Meet Jackie Treitz | Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Treitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I wouldn’t say I’m a big risk taker by nature—I’ve never been one to willingly seek out change. And yet, without a doubt, I know that it has served me well—taking chances and betting on myself has benefited me in all aspects of my life. When I quit my job and started The Paper Bakery, I was terrified—terrified to give up a steady paycheck, to embark on a new journey and to enter a world that (at the time) I didn’t know much about. And of course there was that voice, the voice that is constantly asking, “What if I’m not good enough? What if I fail?” Even though it was a huge risk, and the potential to fall on my face was there, at the same time, I felt like I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Yes, because I was working for myself and building something to call my own; But more so, because I was investing in my self-worth and my valuable time, and designing a life for myself that suited my needs and those of my (growing) family. Since starting TPB and building a solid foundation, my approach to how I run my business has evolved. I’m able to be more strategic and particular in my decision-making. Now it’s more about risk and reward; what will nurture my business while fueling my creativity? How will I evolve as a designer and business woman? On occasion certain choices have definitely come back to bite me in the ass, and in the end were a complete loss, but a lesson learned no less. That right there is risk-taking at its finest; sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, it’s a gamble for sure. At the end of the day, our instincts are all we have. With time and experience, I’ve learned not to devalue my time and go with my gut, not to chase clients, but to invest in the right relationships and let them grow organically. Simply put, without risk, there is no reward, and that is where it all starts. So do it, take the chance on yourself, it might just be the best thing you ever did. Xo Jax

Please tell us more about your career. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Being Canadian and starting my California-based career a bit later in life definitely could have been a challenge, but instead led me to the most invaluable path for growth and development. I learned so much at my first job here, Santa Monica-based C Magazine gave me access to all things Cali, as well as insight to how things (and people) work here in Los Angeles. Professionally, I feel pretty blessed to have had that exposure, it really gave me that confidence that one needs working in such a competitive industry. Being Canadian definitely sets me apart (it’s true what they say, we really are that nice). Fortunately, the virtual nature of my job allows me to stay connected to my roots by working with clients back home, while also broadening my reach, taking on projects across the globe. My aesthetic is always consistent and over time has definitely taken on its own identity. I love clean lines and anything pretty, I’m talking Pinterest pretty. That being said, I think being a good designer means taking on clients that don’t necessarily share that same aesthetic and coming up with something they will be happy with, while still maintaining creative integrity. I love a challenge!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Because we get a lot (and I mean, a lot) of visitors throughout the year, we pretty much have the routine down. We tend to stay in the South Bay, since we have two young kids and pretty much everything we need in our little bubble. A typical itinerary would look something like this:

Day 1 – First and foremost, we take everyone to the beach. Walking our dog, Ollie on the strand is part of our daily routine and is definitely our happy place, after all, that’s why we live here! After our walk, we would go to Izaka-Ya by Katsu-Ya for their lunch special (I seriously could eat their baked crab hand rolls everyday). Back to the house to chill and have some wine before dinner, then head back out to MB Post for some cocktails, cheddar bacon biscuits, and shared plates.

Day 2 – Spend the day at the pool + spa at Terranea, nothing like hearing the waves crash while you get a massage. Drinks and live music afterwards at Nelsons, and if you’re lucky, some whale watching (don’t forget to ring the bell!)

Day 3 – Beach Day! Ride our bikes to the beach and pick up Sauce Sandwiches from Mickey’s Deli (a South Bay institution). On the way home, stop at the fish market to get some fresh seafood for dinner.

Day 4 – Pick up a flat white and chocolate croissant at Two Guns, then head to The Getty – always a crowd pleaser, from the tram, to the garden, to the epic views, it never disappoints. Finish the day off with a nice steak dinner at The Arthur J (their yorkshire pudding is my jam).

Day 5 – Breakfast at one of our local spots (Good Stuff, Martha’s or Uncle Bill’s). A little shopping in downtown Manhattan Beach (I can never resist Gumtree or Waterleaf Interiors). Lunch at Petros in the square, and a chocolate mint smoothie from SunLife Organics. Go home and take a nap! Order in dinner from W’s China Bistro.

Day 6/7 – Weekend getaway to Los Olivos / Solvang / Ojai for a little wine tasting and some much-needed down time!

Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?
Definitely have to give a shoutout to my husband, Justin. He is the ultimate rock, my daily dose of calm and my biggest fan. Thanks to him, I was able to pursue my dreams and open The Paper Bakery. I have to give credit where credit is deserved, and that would be to my friends and family, your encouragement means the world. Besides, if your friends won’t take a chance on you, then who will?!

Website: https://www.thepaperbakery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_paper_bakery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaperbakery/

Image Credits
The June Motel / Lauren Miller Certified Kitchen + Bakery Jes Workman