We recently connected with Jordan Kownacki and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jordan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I always say there are infinite possibilities when you work with epoxy resin. Since epoxy resins are so durable, you can make pieces that truly last a lifetime. With that said, I started learning how to preserve actual flowers in resin, while keeping them looking lifelike. Flowers hold a lot of symbolism, and are always a key component of important events. And it actually doesn’t even stop at just flowers! I’ve preserved real memories in resin… ashes from loved ones, dog collars/toys, photos, even a Megalodon tooth. These pieces are all beyond meaningful, because of the client. They get to have forever memories of a loved one, or their actual wedding flowers and bouquet in functional artwork that can be passed down to their children as an heirloom, or given as a gift to family members.
I recently preserved memorial roses for a family who lost their father/grandfather. I was able to take those roses and create beautiful bookmarks and coasters for them. Now they’ll have daily reminders that he’ll always be with them.
Another very special floral preservation I did was for a girl who lost her home and most of her belongings in the Woolsey fires back in 2018. She had just gotten married and actually shipped her bouquet from LA to me, and I was able to make her a one of a kind tray and ring holder… She said that after losing everything she was finally happy to have something that will be a new heirloom for her family. I’m telling you, some of these preservations really get me right in the feels. I’m very much an empath so I take in the emotion and feelings from my clients, especially because of the time I spend on this work, and with their pieces.
I feel like my art journey keeps getting more and more meaningful, deeper, and permanent.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I started working with resin honestly because of its complexity. I never shy away from a challenge, and I will always do what it takes to push the limits and boundaries of what I’m doing, in search of the next amazing concept. I love making things happen, and I don’t like saying no to my clients. With that said, I love hearing their ideas, especially when their imaginations really go wild with the thought of what could be. And even better-when I can actually make their vision a reality… it is extremely rewarding on both sides.
What sets me apart is just that. I make things happen. I am fast, but meticulous. I think of myself as your friendly neighborhood epoxy resin artist. I’m here when you need me and I’m more than just someone who creates and sells, I like to really connect with my clients. Plus I have the skills and knowledge to save your flowers from their once inevitable fate, how cool is that?! I pride myself on making things happen. If I can drive to your wedding venue on the same night as your wedding and pick up your bouquet in its best condition, I do it. If I have to go out and buy a new silicon mold because you have a vision of your flowers or keepsakes in something I don’t already have, I will. Am I going to return your text inquiry at 10pm on a Saturday night? Yes, 10/10 times if I can, I will. My business, my artwork and my clients truly mean everything to me, so I will always go the extra mile for them.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In what seems like another lifetime, at the end of 2019 I was actually married, and it had to come to an unexpected end just a week or two before the Covid lockdowns happened. It really made me question everything I thought I had known about love and marriage, and even my own judgment. Having art as my outlet to express myself was a savior. It could have gone another direction, but I was able to channel all of the energy and emotion back into rebuilding just ME, and a different future that focused on my true passion of creating beautiful art…
A few short months later, I was working temporarily as a nanny at the time, when the 4 year old boy and I were both in a brutal attack by a Belgian Malinois (similar to a German Shepard). His arm and my leg. Long story short, we were both in a pretty awful physical shape, and I couldn’t walk without help for quite some time. Eventually we got through it together, and during those horrible few months, I actually got my entire business side of my artwork started. Sure, there were days I wanted to crawl into a hole and I would. You have to let yourself feel, but pick yourself back up after. At the end of the day, I wasn’t going to let anyone or anything stop me from getting and having the life that I want. Because of that continued drive, I keep reaching my goals, and was even blessed to be one of the winners of “Best of Weddings” on The Knots website for 2023! Keep on keepin’ on is one of my favorite things to say.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think one of the best things that can be done in this aspect is really using the power of the referral system/word of mouth. If I ever hear of someone looking for something in particular, in any field, I always dive into my network and try to connect people with each other. Some of my biggest clients have been referral based, through friends of friends, friends of family, family of friends, and so on. Word of mouth is so huge, and where a lot of my business comes from. I do marketing with The Knot and Wedding Wire, through Wedding Pro, and it’s been amazing in reaching clients that otherwise wouldn’t have been able to find me. Connecting with local florists, makeup artists, hair stylists, and wedding planners has really helped us thrive all around, because we can bounce business back and forth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.knackskollective.com
- Instagram: @knackskollective
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/knackskollective
- Linkedin: Jordan Kownacki
- Twitter: @knackskollectiv
- Other: Wedding Wire https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/knacks-kollective/f5bc0f80332271e4.html The Knot https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/knacks-kollective-san-diego-ca-2067328