Check Out Jessica Salceda’s Story

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

Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
2016 was the first year I decided to pursue a creative passion. I was a new college graduate and so proud of my Master’s degree, but still on the hunt for my direction. So many factors culminated in the creation of J. Isabel Designs. For one, my grandmother was always my inspiration in allowing myself to be creative. She taught me the art of gifting, making small milestones extra special, and celebrating holidays BIG. I bring all of that into everything I create with my business. To me, nothing is too small to be celebrated or memorialized.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Small business is not easy by any means. It’s having a strong passion for what you do that keeps you going. I can’t count how many times I have wanted to give up, but there is no way to walk away from something that is a part of you. Even without a business, a brand, a name, this is what I would be doing. The biggest struggles over the years have been overcoming mistakes without being too hard on myself, steering away from comparison, and riding the waves of growth and change.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Always having a passion for gifting is what led me to curate luxury gift boxes for the last 6 years of business. Over the last 2 or so years, we have expanded to client and corporate gifting, product packaging, and just recently have been experimenting more with acrylic! Thanks to our new and upgraded laser engraver, we are now making custom signs, party decor, and keepsake gifts. If you can think it, we can make it.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have found that social media (mainly Instagram) has brought me the best community. I have been able to connect with fellow creatives all over the world and we cheer each other on through all of the ups and downs. I also like to connect with other business owners in my hometown and bounce ideas and solutions off of each other. It can be competitive out there, but I am lucky to have found some amazing and hard-working small business owners that support each other. I think the coolest thing is I have small biz friends with many different niches. Photographers, artists, yoga instructors, retail shop owners, candle makers, and I am so inspired by all of them and their talent and passion. My biggest advice is don’t be afraid to connect. Even if you aren’t in the same arena, there is a lot to learn!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jisabeldesigns.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/j.isabeldesigns
• Other: pinterest.com/jessicaisabeld

Image Credits
All images are J. Isabel Designs taken by me