- Online store
- @pastel_fairy_jess
- @jess_stitchtogether
- YouTube
- Crochet patterns
Read our interview with Jessica, the creator behind Pastel Fairy Jess.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Jessica and I am a self-taught artist based in Canada! Painting and drawing is something I have been doing since I was little. As my art skills improved overtime, I have sometimes thought about selling my artwork but never had the time to set up a shop for it since I have been enrolled in university. During my university years, I haven’t really had much motivation to draw or paint. I was very busy with school work so finding time for most leisure activities felt like a chore.
When COVID hit and classes were moved online, it was a time period to try new things. I found a crochet kit at my local bookstore and was drawn by the adorable yarn critters on the box. I immediately began watching YouTube tutorials on how to do basic stitches and soon enough, gain the experience needed to make amigurumi (crochet dolls) and clothing!
I created my TikTok account that, overtime, gained a following of a wider audience who were interested in what I make! Now that I have graduated (and waiting to find a full-time job), I decided that it was time to brush up my drawing/ painting skills and open a shop! At the start of 2024, I launched a new Instagram account specifically for my art named Pastel Fairy Jess. After meeting other fellow artists online and connecting with individuals in my niche, I launched my Big Cartel shop in April. My shop is now home to a variety of prints and stickers handpainted/hand drawn by me!
In the summer of 2024, I began my first series of outdoor markets where I began selling my crochet dolls! Since then, I jump aboard any markets/events that I find interesting and it is a great way to meet other local artists/ small businesses while also growing your own!
What is your favorite product that you’ve created?
My all-time favourite product I have created would have to be my BTS Discography Crochet Blanket. The blanket itself took about 3 months to complete. I started the project back in April 2023 and finished in June 2023. I posted progress videos on my TikTok which has drawn a lot of attention to my page. BTS ARMY (The fandom) were super excited to see how it would turn out! The final video went viral when I showcased the final product (over 192K views). This blanket was also the starting point for opening a Ribblr pattern shop since hundreds of fans wanted to purchase my pattern design to make one of their own!
I felt that this blanket has a symbolic meaning to it how it was able to bring the BTS fans together and share our own creativity and talents with each other on the platform. I love how involved the community was after I released the pattern. I loved seeing other fans take part in making their own! Someone even used the pattern to make pillowcases!
Can you describe a dream project that you have?
I wouldn’t say this is necessarily a project, but I do have the dream that one day my small business will become my full-time job. My goals each year focus on how I can build and expand my audience and sales within my business. I guess you could say this is a very important project in and of itself for anyone who is hoping to be self-employed full-time.
What kind of mediums do you use to create?
I use a variety of mediums including oil pastels, watercolour, gouache, prismacolours, and of course, yarn!
How do you deal with moments of creative block or self-doubt?
Creative blocks, for me at least, happen suddenly and without warning. I could have all the ideas in the world and jot them down and then not have the motivation to actually start anything. I think the problem I sometimes run into is being overwhelmed with ideas to the point where it feels like I am carrying a gigantic storm cloud over my head and its weight is so heavy it easily wears me down. Being so exhausted and overwhelmed with ideas can actually have this negative effect. Over time, I learned that starting with one idea at a time and going about my own pace can reverse the negative effects.
Moments of self-doubt for me happen sometimes when I am scrolling through social media. I tend to see other artists who are more successful and able to work full-time doing something they love and it makes me feel like I have a long way to go. The problem with social media is that there are so many numbers involved (e.g; how many followers you have, your audience reach, how many likes you get on your posts) that it almost feels like a competition. To avoid these feelings, I look at how many amazing artists I connected with up to that point and think of all the times we have supported each other. Having these meaningful connections makes me feel motivated to keep doing what I am doing and that by working hard, I can reach my goals.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
The plan to start my own business was always a thought I kept stored in the back of my mind while I was in university. After graduating, I have had trouble finding a full-time job so I just started creating and expanding my projects to the point where I developed a strong enough fanbase on social media of individuals who wanted to see more as well as crochet artists who wanted to purchase my original patterns on Ribblr. Opening my art account on Instagram (Pastel Fairy Jess) was where I decided to lock-in on this dream of mine that I’ve had since I was younger.
Can you share one of your favorite memories about your small business?
This isn’t a specific memory, but every time I am a vendor at a market or event, I always have meaningful connections with lovely customers and I get the chance to meet and support other local businesses!
- Online store
- @pastel_fairy_jess
- @jess_stitchtogether
- YouTube
- Crochet patterns
All images included in this article belong to Pastel Fairy Jess.
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