Conversations with Jennifer Eckert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Eckert.

Hi Jennifer, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My interest in creativity started when I was young and would visit my grandma (Mama) in Sabetha, Kansas. My thoughtful Mama was always working on a homemade project. Everything she did was made with love – from her sewing projects to her garden table meal. I went to the University of Kansas and became a Speech-Language Pathologist. I have always appreciated the many ways you can help people communicate and express their intentions. By making custom pieces and using style – the piece takes on a form of expression. Custom pieces can express a favorite team, player, mantra, initials, hobbies, or favorite place. There are endless possibilities for communication and expression.

I imitate my Mama by using everyday pieces and turning them into intentional pieces made with love. I have always enjoyed thinking of creative ways to make people feel good. I started Creative Spark as an outlet where I could share creative ideas.

My next step with Creative Spark was to post custom pieces I made for friends and family. I enjoyed the process of creating and gifting one-of-a-kind pieces. The first piece I stitched was a velvet cosmetic bag with a unique word I gave to family and friends. Then, I started painting jeans, hand-stitching my kid’s initials on sweatshirts, and adding flair to Converse shoes through hand-stitching. It made me feel good wearing something that was one of a kind and personal.

Others might also be interested in wearing something with a special custom spark. I contacted friends about my ideas, and they gave me the courage to begin. Getting started is always the most challenging part. My friends and family offered much encouragement and support – which helped build my confidence.

I launched the custom pieces on the Creative Spark Instagram page in the fall of 2022. It has been fun to read clients’ ideas through the social media platform and help bring them to life. The process of making these distinctive pieces is my favorite part. When clients wear or gift a one-of-a-kind piece, they feel the joy and connection of what the piece represents and communicates.

I also have three children who always watch me create Creative Sparks. They offer suggestions and encouragement but also see how I handle frustration when something does not work out. I hope they see that I do not give up when the creation fails. I think about it, adjust, and, most importantly, Try Again!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Fortunately, I have had supportive family and friends who cheered me on with all my sparks. The creations are all done by hand and take time. It has been a learning experience to find the right price point balance. It is fun to think of the new season ahead and new personalized pieces. My friends have all been wonderful as I share ideas, and they always inspire products. It sometimes takes a little spark to create a new custom idea.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
The process of making each piece is my favorite part. I enjoy working with clients and discovering what is important to them and what they want to express. Each piece I have made has been meaningful. I used Instagram and word of mouth to get my business started. I kicked off the start of the year with hand-stitching mantras and intentions on sweatshirts. This past winter, I had a lot of custom orders for Chiefs sweatshirts due to their incredible and fun Superbowl win! I have enjoyed making pieces for youth sports teams that include the club name, players’ number, or last name. My favorite piece to date is custom Converse shoes gifted and used during a charity walk. With summer approaching, I have been working on custom hats for clients to wear poolside, on vacation, or around town. I love when people share pictures of the pieces worn in the community.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
Putting yourself out there and being authentic every day is a personal risk. My first business risk was just getting started, to begin! I shared my insecurities with close friends and family, and they provided clarity and encouragement to try. They also checked in and followed up to ensure I followed through. Surrounding myself with people who offer encouragement and support has helped my personal growth.

Regarding my creative risk, I like to consider the Michael Jordan quote below. It reminds me of the many projects that I have created and the power of not giving up. I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. ` Michael Jordan

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @creativesparkkc

Image Credits
Jillian Bode @jillianbrookeb