Meet Rebecca Woolbright | Surface Pattern Designer & Owner of Rebecca Jane Woolbright

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Woolbright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When my son started kindergarten he told me he was, “nervcited.” This meant he was both nervous and excited. I view risk the same way. Sometimes, I think of an idea to aim for and realize it is not worth it, but then there are other ideas I just can’t shake. They make me nervous. They make excited. They won’t let go. Usually, these are the risks I go for. Most of the growth in my personal life and business happened after taking a risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I run a business called Rebecca Jane Woolbright. After taking a honeymoon in Japan, I came home incredibly inspired. I knew that I needed to try and put my artwork on something and see if I could sell it. I decided to manufacture washi tape. Now, looking back that was diving into the deep end. I didn’t know anything about manufacturing, let alone overseas. The terms, customs, shipping, all the things were so new to me. It was a huge learning curve! I believe the best way to learn new things is by doing them, so I kept swimming. Now, I have designed over 55 rolls of washi tape that I wholesale across the country along with tea towels, wrapping paper and other stationery items.

My dad worked for himself, so this was an example I had growing up. I knew this was possible. Making money in wholesale can be slow. Last year I took a hard look at my business and was questioning why I didn’t have all the accounts I wanted, why wasn’t I getting licensed… and the answer came back to me. I was waiting for all the businesses and contracts to find me. This year I decided to flip that thought and chase after all the things I want. I am not going to get what I want without solid effort. This year is a test and so far it is way better than sitting back and waiting.

Building a brand is fun. It is an extension of me. I love color. I love patterns. I love to create artwork that people can put in their hands and makes them smile. I am still growing in this business and I love all the twists and turns it can take. Little changes in a business really do add up!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh man, I live in the magical Columbia River Gorge. I am stunned by the beauty here everyday. Everyday. We would definitely go paddle on the river. We would check out the local wineries and breweries. We would hike. We could explore the eastern part of the gorge, I love how it opens up out there. We can go cruise local stores in Hood River. Lastly, we bake some bread, watch the light change on the mountains, drink some wine on the back porch and watch for bunnies with my kids! I am obsessed that we have these new little guys visiting us!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my gosh, so many people. I have been really fortunate to have a very solid support group in my creative life. For me it will always go to people. My mom and husband really are my biggest cheerleaders. Ashley Paggi and Kelsey Weigl are incredibly supportive when I need feedback on life and art. Ryann Scrafford, Amita Nair and Joan Caroline McEwan have been invaluable as I grow my business. Ali Coit and Shirlee Fisher have been supporting me through a huge growth spurt. And Stacie Bloomfield! She is always there to inspire, support and encourage my ideas… and she has taught me a new way to look at my art! I also have an incredible network of people online. I am so thankful for their feedback. I definitely leaned into my online community in the past couple of years and it has been so rewarding.

Website: https://www.rebeccajanewoolbright.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca_jane_woolbright

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccajanewoolbright

Image Credits
Daron Jackson