We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Osorio. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jessica with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I owe my work ethic to both of my parents. As a child, I watched my father work tirelessly to give my mother and i a good life. My mother, though she didn’t work outside the home, she was the heart of our family, always making sure I was cared for while my father dedicated himself to providing for us.
When my mother and I moved to America, leaving my father behind, everything changed. My father had always been my inspiration, but as I’ve grown older, it’s my mother who has become my guiding light. She worked so hard to build the life we have now, bringing us to this country in hopes of a better future. For over 19 years, she’s been working in housekeeping, putting everything she has into providing for me.
Her strength and sacrifice taught me the true meaning of hard work. I push myself every day, sometimes beyond my limits, because I want to be the kind of mother my daughters can look up to, the same way I look up to mine. My mother’s love and dedication are what drive me, and I hope to pass that legacy on to my own children.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello! I’m Jessica, the heart and soul behind Z Creations LLC. I’m 29, I’m a proud mom to two amazing daughters, Zoë and Zaylee, and a passionate creator. Crafting has always been a part of who I am; I’ve always been the one in the family with a creative spark.
My journey began in 2020, during COVID At that time, I was a stay-at-home mom with a dream of establishing my own business. My passion for crafting and cooking led me to launch two small ventures. Initially, I focused on selling Birria Tacos from home. I was running both businesses at the same time, however , it soon became clear to me that I wanted to dedicate myself fully on z creations.
It all started with a Cricut machine, a simple tool that became the foundation of my business. What began as a idea turned into a lifelong passion. Crafting my daughters’ cake toppers and event decorations, I realized God had given me a special gift for a reason. With Marc’s unwavering support, countless late nights, and a lot of learning, Z Creations LLC was born from that humble Cricut.
3 years later , Z Creations LLC is thriving, We take immense pride in crafting custom items that bring joy to our clients, including personalized acrylic signage for events and businesses, stationery, paper goods, and mirror rentals for all occasions.
The most fulfilling part of my work is seeing how everything comes together and witnessing the collective effort of vendors making someone’s special day perfect. My dream is to open a storefront in Philadelphia, becoming the go-to place for local event planners, brides corporates , and other businesses. I want to provide the services I once searched for but couldn’t find locally.
I also look forward to offering in-person courses, with the goal of fostering a supportive community. Reflecting on my own journey and the guidance I received, I deeply understand the challenges of starting a small business. I am committed to being a source of support and encouragement for others on this path, helping them to grow and succeed. With faith and perseverance, anything is possible. If you have a business idea that you can’t shake, consider it a sign of something greater in store for you. It’s easy to let doubts and excuses hold you back, but I want to reassure you that you have the capability to succeed. Remember, God has a plan for each of us, and with his guidance, you can achieve your dreams.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
These are the three things I would say have helped me in my journey:
I would say effective communication has been essential in building stronger relationships with my clients, collaborators, and the community itself . I prioritize transparency, whether discussing an order, a project, or personal matters.I believe in sharing my own struggles and imperfections. I strive to foster a personal connection with my clients and followers , offering encouragement and acknowledging that no one has it all figured out. By being open, I hope to resonate with others facing similar challenges, reinforcing the importance of honesty and support.
I Would say my resilience has been crucial in navigating the highs and lows of running a small business. It has helped me tackle unexpected challenges and persist through uncertain times. I focus on maintaining a positive mindset, viewing obstacles as learning opportunities. While challenges can be tough, I believe that God equips us to handle them and uses them to prepare us for future successes. Analyzing setbacks and learning from them helps me avoid burnout and stay focused on my goals. It’s important to remember that every business faces unique obstacles, and comparing oneself to others can be counterproductive. One of my favorite lines is ” often the seed of tomorrow’s success is hidden within today’s failure” Sometimes the setbacks and failures can be the starting points for future achievements and growth.
Building a strong community has been extremely valuable to me . When I started, I underestimated the importance of having a supportive network. Engaging with fellow small business owners offers encouragement, advice, and a sense of belonging, especially during challenging times. Community involvement also provides networking opportunities, leading to potential partnerships, collaborations, and referrals that can help expand your business. My advice is to genuinely connect with other small businesses, focusing on authentic relationships rather than just self-promotion. Supporting and fostering goodwill within the local business community creates a network of mutual support and growth.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My other half , Marc, has been an incredible source of motivation and support throughout this journey. He actually helped me choose my business name. When I decided to leave my full-time job to focus on our girls and pursue my dream of starting a business, Marc was the first person to stand by me, alongside my mother, of course. When he suggested the name “Z Creations,” it was meant to honor both of our girls and the heartfelt reason behind starting my business. The simplicity and personal touch of the name resonated deeply with me, and it was the perfect name.
Behind the scenes, Marc has been my steadfast supporter. While we occasionally have our disagreements, it’s reassuring to know that my partner is right there with me, navigating the ups and downs of running a business.
Marc consistently reminds me of my progress he is a daily reminder that giving up is not an option, and that while challenges may arise, they are opportunities for growth. His belief in me helps me overcome self-doubt and reinforces my creative abilities. One of the things he values most about me is my dedication and hard work.
From the start, Marc has been my rock, always believing in me and providing constant encouragement and motivation. He gently reminds me that we must trust in God’s plan and walk by faith, rather than relying solely on our own. His unwavering support and faith have been a guiding light through every step of this journey.
which reminds me of my favorite bible verse : 2 Corinthians 5:7 ” For we Live by FAITH not by sight”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zcreations.org
- Instagram: @z.creations___
- Facebook: Z.creations__
- Other: tik tok : z.creations__
Image Credits
@nelizphotography
@Naymphotography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
