Creative Playtime: An Interview With JESS OF THINGS BETWEEN

I first met Jess of Things Between many years ago while we were both working in the wedding industry. Our paths crossed again earlier this year, as Jess embarked on the exciting journey of starting her own business. Together we created a new visual identity, digital experience, and a collection of brand imagery for Things Between, which you can view here.

Jess, with her impeccable taste, boundless creativity, and joyful spirit, has truly emerged as a tastemaker within her community, and brings a touch of magic to everything she does. Today on the journal, we chat about her journey into both entrepreneurship and motherhood.

Shot on medium format & 35mm film– #contaxg1 #contax645

Hi Jess! How are you today? Tell us about yourself.

JESS:

Hi! In the grand scheme of things, I am doing pretty well. :) This year has been an absolute whirlwind trying to grow Things Between while juggling being a first time mom! Josie is turning one in a week so I’m definitely very reflective of that lately- I don’t know how we got here already! All in all, I’m just so grateful for everything I get to hold in my hands- figuratively and literally.

Aw definitely! I love the brand story behind Things Between, can you talk a bit about how you got started and your journey here?

JESS:

To be quite honest, Things Between started as a Finstagram where I wanted to express myself without the confines of social media pressure and just post whatever the heck I wanted to that inspired me. In the beginning, it was mostly reposts from Pinterest that I liked. Soon enough, it became posts of random moments of my day- a coffee date with a good friend, getting my nails done, or ice cream with my nephew.  

The name came from this idea that the “things between” (aka the little moments) is what really keeps us going and pushes us forward on a daily basis.

Naturally, what became of Things Between is the exact embodiment of the name. It was a space of mine where I could share all my little moments that helped get me through really hard days and remind me that there are always the things in between that keep me inspired and moving forward.

You mentioned before that you started your business during covid, how did that period of time change your outlook and how you approached this new venture ?

JESS:

Until this day, I am super grateful for how organically the manifestation of Things Between unfolded. Being a nurse during covid was absolutely scary and exhausting, but it was my job and I loved being able to serve my patients to the best of my capacity. Even still, I needed a creative outlet and Things Between was the perfect space for me! I had no idea or plans for it to become a small biz but here we are today. :)

“Clothing is a very physical thing but I love the idea that it can help us experience a lot of intangible yet meaningful memories in life.”

What area of this work is most inspiring, fulfilling, or interesting to you?

JESS:

The most fulfilling part of this work is being able to share the end product with people and connect with people on how our products made them feel. For me, I always felt like clothing was a form of expression that allowed me to share a part of myself that I couldn’t in other ways. I want the same for others. It could be about how a certain piece could make someone feel in that moment or about a kind of special memory that can be made in a certain outfit. Clothing is a very physical thing but I love the idea that it can help us experience a lot of intangible yet meaningful memories in life.

What do you think the role of creativity and beauty is in the world today? What do you hope to achieve through your work and through Things Between?

JESS:

I definitely believe that the role of creativity and beauty plays a huge part in helping people aim for an intangible space in their lives. We all live out our mundane, day-to-day tasks but creativity and beauty helps us dream beyond that. It inspires us, fuels us, and fills up a part of our lives that the everyday can’t do for us. As a total dreamer myself, I hope that Things Between can be something beyond just clothing and accessories but truly a space/idea that encourages individuals to realize their own “things between” that help them to move forward. 

from their Spring Launch – Happy Collection

“We all live out our mundane, day-to-day tasks – but creativity and beauty helps us dream beyond that.”

What do you love most about the design process and creating a new line?

JESS:

Bringing the intangibles to life! I have so many ideas in my head and the design process and creating a new line is the physical manifestation of a dream! I’m still in disbelief that I’m living out a dream through each piece and line that we design. I love the idea that someone can wake up one more morning and say “I’m going to put on my Things between Happy Crew today because it’s cozy and reminds me to be positive and happy.” This small piece can play a huge part in determining someone’s outlook and personal story and I’m happy I can play a role in that.

Let’s talk specifically about your most recent launches & collections. What was your inspiration behind these new launches? 

JESS:

Though we design into different seasons throughout the year, the main inspiration behind any new launch is about comfort, ease, and how our pieces can make someone feel. I try not to over complicate our styles and design pieces that will work for everyone. Though everyone has different walks in life, I hope that our designs can become staples in everyone’s closets with the same message about positivity and feeling good about themselves.

I’ve loved seeing you thrive and grow in motherhood over the past year– how has baby Josie changed you? How has motherhood brought new perspectives on your life, including daily routines & your everyday wear?

JESS:

This question alone has got me tearing up (in all the best, mushy, gushy ways!). I always knew that I wanted to become a mom but I never knew that it was going to FEEL THIS GOOD. Despite all the mom guilt that I’ve felt through this past year, Josie has been the best thing to ever happen to me. With that said, I don’t feel like motherhood has changed me but it has *enhanced* my life in many ways. She gives me a deep purpose to dream big and enjoy life with all of its offerings on a greater level. Everything that I experience, I hope she can grow up to also see it and feel it in her own personal way. Though everyday feels so chaotic and busy, she helps me to stop and slow down and spend intentional, quality time with her and David. As I strive to reach my dreams, I’m praying she sees my efforts and mimics that herself - to dream big and reach for the stars. :)

How has your cultural upbringing influenced who you are as a creative person?

JESS:

Though not specific to my culture per se, I am super grateful to my parents for always allowing me to do whatever I wanted to do. They were always super supportive about my crazy choices and always encouraged me to do my best and that’s all that mattered. In doing so, I feel that I was able to become confident in my choices and that in itself allowed me to take risks to get to where I am today. Because I felt supported by those around me, I felt it was easier to get messy and creative with my choices in life. Grateful for that.

What is your hope for Things Between as it evolves over the next few years?

JESS:

I truly hope that Things Between can make a positive impact to everyone that comes to know us. Whether it be through a single piece that we create or through our personal story we will never stop telling, I hope that people will think that Things Between is a happy place that they are always welcome to. Things Between is an ever-evolving journey and I truly hope that everyone feels invited to come along.

“Things Between is an ever-evolving journey and I truly hope that everyone feels invited to come along.”

What is something you have been learning about lately?

JESS:

Lately I’ve been learning how to let go and go with the flow. I typically like to have control over everything and plan things out but I am learning that there is a lot of beauty when things happen naturally and spontaneously. Just like how Things Between came to be. :)

Thanks so much Jess! Just for fun–

Music you to listen to while working:

I LOVE Korean Indie/Neo-Soul. I don’t even know 95% of what they are saying but I feel it in my soul and it’s just so good. Heh :)

FavoriteTHINGS TO EAT:

SNACKS. All kinds.

Do you have a coffee or morning routine? 

Love me a pour over!

Favorite items from the Things Between collections to wear at home?

Can I say everything? :-)

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See more of Jess & Things Between at her website or @thingsbetween_