Canvas Conversations: Jess Ziomek

After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Jess Ziomek spent seven years working in various creative roles in Nashville, TN, most recently at Pencil and Paper Co.. At the end of 2020, Jess launched her newest venture, Thrills of the Hunt, a vintage home decor business that curates estate sale, vintage, and antique pieces. Jess works with clients to source one-of-a-kind pieces and offers curated small-scale finds at her online shop.

You can follow along Jess' thrifting and antique hunts on Instagram here.

I sat down with Jess and asked her 20 questions:

Favorite needlepoint project. I’m currently stitching the background of a large, preworked vintage needlepoint and petit point canvas full of botanicals and woodland creatures. I love the idea that I get to collaborate on a piece with a past and finish what someone worked so hard on but couldn’t complete. 

On your needlepoint Wishlist. Goodness, my needlepoint wishlist is becoming longer by the second. There are so many fun and creative canvases available right now, and it makes me feel so inspired to stitch everything I see. At the top is a backgammon board in an ocean motif, and I adore the Sailor’s Valentine Basket on your website. 

Dream stitching spot.  Anywhere near the water! I’m originally from Florida and jump at any chance I get to be near a beach. 

13 or 18 Mesh Canvas. 13 Mesh 

Last book you read and liked. The Plaza: The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel 

Favorite flower. Bougainvillea! 

Guilty pleasure. Sour Patch Kids. 

On your nightstand. A water carafe, picture frames, and a million hair scrunchies.  

Currently listening to. I have a very long playlist of all my favorite Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffett, Van Morrison, and James Taylor tunes that I listen to repeatedly.

Currently watching. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I’m completely convinced I was born in the wrong era.

If there were more hours in the day I would. Take studio art classes! 

Favorite places to shop. Estate Sales, Antique Shops, and Flea Markets    

Favorite Instagram follows. @megbusacca, @rileysheeyey, @housesanparties, @tessnewallstudio, @libbycameronllc, and @sarahbraywest

Can’t leave the house without. Sunglasses, a water bottle, and a measuring tape.

Wardrobe staples. Straw bags, striped tees, and straw hats 

Creative inspiration. Travel, Estate Sales, and vintage decorating books 

Best piece of advice. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Life mantra. “Go to faraway places, come home to live by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful.” This quote is from one of my favorite childhood books, Miss Rumphius, and has all my major life aspirations wrapped up in one sentence with a bow.