Jessica Padillo Interview | Respect the Founder
This interview was curated by Abby Lee Rose
What is the name of your business?
JaysCreationsCompany/Lava Designs
Where are you from?
Brooklyn NY
What was your first business? How old were you?
Custom sneaker painting 15 years old
When did you know working for yourself was the way to go?
I knew working for myself was the right path when I realized I wanted full creative control and the ability to build something on my own terms. There was a moment when I saw the potential in my skills and ideas—more than just a paycheck, I wanted the freedom to create, experiment, and grow without limits. It wasn’t always easy, but that decision has been one of the most rewarding ones I’ve made.
Can you talk us through your career to date and how you found your way to where you are now?
As a kid, I was the one who always colored inside the lines. It wasn’t just about filling in the spaces—it was about precision, control, and making something look exactly the way I imagined it. I loved the feeling of completing a page, seeing the colors come together just right. But I never thought much beyond that. It was just something I enjoyed, something that came naturally.
Then one day, I picked up a pencil and started doodling. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t intentional—I was just letting my hand move across the page. That quick little sketch, something that seemed so insignificant at the time, was actually the spark of something bigger. I never would have imagined that moment would lead me to where I am today.
Before I was a business owner, I was an artist. I still am. My heart longs for constant creativity—not just as a job, but as a way of life. Art isn’t just something I do; it’s something I would do for free, without hesitation, simply because it fuels me. It challenges me. It pushes me to create, to refine, to bring ideas to life.
That love for art is what led me to print production, where I found my true passion. There’s something about taking an idea—whether it’s a design, a logo, or a concept—and turning it into something tangible, something real. Seeing ink pressed onto fabric, watching a vision come to life layer by layer—that’s where everything clicked for me.
What started as careful coloring within the lines turned into breaking every limit I thought existed. And now, every design I produce, every piece I create, is a reminder of how far that journey has taken me.
What inspired you to start your business?
What inspired me to start my company, believe it or not, was frustration—the lack of quality control when it came to my own clothing brand. I’ve always been extremely detail-oriented, with a clear vision of what I wanted, but no one I worked with could fully bring that vision to life. Every missed detail, every imperfect print, only fueled my determination.
Instead of settling, I took matters into my own hands. I invested in equipment, learned the craft, and started screen printing myself. What began as a solution to a problem quickly became a passion, leading me into multiple print media and expanding my creative possibilities.
At my core, I’m an artist first. My business isn’t just about production—it’s about precision, creativity, and bringing ideas to life exactly as they were imagined. What started as a need for control over my own brand turned into a business dedicated to giving others that same level of quality, care, and attention to detail.
What are some of the biggest challenges you see in your market?
The print business comes with its fair share of challenges. Some of the biggest ones include:
1. Quality Control & Consistency
Ensuring every print meets high standards can be tough, especially with different materials, inks, and printing methods. Small variations in pressure, temperature, or alignment can affect the final product.
2. Equipment & Maintenance
Printing equipment is expensive and requires regular maintenance. Downtime due to technical issues can slow production and hurt business.
3. Turnaround Time & Customer Expectations
Clients often expect fast turnaround times while also demanding high-quality results. Balancing speed and quality can be challenging, especially with custom orders.
4. Material & Ink Costs
Fluctuating costs of supplies like ink, screens, and substrates can impact pricing and profit margins. Finding reliable suppliers at competitive prices is crucial.
5. Competition & Pricing Pressure
With many print shops and online services offering cheap printing, it can be hard to compete while maintaining quality. Standing out requires a strong brand, excellent service, and niche offerings.
6. Scaling the Business
Growing from a small operation to a larger-scale business means hiring the right people, investing in automation, and managing higher production volumes without sacrificing quality.
Who was one of your biggest supporters early on?
From the very beginning of my journey, my wife has been one of my biggest supporters. She was there when I first picked up a pencil, the first person to see that initial sketch. While I saw just a simple doodle, she saw something more—potential, creativity, and a future I hadn’t even imagined yet.
She was the one who told me to keep going, to keep creating, and to believe in what I was capable of. Through every late night, every challenge, and every new step in this journey, she has been my constant source of encouragement. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to push forward, and without her, I don’t know if I would have ever turned my passion into what it is today.
What advice do you have for professionals looking to get started in your industry?
My advice to anyone looking to get started in this field is simple: learn as much as you can, be diverse, and pay attention to the details.
Printing isn’t just about putting ink on a surface—it’s about precision, technique, and understanding the craft inside and out. The fine details, from color accuracy to print placement, are what separate good work from great work. Those small things that others might overlook are exactly what will set you apart.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, invest in your skills, and stay open to different printing methods. The more you know, the more value you bring to your work and your clients. In this industry, mastering the details isn’t just a skill—it’s the key to success.
Can you recommend one good business book?
One great business book I’d recommend is “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber.
It breaks down why most small businesses fail and how to build a business that works for you instead of consuming you. It’s especially useful for creative entrepreneurs because it teaches how to balance your passion (the artist in you) with the systems and structure needed to grow a successful business. It’s a must-read if you want to scale without burning out.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream?
My advice to someone with a dream is simple: bet on yourself and take action.
Dreams don’t work unless you do. It’s easy to get caught up in doubt, waiting for the perfect moment, but the truth is—there is no perfect moment. Start where you are, with what you have, and learn as you go.
Stay committed, be patient, and embrace the challenges, because every setback is a lesson that will push you forward. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, but most importantly, believe in yourself. Your dream is possible, but only if you’re willing to put in the work to make it real.
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