Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Gross.
Jacqueline, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I worked full time for over 25 years in healthcare as a Respiratory Therapist, educator and a marketer. In 2007 as a way to bring in extra income I started my first business, And the Beat Goes On CPR. I taught CPR to other healthcare professionals, daycare workers, schools and church groups. During one of our annual Black Friday shopping sprees, my sisters and I decided to buy a Cricut. What started as a fun way to make my own t-shirts turned into a second business-JSquaredCollection.
When my now 20-year-old son graduated from high school and moved to LA I cried… for a HOT minute, but then realized I was given an amazing opportunity to live life for me! I grew up believing to be successful, you had to follow the rules of life: go to college, get a great job, contribute to a 401K… blah, blah, blah. Yeah, I did that for years until one day I woke up and said I’m not doing this anymore. I could die tomorrow and would have lived a life of “playing it safe” because I was supposed to. So in December of 2018, I decided to switch it up and manage both of my businesses full time and work for someone else when I wanted to. Best freaking decision ever!! The last two years have been amazing and I haven’t looked back!
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?
That would be a big, fat NO! I quickly discovered that not only am I the creator, I’m HR, materials management, accounting, the employee assistance program and the list goes on and on lol. Oh and let’s not forget COVID!! A total shutdown really affects a business that’s primarily based on in person classes. I had to quickly switch gears and figure out how to add DIY-to-Go Kits so that our customers could get the workshop experience at home.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?JSquaredCollection offers J2+Co Print – a design your own tee experience that allows you the opportunity to tell the world YOURstory through old photos. Who doesn’t love the feeling of nostalgia going through old photo albums brings us? Well, don’t let it end there. Put a little past in your present and rock your memories on a vintage-inspired tee! You can choose to dress it up with a blazer or distressed denim jacket, throw on a pair of heels or cute chucks and you’ve created your own fashion statement! Don’t have an old pic? No worries. We also offer a selection of vintage-inspired designs to choose from. You can also add a custom accessory. Our print services include Direct to Garment or DTG, Sublimation, Screen Print and Embroidery. J2+Co Home-Shabby Chic home decor-perfect gift for realtor closings, weddings or housewarming. J2+Co DIY-DIY in person workshops and DIY-To-Go Kits- great for GNO, couples date night, kids b-day parties and marketing events.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be patient and trust the process!
Contact Info:
- Email: jacque@jsquaredcollection.com
- Website: www.jsquaredcollection.com
- Instagram: @jsquaredcollection
- Facebook: jsquaredcollection
- Other: jsquaredcollection.etsy.com
