Jessica Fritz
https://www.fromthedrawingboard.comTurned creative overwhelm into steady business growth
Learned to take action through small, manageable steps
Found structure and momentum through the GeekPack® + Verizon Cohort
“The cohort breaks things into manageable bites. The work behind that is still extensive, but it really helps set you up.”
Jessica Fritz, a colored pencil artist based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, transforms grief into beauty through her work - creating detailed pet portraits, often commissioned in memory of beloved companions.
“That’s a very special part of my business - being able to connect with people over the memory of their pets.”
What began as a creative hobby in 2021 became a business in 2023, when Jessica officially launched as a solopreneur.
Like many creative entrepreneurs, she found herself wearing every hat - creator, marketer, bookkeeper - and quickly realized how easy it was to get stuck in research mode without ever hitting “go.”
“I’m really good at researching everything… and then getting stuck in overwhelm.”
When she joined the GeekPack + Verizon Digital Ready Cohort, Jessica was looking for structure, support, and a way out of the cycle of over-preparing.
“The cohort really helped me reintroduce the concept of: okay, what’s your plan - and what are you actually going to take action on?”
Instead of trying to do everything at once, Jessica learned how to break things into small, doable steps.
The message she heard repeatedly - “Even 30 minutes a day makes a difference” - helped her shift from perfectionism to consistent progress.
“It sounds silly, but even just having permission to work in little spurts was really helpful.”
Before the cohort, Jessica already had a basic digital presence - Instagram, a mailing list, Facebook, and a website - but her strategy felt scattered.
The program helped her refine and realign without feeling pressured to overhaul everything at once.
She also found one of the most valuable elements of the experience in the community itself.
“There were so many people from different industries, and everyone was so kind and encouraging. I’ll miss the Facebook group for sure.”
The weekly structure, paired with guidance from cohort facilitator Glenna, helped her stay on track and accountable.
“Having a week-to-week plan was so valuable. The Verizon platform is great, but it’s hard to know where to start. The cohort gave it structure - and Glenna was amazing. She was always there, cheering us on.”
A self-described lifelong learner, Jessica realized that sometimes the best next step isn’t more content - it’s application.
She’s focused now on implementing what she’s learned, staying organized, and building at a sustainable pace.
“I’ve gotten more commissions this year than last, and I feel like I’m starting to pick up steam.”
She’s also found new artist-specific groups to stay connected, knowing how powerful the right community can be.
“Community is so important - just having someone to bounce ideas off of or ask questions. It makes a big difference.”
For anyone thinking about launching or growing a business, Jessica’s advice is simple:
“Just start. Even if it’s imperfect, it’s something that’s done. And it’s something you can build from, grow from, and always come back and change.”
Looking ahead, she’s optimistic about where her business is headed.
“Hopefully the future looks bright - and more organized.”
Can you share a quick overview of your business?
My name is Jessica Fritz, and I am a colored pencil artist based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The foundation of my business is commission work - I do a lot of pet portraits. Generally, a lot of them are done once the pet has passed away, and that's a very special part of my business - being able to connect with people over the memory of their pets.
How long have you been in business or worked in this role?
I started with colored pencil back in 2021. I had gifted myself a set of nice pencils and a membership to an online academy. But business-wise, I officially started in November 2023 when I got the LLC and began the process of making it a real business. So, not that long.
Do you have any employees (if so, how many)?
I am a solopreneur - just me, myself, and I.
Hopefully one day I can expand and get a virtual assistant or an assistant of some sort. There's a lot that goes into running a business, which you quickly realize!
What problems were you looking to solve by signing up for the GeekPack + Verizon Cohort?
One of my biggest problems is having an actionable plan - and then actually acting on it. I'm really good at researching everything and then getting stuck in overwhelm.
Cohorts like this are so important because they help pull you out of that rut. You stop trying to educate yourself to death and start taking action. That was really beneficial for me.
Have you tried to learn about improving your digital presence before?
Yes. Before the cohort, I had a mailing list, Instagram, a website, Facebook… but the cohort helped me refine everything.
There’s still a lot I need to work on, but Glenna was so nice - she always said, "Baby steps, one step at a time, even 30 minutes a day." That was very helpful. I always think, “This is a huge project, I have to get it all done,” and then I end up neglecting other parts of my business.
Even just having permission to work in little spurts was very helpful.
Have you seen any tangible returns (more money, more customers, client feedback) from implementing what you learned?
Maybe not direct customer feedback yet, but I definitely feel more organized, and I think that will eventually convert into growth.
I’ve gotten a few more commissions this year than I did last year, so I feel like I’m starting to pick up steam.
Do you feel more confident with digital skills for your business than you did before?
Yes, I do.
I also like that the Verizon platform is still accessible even after the cohort. There’s so much in there, and I’ll definitely go back to review and rewatch things to plan from. It’s great to still have access.
What were your biggest challenges during the cohort or with the courses?
My biggest challenge - something I’ve always known about myself but need to keep relearning - is doing things piece by piece instead of all at once.
The cohort really helped break things into manageable bites. The work behind that is still a lot, but it helps set you up to succeed.
What else would benefit your business for you to learn?
Right now, I’m in the implementation phase, and I’ve realized it’s okay to take a break from learning to focus on doing.
I tend to want to learn everything and implement everything all at once - but I’ve learned that it’s okay to do just one video and then work on that, or to focus on one piece at a time. Giving yourself that permission is important.
Did you feel supported when going through the Digital Ready courses and being part of the GeekPack cohort community?
Absolutely.
It was so nice having access to the Facebook group. There were so many different people from different industries, and everyone was kind and willing to give positive feedback. It was a really nice experience. I’ll miss the group.
Did joining the GeekPack cohort help with your progress in the Digital Ready courses?
Yes.
It added accountability and kept me moving forward. So I’d say absolutely, it helped.
What was your most impactful takeaway from your time in the GeekPack cohort?
Definitely doing things in small pieces.
And realizing the importance of community - just having people to bounce ideas off of and ask questions. Even in the course downloads, one of the first things it says is to share with a trusted business planner. That really stuck with me.
In your opinion, what is the most valuable part of being in the Cohort?
The most valuable part was having guidance through the platform - having a week-to-week actionable plan of what you were going to study and look into.
The Verizon platform is great, but it’s overwhelming. The cohort gave it structure.
And Glenna was a huge asset. She was always there, always willing to answer questions and cheer you on.
What’s your number one tip for someone who wants to learn a new skill/move forward in their business?
Just start.
You can spend forever trying to figure out every angle, but not get anything done. Even if it’s imperfect, doing a little piece is better than nothing. It’s something done - and something you can build from, grow from, and always come back to improve.
What does the future look like for your business?
Hopefully very bright!
I hope it looks more organized and continues to grow.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I just want to say thank you.
It was such a great experience, and it definitely made me buckle down a bit more. I really enjoyed it, and I know I’ll miss it for sure.
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