If you’re in the screen printing or crafting world, you’re in for a treat with our latest podcast episode. I had the privilege of sitting down with Jennifer Sanderson, the creative force behind Pigskins and Pigtails, to discuss her incredible journey from crafting to building a successful screen printing business. Jennifer is a true inspiration, and her story is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to turn their passion into a thriving business.
The Origin of Pigskins and Pigtails
Jennifer’s story began in 2010 when she started a blog as a creative outlet. The name “Pigskins and Pigtails” comes from her life as a Texas football coach’s wife, where Friday Night Lights was a big deal. The “pigskins” represent the footballs, and the “pigtails” were her daughters, who she would dress up in custom shirts for the games. What started as a simple blog to share her crafting ideas quickly grew into something much bigger. Jennifer’s passion for creating led her to explore screen printing, and that’s where things really took off.
From Vinyl Cutting to Screen Printing
Like many others, Jennifer started with vinyl cutting to create custom t-shirts. However, she never loved the feel of vinyl and knew there had to be a better way. That’s when she stumbled upon screen printing. With no prior experience, she grabbed a screen from a craft store and gave it a try, using her vinyl cutter to create the stencil. The process worked, and when she shared her method on YouTube, the response was overwhelming. That one video opened the door to a new path—teaching others how to screen print.
Teaching the Crafting and Screen Printing Community
Jennifer’s journey didn’t stop at mastering screen printing. She turned her newfound skills into a platform to teach others. Her YouTube videos and social media posts are filled with practical tips, tutorials, and creative ideas that make screen printing accessible to everyone, even those with limited space or resources. What sets Jennifer apart is her ability to simplify the process, making it less intimidating for beginners.
One of the most exciting parts of our conversation was hearing about her collaboration with Ryonet to create a unique, lightweight screen printing press. This press is perfect for those who want to start screen printing at home without needing a large, permanent setup. It’s portable, easy to use, and versatile enough to handle multi-color designs. Jennifer’s press is a game-changer for the craft and screen printing community, offering a solution that fits into any space.
Building a Business from Your Passion
Throughout our conversation, Jennifer emphasized the importance of finding your audience before creating products. Whether you’re into crafting or screen printing, it’s essential to connect with a community that resonates with your work. Once you’ve found your people, you can tailor your offerings to meet their needs, ensuring that your business is built on a solid foundation.
Jennifer’s approach to business is both practical and inspiring. She advises crafters and screen printers alike to keep things simple, focus on what brings you joy, and listen to your customers. Her journey from crafting in her home to becoming a respected figure in the screen printing industry is proof that with passion, creativity, and a willingness to try new things, you can build something truly special.
Get Inspired and Start Your Own Journey
If you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to listen to the full interview with Jennifer Sanderson. Her story is not just about screen printing; it’s about the power of creativity, perseverance, and community. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, Jennifer’s insights are sure to inspire you.
Listen to the Full Episode at https://podcast.startupscreenprinting.com/ or watch at https://youtu.be/qn9n3sPqVdE
Follow Jennifer:
Instagram: @pigskinsandpigtails
TikTok: @pigskinsandpigtails
YouTube: Pigskins and Pigtails
Remember, the first step is just to try. Whether you’re crafting, screen printing, or starting a business, there’s no better time than now to dive in and see where your creativity can take you.
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