Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ankiel.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
So right before the pandemic started I had gotten into making epoxy tumblers. I really enjoyed being able to bring my customer’s visions to life and create the perfect cup for them. For the first few months I kind of jokingly would say things like “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could vend at Megacon with these someday?”.
At the time I was doing a few farmers markets and first Friday events. I ended up adding some t-shirts to my offerings. But I wasn’t happy. Fast forward a few months and I found a screen print supplier that carried fandom designs I loved. And I knew I had to shift gears. 2022 when conventions started coming back I knew that’s where I wanted to be.
Since then I’ve been fortunate to be a vendor, not only at local shows (Megacon twice now!) but I’ve done several out-of-state shows as well. Including Transworld, a massive horror industry trade show in St. Louis.
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?
I wish. Conventions can be expensive. I find most of the guests have no idea how much we all pay just to be there. With booths themselves ranging from $400-$1200 not to mention travel costs. It’s a constant state of trying to make enough at one show to pay for the next one.
It’s impossible to know how a show will do. Shows that did really well last year haven’t done as well this year. Deciding on new shows to add in wondering if it’s going to be profitable or if you’ll even make your table back.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I make t-shirts, tumblers, doormats, and blankets. For a little over a year now I’ve been pressing shirts on site at shows. I’m able to bring a few hundred different designs from some really amazing independent artists. I really try to bring designs you won’t find in a ton of places. Spotting my customers wearing shirts they’ve purchased at other shows. Nothing like being able to go “Hey I know that shirt!”.
Also being able to support other small businesses while doing what I love. When you buy a shirt from me you’re also helping support my screen printer who is a 1 woman show, as well as the artists she is able to license art from. Quality. I care about the product I put out. A lot of research has gone into everything I carry.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Spending time with friends and family at our theme parks.
Pricing:
- Tshirts $25
- Flannel shirts with design $40
- Tumblers $25
- All over blankets $65
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.kizmet-creative.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kizmetcreative
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kizmet_creative
