Meet Jillian Price | Founder

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

Hi Jillian, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am a self-taught doodler, horrible dancer, and sharpie hoarder. I have always had a passion for illustration. I contribute this love to my late grandfather, Ken Hultgren. He was a well-known original 1930’s-1960’s Disney animator/illustrator. I grew up obsessing over his illustrations ranging from Bambi to Sleeping Beauty. His book, “The Art of Animal Drawing,” is notably one of the best tutorials of animal anatomy/caricatures and is my primary source of education for my sketches of animals. My artistic style has always been geared towards the whimsy. Born and raised in sunny Southern California made for many beach days, and that lifestyle was not going to change with the addition of children. However, the challenge was finding sun protection I could get my kids to wear. That’s when a lightbulb went on- I decided to merge my artwork with fashionable and affordable hats. It is a very rewarding experience growing the company. As a matter of fact, we just launched a new product line called, “Puppet Socks!”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I had a great run trying to be a “forever student,” by getting my BS in Landscape Architecture at UC Davis and later, my Masters in Architecture at the NewSchool of Architecture. For whatever reason, anytime I attempted to create a realistic rendering for an architectural project, it ended up looking like a scene from a Dreamworks movie. I dabbled in the field for several years, but concluded I was not wired to have a desk job. Ultimately, I struggled because I felt like I wasn’t tapping into my true creative talents in this profession. When, I was pregnant with my second child I was placed on a lengthy bed rest period. Most people would think of this as a burden, but I saw it as an opportunity. I spent every moment I could to creating the kids product line I had always dreamed of having. I am so fortunate to have had instant success and leave the corporate world to be a mom-boss.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would suggest a bite to eat before a long beach stroll in Carlsbad. My favorite breakfast place is called the Naked Cafe. They have a fabulous menu that caters to almost any dietary restriction. The Estate Sale Warehouse is a gem of store with hit or miss selection of second hand items. Often I leave empty handed, but the few things we have found there are amongst my favorite possessions. A phenomenal way to end the day, would be to share some appetizers and have a glass of wine at the Compass. It’s a delicious eatery tucked away in the heart of Carlsbad. The dishes are all locally sourced and support the community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It would be hard to dedicate my success to just one person, as I am so blessed to be surrounded by constant encouragement. I have my family to thank for enduring my endless requests for invaluable feedback. My friends are beyond supportive by advertising and purchasing our products. My customer base is so humbling. I have made so many extraordinary relationships with strangers- its amazing how a simple product and its story can create bonds.

Website: www.jpdoodles.com

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hellojpdoodles

Image Credits
Robin Carby