Exploring Life & Business with Jessica Watkins of Tiny Deer Studio & The Pin Department

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

Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got started with the fairly Amelie-esque experience of finding a vintage metal tin of miniature animal figures in my apartment in 2011. I had just started working on small-scale photography and these figures fit right in! I took my love of vintage style, color, whimsy and light to create a little bit of joy through what I dubbed “miniature menagerie photography”.

The photos that were born of these lucky circumstances were the basis of my small business for many years, with me selling them at every local Houston, Texas art market I could (as a side hustle while I worked a full-time job).

Eventually, I grew to selling enamel pins, and then a few years later started the second part of my business (The Pin Department) in Los Angeles in 2017. This is when I became self-employed full-time for the first time – which was a dream. Having more time to dedicate to creative endeavors and having access to a multitude of suppliers for custom goods, I began to see Tiny Deer Studio as a means of showing my clients the types of products that I could make for them: an online showroom of sorts.

This transition allowed me to explore product categories I hadn’t been able to explore. I went from photo prints and postcards to enamel pins, to jewelry, bolo ties, home goods and so much more. This growth of my product line helped me secure retailers across the globe.

In 2021 I moved to Highland Park, where I live and work from a 1900’s home with a small parking lot out front. This allowed me to expand into hosting a monthly pop-up for local artists and makers. Though I’m taking a break from the pop-up right now, it’s coming back so soon!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As far as running a small business goes, it’s been pretty smooth!

The biggest obstacle these days is battling the increasing cost of living, cost of goods, etc., while trying to earn a living in this city. Running a multi-faceted business with employees and shipping needs requires space!

If you had told me when leaving Houston that I would one day be paying the rent I’m paying now….oh, boy.

We’ve been impressed with Tiny Deer Studio & The Pin Department, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Pin Department helps small businesses, organizations, etc. make custom promotional goods and products. We can make pretty much anything we sell under Tiny Deer Studio, custom for other folks.

Our dedication to quality and customer service sets us apart and helps us retain our clients for years. I personally focus on helping clients make the most of their ideas for products while also making sure Tiny Deer Studio products are cohesive and retail-ready.

I’m most proud of the community to which I belong and the efforts I’ve been able to make to foster that community. The monthly pop-up I organize is free for the vendors and the attendees to lower the stakes on both parties and incentivize the support of our small business peers.

What matters most to you?
Customer satisfaction matters the most to me! I tend to take things personally, so if someone has chosen to trust me with a project or even their personal money for my Tiny Deer Studio products – I want to make sure they leave the transaction feeling like they made the right choice.

Pricing:

• Bolo Ties $45
• Disco Hangers $45
• Plant Hangers $40
• Statement Earrings $36
• Custom Products – based on specs

Contact Info:

• Website: tinydeerstudio.com
• Instagram: @tinydeerstudio @thepindept
• Other: https://tinydeerstudio.faire.com

Image Credits
Tiny Deer Studio