We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessica Adanich. Check out our conversation below.
Jessica, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
As a business owner, I’ve learned the difference between acting fast with purpose and acting impulsively. Running DesignPod Studio, there are moments when quick, decisive action is critical—but impulsive decisions? Those can lead to mistakes or missed opportunities. I’m grateful for the times I’ve paused, stepped back, and thought things through. Taking that moment to reflect ensures my choices align with my vision and values, whether it’s a client project or a strategic move for my agency. It’s a balance that’s served me well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jessica Adanich, the founder and creative force behind DesignPod Studio, a Tampa-based branding, graphic design, and marketing agency. With a BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art, my roots as a fine artist and designer drive my passion for crafting bold brand identities and impactful marketing campaigns. DesignPod Studio stands out by blending artistry with strategy, creating visuals that tell compelling stories—whether through striking packaging or innovative branding. I’m also the creator of Fuzzy Sharks, a passion project dedicated to raising awareness for shark conservation through art, educational products, and our vibrant annual event, Sharkapalooza, where creativity and community come together. Right now, I’m focused on growing my agency and Fuzzy Sharks, while inspiring others to turn small creative wins into big successes!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was often gripped by worry and fear—fear of straying too far from home, fear of something going wrong, always worrying about the “what ifs.” While I still worry sometimes (who doesn’t?), I no longer see fear as a roadblock. Instead, it’s become a catalyst that pushes me forward. If something feels intimidating, it’s almost like a challenge I have to take on. Looking back, many of my biggest decisions—starting DesignPod Studio, launching Fuzzy Sharks, or moving across the country—came from listening to my gut and asking, “What if I don’t try?” As a kid, I believed fear could stop me; now, I use it to fuel me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As an entrepreneur, there are definitely moments when doubt creeps in and giving up feels tempting. Running DesignPod Studio and Fuzzy Sharks, I’ve faced the intense highs and lows of building a business. There’s a graphic I love that shows an iceberg: the small tip above water labeled “success,” while beneath lies persistence, dedication, struggles, discipline, and more. The times I’ve come closest to giving up are during the biggest growing pains—when the stress and pressure peak. But I’ve learned to recognize those moments as growth in action. By pushing through, I turn challenges into opportunities, proving that perseverance is what fuels success.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity—doing right by others as I’d want for myself. At DesignPod Studio, this means never selling a client something they don’t need. I often start conversations with potential clients by saying, “I might sound like I’m talking myself out of a job, but…” and then share what I’d do in their shoes. By truly understanding their company, goals, and budget, I make recommendations that genuinely serve them. I’ve seen too many businesses spend money on services that weren’t right for them at the time. My commitment is to always do what’s best for my clients, building trust and creating meaningful impact through honest, thoughtful design and strategy.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
This question really resonates with me! For much of my life, I made choices based on what I thought others or society expected of me—get this degree by this age, pursue that career, join these groups or boards, all because it seemed like the “right” thing to do. But those decisions weren’t always what I truly wanted. There was a moment when I found myself overworked, exhausted, and at my limit, stretched thin by obligations I thought others wanted from me. That was the turning point. I shifted my perspective and started asking, “If I were on my deathbed, would I regret not doing this?” It’s been a journey—an adventure, really—to reach the point where I’m doing what I was born to do: leading DesignPod Studio, creating with purpose, and bringing projects like Fuzzy Sharks and Sharkapalooza to life. I wouldn’t change the process for anything, because the journey taught me how to embrace my true calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designpod.studio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaadanich/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaadanich/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.adanich/
