Hi, I'm Jessica

Working with polymer clay has brought so much to my life. It has helped to support me and my little family during a very unstable time, it has helped keep me grounded during the tidal wave of awful that is 2020, and it has given me a space to connect with others through my art! 

As an actress work can be...inconsistent at times, and that's without the global pandemic bit. When COVID-19 hit, I had a lot of fear as to how we would make it through this time. I had worked with polymer clay a lot over the years and even dabbled in making earrings for fun but had never considered building it into a business. I took some time to experiment and find my style and at the beginning of March 2020 it seemed like the perfect time to launch Jess a Little Shop.

I thought, at the very least it will be the therapeutic and creative outlet I need to survive this. And after quarantining in a one-bedroom apartment with my husband and brand new puppy during some of the coldest months Chicago had to offer, I didn't know just how badly I would need it! 

I've always been hesitant to call myself an artist and I would get so self-conscious about not having gone to school for art. I felt I needed that type of credibility to really be able to say, "Yes, I'm an actress" or "Yes, I'm an artist". In my heart of hearts I would think of myself as an artist but never out loud to anyone for fear of being called a fraud. Two important lessons I learned this year are that:

1) You don't need a degree or anyone else for that matter to validate your calling.

2) You are allowed to be unapologetic in your identity. No one else gets to tell you who you are, what you could be, or how much you can achieve. That's all you baby!

So, hi! My name is Jessica.  I am an actress and an artist. I make polymer clay statement earrings for every kind of queen. You know who you are! I live in Chicago with my husband, Ryan, and our puppy, Moira, and I'm so glad you found your way to my shop. I hope my art can make you feel as good about being unapologetically YOU as it has for me.

xo,

Jess