Meet Jen Simpson | Art Director and co-owner of Jen Simpson Design

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

Hi Jen, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always had a passion to create ever since I was little, it has always been a part of my life. I got into drawing and painting when I was in grade school and kept it going with a BFA in Graphic Design in college. Creating is a need for me, I feel it in me and just have to get it out through some sort of creation wether it is drawing, designing or making a new product. I followed that passion and let it lead me to where I am today: fully immersed in building a creative business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I try to emulate a romantic, old world and minimal style within our designs. Our wedding stationery emulates a ethereal charm that I just can’t get enough of. I compliment our designs with handmade paper, wax seals and torn edge ribbon, each of those are a craft in themselves and are handmade which gives each piece an individual feel. We have branched out into journals and personal stationery and my goal is to bring that ethereal charm into the personal stationery world. I am very proud of our journal line in that it is aesthetically pleasing but also has a much deeper goal of spreading awareness of mental health and innate wellbeing to others. I personally have gone through some mental health hurtles and I want to help others through our journals that might be in a similar moment in time.

This whole journey of creating and owning a business has not been easy. The rollercoaster of highs and lows that you go through owning a business is crazy. It is so easy to get caught up in how the business is doing: did I get this job, did I not, running into roadblocks, etc. It can easily take over and affect your mood and life experience and whether you are having a good or bad day. I have been working on creating space, so I am not so emotionally attached to the business.

One big thing I have come to embrace: Your business is a journey; enjoy the process. No matter how long you have been in business, there is never an “end” or an “I will make it when this happens” solution. It is a continuous experience, and there is always a new exciting thing about to happen or a hurdle to get past.

Jen Simpson Design is built through the love of our craft and the joy to create and inspire others. We hope that our clients feel that through our product and that is gives them a little bit of light and happiness on their journey through life.

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.
I would take them on a tour of the beaches. We are in San Clemente and and we love all of the beaches here and in Dana Point and Laguna Beach. They all have such a different vibe and look. I would start at Mariposa in San Clemente as that is our staple beach, then State Beach and North Beach, head up to Dana Point, stop at Doheney to see the surfers and the tide pools and then go up to Laguna and enjoy the dramatic cliffs. We would shop and eat on Del Mar street in San Clemente, go to the harbor in Dana Point and browse the shops and stop for a drink in Laguna.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Luke, who is the other half of the business has encouraged me and the growth of the business from the beginning. He has been there every step of the way. When I would tell him an idea, he would say: let’s figure out how to bring it to life. He does all of the production work for Jen Simpson Design.

Website: jensimpsondesign.com

Instagram: jensimpsondesign

Facebook: jensimpsondesign

Image Credits
Ashley Bee Photography