Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Comerford.
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Dana Point, CA. I was extremely involved in programs offered at the Dana Point Harbor including Westwind Sailing and Mariners 936 program. My entire life had been surrounded by activities in and around the ocean from Catalina trips to teaching sailing and junior life guarding. During this time I was aLeo very artistic. I often painted, drew, and did random projects to curb my artist side. After high school I attended California Maritime Academy and continued on to work in the Maritime industry on Tug Boats. This had been a no brainer decision for me because so much of my life already revolved around the sea. During my five years working on tugs, there was a large part of me that was always thinking about what I could do with my attention to detail and artistic side that the maritime industry didn’t satiate. In the summer of 2024 I taught myself how to make jewelry. This started as a hobby to create pieces for friends and family with shells I had collected throughout trips to Catalina, Mexico, and around north county beaches. That summer, I got my scuba diving certification, something I had dreamed of getting for years. All of this sparked the idea that maybe I could do this full time and bring my love for the ocean to others. In January 2025, I decided to pull the trigger on my sailing job and pursue my passion for jewelry full time. Since January, I have participated in the Fallbrook Avocado Festival, Whale Festival in Dana Point, Makers + Merchants Markets at the Rising Co, and been a consistent vendor in the Oceanside Farmers Market! I have always been self motivated and driven but owning your own small business pushes you to be the absolute best and positive you can possibly be. I have been so throughly blessed by how much love and support I have received by this community. It warms my heart to see so many people wearing pieces I have made and found all over the place. I am constantly inspired by the ocean and love being able to create and bring shells to life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. I have been humbled by how much work it takes to go to markets on your own and put yourself out there. Sometimes my need to be a perfectionist is thrown out because every little minute detail just can’t be perfect sometimes and that is OKAY.
Right before the Fallbrook Avocado Festival, I sprained my ankle pretty bad at a farmers market loading my car. I was devasted especially with such a huge market in three days. Thankfully my mom and mother in law were able to help me with the Avocado Festival. Without the support of my friends, family, and husband, I would not be where I am today.
While there have been some injuries, some adjustments to product and sourcing, marketing, and overall workload of running your own small business, nothing in my life has been as rewarding as seeing someone around Southern California wearing a piece I made. It genuinely makes my day and reminds me why I took the leap to start this business in the first place.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In simple terms, I make ocean inspired jewelry. In reality there is much more to it. First, I go out in search of shells, abalone shells, and sea glass. I then clean the shells/glass and drill them as necessary. My favorite part is the design process where the decision of what these pieces become happens. Should it be earrings, a bracelet, necklace, or anklet? Each shell and piece of sea glass is unique in its own way and I do my best to showcase that specific piece rather than make a lot of the same pieces. I also incorporate a lot of freshwater pearls into my designs. These can range from small little coin shapes to the larger pearl crosses. I’d say my most popular pieces I’m known for are cowrie shell earrings and the large pearl cross necklaces. I’m most proud of being self taught in wire wrapping and soldering and knowing my pieces are high quality and will last in an active lifestyle both in and out of the water.
What sets me apart from others is that I am not only the artist but also the face you see at the markets. If something needs to be adjusted or you want something specific, I can make it on the spot. The customer sees their piece come to life right then and there. Everything I sell, I made. And every shell has a story of when and where I found it.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I do not consider myself a huge risk taker unless you think sky diving is a risk.
Up until January I wouldn’t say I had ever taken a huge risk. Quitting my sailing job and starting this small jewelry business is the biggest risk I’ve ever taken.
I think a lot of people dwell on the “What If” of risks. What if I don’t succeed? What if I don’t sell anything? What if it’s a complete flop? Every successful business owner has taken risks, has failed, and giving up is not an option. If they had given up, they wouldn’t be where they are now. It’s really hard some days but believing in yourself and having a support system is imperative to keep you going.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @made.byjess
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575648381396
