Life & Work with Jessica Salazar of Jackson, Georgia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Salazar.

Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I had just dropped out of college because I couldn’t afford to stay. I tried pursuing a major in psychology, hoping I’d eventually become a therapist. But I quickly realized my passion wasn’t in that field. I was lost and wasn’t sure what to do next. I decided the summer of 2018 to pick up a new hobby to distract myself from the unknowns. I found a video on YouTube from Jessica Long Embroidery where she taught the basics of embroidery. I enjoyed the process of slowing down and stitching a fun project. I noticed while embroidering, all worries would disappear and my mind would finally be silent for a moment. I started enjoying the process of slowing down and being care free in a season full of unknowns.
My sister who was a small business owner encouraged me to open my own small business. I was intrigued at the idea of having my own business, and with my sisters full support I decided to take that leap of faith. I didn’t expect anything big to come out of it, I simply wanted something that could bring me some income while I figured out what to do with my life, while I figured out the next steps. I remember sitting in my bedroom that had bright yellow walls. I told my sister I had a dilemma because I couldn’t figure out the perfect name for my small business. That’s when she brought up the fact that my bedroom walls were yellow, so she suggested I name my brand “Mustard Thread.” That’s when it clicked!

I started my business not expecting much to come of it. I simply followed some of my friends on Instagram and posted my art, hoping that would help my business grow.
When I started I didn’t understand my art style. I found myself scrolling through Pinterest and simply embroidering what everyone else seemed to make, and I wasn’t taking the time to choose colors and styles that suited my brand and made me stand out. I was trying to hide behind what seemed to work for others and tried to stay comfortable, hoping that would be the avenue to success. But I quickly learned that trying to be like others was not what opened doors to growth. I realized allowing myself to figure out my style was what challenged me to grow.

In 2019 I realized I needed to redo my logo and my style completely. I needed to start from scratch. I decided to rebrand. I found a logo that inspired me, a logo that was simple but would pair perfectly with any design I created and shipped. I also took the time to create designs that I connected with, that shared about having faith over fear, trusting the Lord through the hardships, and enjoying the journey. For the first time, I was truly proud of the embroidery collection I created. When I launched the collection in 2019, I shared about my struggles with anxiety, and not feeling adequate enough, and to my surprise many people resonated with that. My vulnerability drew in people with similar interests as me. It helped my business reach a larger crowd than I thought possible.

Ever since then, I’ve tried to stay authentic to who I am. Handling a business can be overwhelming, and there have been many times I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome. Other times I would over work myself into burn out. Sometimes launches would flop and I’d be tempted to throw the towel. But I learned to stay persistent through it all, and take breaks if need be.

I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my friends. Within 2 months of being open, a lady named Bonnie reached out to me asking me to sell my products in her store in Monroe Ga. At first I was hesitant because I didn’t think I qualified, but I am so thankful for the opportunity. Bonnie helped me grow confident in my work, and through her storefront I met so many other amazing artists. I found a community of supportive women who were also entrepreneurs.

I also am grateful to have friends who are also creatives. It is an honor to be surrounded by many talented individuals. Some are photographers, some are bakers, some are videographers, and some love to crochet and knit beautiful works of art. Each of my friends inspire me, and that is truly what helps me want to pursue my dreams and interests even further.

Also, when I started my embroidery business, I had very low confidence and wasn’t proud of what I had to offer. I did not feel qualified. I also did not like being in the spotlight, so when my business grew significantly, I found myself sometimes wanting to hide from what seemed like an overwhelming responsibility to keep up with demand. But I learned that being in the spotlight doesn’t have to be scary. It is a privilege to be able to create, and have a community behind me that supports me in everything I do. By the grace of God and the support of my friends, I am where I am today,

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, as I explained previously I struggled with some imposter syndrome and not feeling adequate or qualified enough to call myself an artist. Sometimes new releases wouldn’t do as well as expected. Some seasons were discouraging. Sometimes I would lose my creativity for new designs, or sometimes I’d overwork myself in hopes to keep up with demand. I learned to not be hard on myself, and allow myself to take breaks when needed.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in embroidery, I embroider clothes, keychains, wall decor and other accessories. I’m known for my keychains, including my monarch butterfly keychain. I’m most proud of all the custom pieces I’d had the privilege of working on for my sweet customers. I appreciate that they believe in me to achieve their desired design, even if I’ve never stitched it before. I love connecting with customers and making their ideas a reality.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I try to encourage others through my work by sharing my struggles, and what I’ve had to overcome in different seasons of life. I want to show that beauty can bloom from ashes. What might seem like a dead end in a moment can actually be the open door to a completely new beginning. Beauty can come from hardship. We don’t have to stay stagnant. There is always more ahead, and there is beauty all around us. I try to incorporate the beauty of creation in what I do.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself when I started, and I wish I was more willing to accept new opportunities without letting my feeling if inadequacy get in the way of trying something new.

Also, when you start, you don’t have to have it all figured out, I changed my logo about 3 times before I found one that resonated with me and my brand. You learn as you go, and it’s all a process. It doesn’t have to be perfect by day one. It’s a learning curve. There’s always something new to learn, you just have to be willing to position yourself to learn and grow.

Pricing:

• Clothes $35-$45
• Keychains $27
• Wall decor $4o

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mustardthread.etsy.com
• Instagram: @mustard.thread
• Facebook: MustardThread

Image Credits
Troy WilliamsPhotography