces for myself and my friends, which eventually gained popularity and led me to the decision of opening an Etsy store. The joy of crafting and seeing the positive response from people around me fueled my desire to continue pursuing my creative passion.
Over time, my focus shifted towards creating hand-poured natural soy candles and coconut wax melts. This transition happened organically as I discovered my true passion for crafting candles that not only brought delightful scents into homes but also contributed to a healthier and eco-friendly atmosphere. I take immense pride in offering soy non-toxic candles and coconut wax melts that not only smell amazing but also promote a safe and natural environment.
My main goal has always been to provide affordable yet unique handmade decor and gifts for every occasion. I believe that everyone deserves to enjoy beautifully crafted items without breaking the bank. That’s why I’m dedicated to offering a wide range of products that cater to various holidays and celebrations.
My journey didn’t stop at Etsy. As my brand gained recognition, I expanded to Amazon and opened a wholesale shop on Faire. This growth allowed me to become one of the exclusive vendors for 1800 Flowers. It’s truly a remarkable achievement for me to have turned my creative passion into a full-time job and to have my products featured in such esteemed platforms.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to using high-quality natural ingredients, like soy wax and coconut wax, to create products that are safe for both people and the environment. I take pride in offering unique scents that bring a sense of comfort and joy into people’s lives. Whether it’s through the cozy ambiance of a candle or the delightful fragrance of a wax melt, my products aim to uplift and enhance the atmosphere of any space.
I’m most proud of my journey as a Polish immigrant, transforming a simple love for crafting into a successful business that brings happiness to people’s lives. The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that every product I create is made with love, care, and a genuine passion for crafting. With my brand, Jarful House, you’re not just purchasing a product – you’re inviting a piece of my creativity and heart into your space.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to bring joy, inspiration, and a sense of connection to others through your work. Creating something unique and meaningful allows you to share a piece of yourself with the world, and when others resonate with your creations, it creates a deeply fulfilling experience.
As an artist, seeing people light up when they interact with your creations, whether it’s through admiring a hand-painted canvas, enjoying the warm glow of a candle, or embracing the ambiance of a thoughtfully crafted home decor piece, is incredibly gratifying. It’s the knowledge that your creations have the power to evoke emotions, spark memories, and enhance the beauty of everyday life for others that makes the creative journey so rewarding.
Additionally, the process of crafting and creating is inherently therapeutic and meditative. It allows you to channel your thoughts, emotions, and ideas into something tangible, providing a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. The act of transforming raw materials into a finished piece is a journey of self-discovery and continuous learning, contributing to a deeper understanding of yourself and your artistic style.
Furthermore, being an artist or creative provides a unique platform for self-expression and storytelling. Through your work, you can communicate your thoughts, beliefs, and experiences in ways that words often cannot capture. This ability to connect with others on a profound level, sometimes even without direct interaction, is a testament to the universality of art and creativity.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on people’s lives, even in small but meaningful ways. Knowing that your creations can bring comfort, inspiration, and beauty to someone’s day is a powerful and fulfilling experience that fuels the passion and dedication to continue creating and sharing your art with the world.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the idea of solely following trends and sticking to a single type of product or style just because it was extremely popular. Initially, I found success with my farmhouse decor products, and it was tempting to continue focusing solely on that style to capitalize on its popularity. However, I learned that relying solely on trends can lead to a limited scope and hinder the long-term growth of my business.
The backstory behind this lesson was in 2021 when the farmhouse decor trend began to decline in popularity. I realized that the market was shifting, and relying solely on one style was risky. I needed to pivot and diversify my product offerings to ensure my business remained relevant and adaptable to changing customer preferences.
I understood the importance of staying ahead of the curve, constantly innovating, and creating new products that would capture my customers’ interest. This lesson taught me that while trends can bring short-term success, building a sustainable business requires flexibility and the ability to evolve with the changing landscape.
As a result, I decided to expand my focus beyond just farmhouse decor. I began investing more time and effort into my candles and wax melts, offering a wider range of scents and designs that appealed to different occasions and events. This shift allowed me to cater to a broader audience, including customers seeking unique and thoughtful gifts for various celebrations like weddings, baby showers, and other special moments.
By unlearning the notion of sticking to a single trend and constantly adapting to the market’s demands, I transformed my business into a more dynamic and resilient entity. This experience reinforced the importance of innovation, diversification, and remaining curious about what new opportunities and creative directions could arise.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JarfulHouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarfulhouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JarfulHouse
Image Credits
I have all rights to the photos.