Jill Stark, Jilizart Cards
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Name: Jill Snyder Stark
Hometown: Tiffin Ohio
Current Residence (City, State): Arlington Heights, IL
Education: BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design (Columbus OH)
Professional Background (brief, please): Worked at Novo Card Publishers INC in Lincolnwood (small greeting card company) after I moved from Ohio. I had a some working experience at a small ad agency in Columbus Ohio where I did commercials for Bath and Body Works, Victoria Secret, Value City, etc. Worked at Enesco as a Precious Moment giftware product designer — got laid off after two years. Then I worked as toy designer at Fibre Craft in Niles. Now I work as fulltime graphic designer at DesignPac in Melrose Park and run my business.
What you wanted to be when you grew up: Artist / a Children book Illustrator and writer
What you are: Designer
Brief Summary of your Start Up: Sold Christmas cards in 2005 and it took off pretty well. Had to look harder for good printing shop with low cost in order to make a profit. My husband helped out with our website as he is a web designer himself.
Company Website? www.jilizart.com
What inspired you? My interest in greeting cards
How long have you been in business? Since 2005
How did you fund it? My personal savings
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? My husband Michael who believes in me
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Limelight Virtual and Start Up Princess
Current Business Challenge? Printing costs do change within few months and marketing trends too…
What are you doing about it? Working it out with my printer if I can to keep the costs down. Show loyality and being a good customer helps
Favorite motivational quote: You only live once, LIVE IT! (by Jill)
Family? My husband Michael and 1 year old baby Jeffrey (my Energizer Bunny)
If so, how do you balance family and business? Weekends
Favorite book? The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
What do you do to relax? Go on a swing and swing high!
What do you want to change most about your world? I enjoy the world we all live in today. We are very fortunate.
What are you most proud of? My own family, and my career as fulltime artist.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Listen closely to what the customers want … is the key to success.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My paintbrush and of course my mouse!
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Pearls
Would you be interested in being a Fairy Godmother to another woman entrepreneur? (I am working on a secure system to do this, any ideas?)Â Yes
What business subjects would you feel comfortable mentoring in? Greeting cards business /Giftware industry
Would you be interested in going to lunch with other women entrepreneurs for a “networking tea party� Yes
If you are out of Utah County, would you be willing to be a facilitator of such an event? It would depend totally on the event theme. I was an art gallery coordinator for a statewide conference, yet helped exhibit DE’VIA at Daley Center in Chicago.
