Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jazmin Rittenhouse. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jazmin, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’ve always been a creative soul, one of those people who could dream up a masterpiece with just a pen and a piece of paper. But for years, I felt like my creativity was misunderstood, like it was always a little too much or ahead of its time. I poured my heart into sharing my art on social media, but just like the classic story of a “starving artist,” the engagement was painfully minimal. I’d get a few likes here and there, but nothing that felt like true momentum.
Then last year, life threw me a curveball…I was laid off from my job. It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I was spiraling, trying to do everything, and yet feeling like I was accomplishing nothing. One particularly rough day, as I sat crying and staring at my computer, I felt like I had officially hit rock bottom. That’s when something clicked.
I went back over my social media content and had an epiphany: My page was all over the place. It was a mishmash of ideas, and honestly, even I wouldn’t have followed myself! I knew I needed to get serious about defining my passions. So, I asked myself three pivotal questions:
What kind of content makes me stop and binge-watch when I scroll?
Which creators inspire me the most?
What’s something I’m constantly doing that could be relatable to others?
As I sat with these questions, the answer became crystal clear: stationery, office supplies, and tech. I’ve always been obsessed with them, whether it’s finding the perfect pen, experimenting with desk setups, or geeking out over gadgets that boost productivity. I decided to focus my energy on sharing this obsession.
By March of this year, everything changed. I posted a video where I put Sharpie Creative Markers to the test, and BOOM—that was the moment my audience found me. That video took off, and suddenly, I became “Jaz, your Stationery and Tech Bestfriend.” It was a full-circle moment, one that proved there’s wonder and beauty in being authentically yourself.
Now, I get to inspire others, show off tools that spark creativity, and connect with people who share my passion. What started as a rock-bottom moment turned into the foundation of my purpose, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
A big part of my journey is also about self-acceptance. I was burned in a house fire at six months old and have scars over much of my head. For years, I felt self-conscious around people, worrying about how others saw me. But when I turned 30, something changed. I decided life is too short to worry about what others think. Now, I wear my story with pride—like the song “100 Bad Days” by AJR says, “100 bad days made 100 good stories.” Today, I embrace my scars and my journey, knowing that every part of it has made me who I am and helped me connect with others in a truly meaningful way.
Right now, I’m a full-time content creator and influencer with a passion for stationery, tech, and productivity. I get to share my love for these things with an amazing audience of like-minded people who understand the thrill of a new notebook or the excitement of finding the perfect desk setup. What I love most about what I do is that it allows me to connect with others who are just as obsessed as I am! And when I say obsessed, I mean it! I’m a planner and marker hoarder, so if there’s a beautiful planner, I don’t care what month it is…I’m going to get it!
My typical day always starts with some time to reset. First thing in the morning, I spend over an hour playing Mario Kart, it gets me in the perfect headspace for creativity. You know, “destress before stress!” And I have to open every blind in the house; if there’s no daylight, there’s no creativity for me. That sense of fun and spontaneity keeps me going throughout the day, and I love finding ways to make even the busiest days enjoyable. My go-to productivity app right now is Trello, and I have a HUGE sticky note wall for daily to-do lists. I brain-dump everything onto sticky notes, then organize them by color and priority to keep my mind from getting bored and ensure I’m always making progress.
One thing that surprises people is how much I collect things that stand out. If it doesn’t have that “where did you get that?” factor, I don’t want it! Keychains, stickers, essential oils, notebooks, and even staplers—if it’s unique, I’m likely adding it to my collection. And as much as I’m into stationery, I have a huge obsession with lifted trucks, cars, and planes; there’s just something so fascinating about them.
But the real heart of my brand is my connection with my audience. No matter where they’re from, we’re all united by our love for office supplies and tech. I make it a priority to respond to almost every comment and message. My audience doesn’t just look to me for inspiration—they inspire me to show up every day. They know they can shoot me a DM anytime, and I’ll be there to connect.
Looking ahead, my dream is to design my own line of planners and sticker packs and to create organizers that don’t just blend in but actually make a statement for collectors like myself. I want to bring beautiful, functional designs to life that help people get organized in style. Think shelves and trays that are functional and aesthetically pleasing, something more special than your average office supplies.
This winter I am expanding my personal brand and launching my very own line of apparel, wall art, stickers, and digital products for stationery enthusiest like myself. This will be an exciting moment and I’m ready to jump out there and take it on full swing at RittenhouseArt.com
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Creativity, Persistence, and Adaptability
I’ve always been naturally creative, which helps me think of new ideas and innovative ways to connect with my audience. But creativity alone isn’t enough—it’s paired with persistence and adaptability. For example, when a post doesn’t perform as expected, I don’t let it discourage me. Instead, I analyze what went wrong, shift my focus, and try again. Creativity fuels the ideas, persistence keeps me moving forward, and adaptability ensures I stay current with trends and meet my audience’s evolving interests.
2. Mastering Storytelling and Technical Skills
One of the most crucial skills I’ve learned is the art of storytelling. I didn’t fully grasp its power until I analyzed how TV shows captivate and retain viewers. In my content, I apply the same principles. Whether it’s an unboxing video or a product review, I focus on details like the packaging’s beauty, the notebook’s texture, or a pen’s satisfying click. It’s about highlighting the shiny moments—just like a commercial does.
Another key skill is editing. If you want to succeed as a creator, you have to master editing. It’s what transforms a good video into something unforgettable. Adding slow-motion shots, close-ups, or different angles can romanticize even the most mundane tasks, making them relatable and captivating for your audience.
3. Staying True to Your Passion
Knowing your passion is non-negotiable. My love for stationery and tech isn’t just a niche—it’s a core part of who I am. This authenticity comes across in my content and has helped me attract a genuine audience. When you create from a place of passion, your enthusiasm becomes contagious, and people want to be part of your journey.
Advice for Beginners
-Don’t Give Up: It only takes one post to change everything. Growth takes time, and that’s okay! Instead of focusing on speed, focus on building a solid, engaged community.
-Stay Persistent: Keep posting, and don’t be afraid to pivot when something isn’t working. Growth means embracing change and learning along the way.
-Invest in Quality: Camera quality matters! Your content should visually reflect the care you put into it. Research your target market so you truly understand your audience. Once you do, you’ll know how to serve them best.
-Be Your Own Cheerleader: We’re often our worst critics, but it’s essential to step out of your own way and trust the process. Remember: tough times don’t last, but the lessons you gain do. (As my favorite song says, “100 bad days make 100 good stories!”)
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I focus on grounding myself and breaking things down into smaller steps. The first thing I always do is pause and take a step back. Sometimes, I’ll start my day with a round of Mario Kart or do a little retail therapy—it sounds silly, but it helps me reset my mind and shift into a more positive, creative headspace. I also have a habit of opening all the blinds or curtains in my home because natural light is essential for my creativity. If there’s no daylight, I feel stuck.
Once I’ve cleared my mind, I organize my thoughts using sticky notes. I do a “brain dump” where I write everything that’s overwhelming me onto separate notes. Then, I categorize them by urgency—what needs to be done now versus what can wait. Color-coding these tasks keeps things fun and visually appealing, which makes it easier to tackle them.
Another strategy I swear by is using productivity tools like Trello and timers. Trello helps me map out projects in a way that’s interactive and visual, and timers keep me on track without getting too lost in one task.
But the biggest thing I’ve learned? You have to give yourself grace. It’s okay to take a break and step away when you need to. Overworking yourself isn’t productive—it’s counterproductive. Find little ways to make work fun again, and always remind yourself why you started in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rittenhouseart.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rittenhouseart
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rittenhouseart
- Other: https://Tiktok.com/@rittenhouseart
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