Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Jelovsek
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started back in the summer of 2016. At the time, I was living in Johnson City, TN, and the mobile game, Pokémon GO, had just been released. It was a very popular game because it encouraged folks to come together, battle gyms, catch Pokémon, and play together in raids to catch rare Pokémon. East Tennessee State University (ETSU) was a popular meeting area to play. I remember driving to campus at night and at least 100 people were walking around campus to catch Pokémon.
After spending a few nights walking around, I would get pretty thirsty. However, instead of bringing a regular water bottle, I customized one representing the in-game team I joined. I posted about it on my personal Facebook, and people started asking me how they could purchase one! So, I bought some water bottles in bulk and started making bottles for each team. I’d meet up with customers on campus and have extras for anyone who wanted to purchase one.
A couple of months passed and the holidays were approaching. In college, I worked at Hallmark and collected their pop-culture ornaments. However, they can be pretty expensive. I decided to save money and tried crafting ornaments in my style. Once again, I posted my crafts on Facebook. Before I knew it, several folks were ordering my ornaments and requesting customs. This gave me the confidence to open my own Etsy shop, which quickly gained traction. This was how my first shop, Geek the Halls, was born!
In my personal life, I loved to attend fan conventions. People dress up at these conventions, attend panels, and buy from small shops/artists. After the success of my ornaments, I decided to apply to be a seller at a convention held in December. For the first time, I was offered space and sold in a weekend-long booth setting (also known as Artist Alley). I fell in love with the Artist Alley lifestyle. I wanted to continue this path because I loved interacting with customers and befriending fellow artists. I still sell in Artist Alley’s to this day.
Unfortunately, during the 2020 pandemic, my shop was essentially at a halt which made me realize that I needed to re-evaluate the vision for the business. I decided I didn’t want to be seasonal, so I spent this time working on a rebrand. I bought an iPad, purchased Procreate, and started practicing drawing. I began thinking about hobbies I enjoy and how to incorporate them into my new shop.
One of my favorite hobbies is collecting enamel pins. Because of this, I decided to make my own designs. I did extensive research on how to get them made, how to find manufacturers, how much production would cost, etc. I had a few pin designs made and decided it was time to announce my re-brand. In January 2022, Gally Cat Studio was born. This re-brand gave me the freedom to design things that weren’t holiday-related. Fast forward to the present day. My shop has grown in ways I never could have imagined. Along with pin designing, Gally Cat Studio has branched into apparel, stationery, car stickers, jewelry, and accessories! All of which can be found on my platform – GallyCatStudio.com
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My small business journey has evolved quite a bit over the years. Every mistake I’ve made has turned into a valuable learning experience. There have been times when I underestimated production costs, overestimated the amount of needed inventory, and undervalued the worth of my designs. It’s a challenge finding that “sweet spot,” without compromising your worth as an artist.
I’ve also struggled with Imposter Syndrome. It’s easy to fall into insecurities and notice the smallest flawed details in your work. (Others may not see it, but you certainly do!) For me, the greatest thief of joy was comparing myself to others without recognizing my own accomplishments. It’s still a struggle for me at times, but it has gotten easier.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in designing enamel pins. However, I have other merchandise such as Keychains, car stickers, reusable sticker books, and tote bags.
I believe I’m most known for my pin series called “Raining Pride.” It’s a series that highlights LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Each design is an umbrella representing a Pride flag you most identify with and includes a cute crystal raindrop on the side. I’ve also branched out into making rainbow pins that include one’s preferred pronouns. The pronoun pins come in Asexual, Bisexual, Genderfluid, Non-Binary, Pansexual, generic Rainbow, and Transgender colors.
I’ve been working on a set called “Cryptid Cuties.” I love cryptid lore! I’m incredibly proud of the series so far because it’s my own take on cryptids like Bigfoot, Mothman, and the Loch Ness Monster.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There’s absolutely no way I could have continued doing what I do if it were not for my friends, loved ones, and followers. My spouse was the person who encouraged me to pursue art full-time. He’s seen me in my most successful events, and he’s been there for me when I’ve experienced self-doubt. He’ll also take time to set up at events with me, despite working long hours during the week. He’s my number-one cheerleader!
My best friend, Shannon, has also been a rock for me. Not only has she supported my business by purchasing products, but she’ll always let me know how proud she is of me. It’s always meant the world to me.
My followers on social media have been amazing, too. I have followers who have seen me grow since the very beginning. It’s a humbling feeling, and I’m so thankful for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gallycatstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gallycatstudio/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gallycatstudio
