Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Perkins.
Hi Jess, I am so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story? How did you get to where you are today?
Throughout the past twelve years, I have dabbled in different crafting areas and created items ranging from fabric wallets to vinyl-decorated cups and other accessories. My business shifted gears at the end of 2018 when I purchased my first laser. I quickly learned and used the laser, creating anything I could think of. My ideas were all over the place and could have been more focused. Around the end of 2019, I decided it was time to find my niche and get my product line more concentrated. Aside from creating, I have always loved traveling. I decided to combine my love for creating with my love of traveling and create The Trendy Traveler. Under this business, I make handmade souvenir items that I sell retail directly to customers and wholesale to shops nationwide.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Creating a business geared toward the travel industry during a global pandemic seemed like a crazy idea at times. However, I kept laying the groundwork for the business while everything was shut down so I could hit the ground running when travel gradually started resuming. On a personal level, I went through a divorce starting in 2020 and finally wrapped up at the beginning of this year. Now that that is over, I am full steam ahead on my business goals. Work-life balance is a constant struggle. As a single mom, I try to get as much work done as possible when my kids aren’t at home so I can be more present for them when they are home. Of course, it doesn’t always work out that way, but it’s a good goal.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create wood-engraved laser-cut games, ornaments, and magnets. My items are generally city, state, or travel-themed. I specialize in customizing my items for my client’s businesses. For example, I work with several travel destinations and have put their business name, logo, or other artwork onto ornaments, magnets, or tic-tac-toe games to create fun souvenirs for their visitors. I love to work with artists who may be looking to put their artwork onto other mediums, such as ornaments and magnets.
Additionally, I offer services for businesses looking for promotional items such as engraved drinkware, cutting boards, and much more. I am most proud that our products will be available in some National Parks starting in 2024. What sets me apart from others is that I hand-make all of the items I offer in my workshop outside St. Louis, Missouri. Many of my wholesale customers love that they can find quality handmade products while supporting a woman-owned small business.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My kids have played a massive role in the success of my business. Joey (9) and Olivia (11) are my cheerleaders. They understand if I have to work more than usual to get an order out and are always willing to pitch in and help. They have both been interested in entrepreneurship and started their small businesses. We do a few local craft shows annually where all three sell our creations. My parents and grandma have also been huge supporters. While I was having my house built, my grandma graciously offered to house my business in her garage. I drove over there every day to work, and quite often, my mom would meet me there, my grandma would come out, and we would all work together to get orders. My mom even surprised me several times by cleaning the laser when I wasn’t there, which is no small task. My dad recently went with me to Tennessee for a tradeshow. He was a ton of help driving for several hours, setting up and tear-down, ensuring the booth looked great, and chatting with the buyers and other vendors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thetrendytraveler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrendytravelershop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTrendyTravelerShop
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbehlmann/
