Episode Details

Margo is joined by Jennifer Smelker, the engineer-turned-artist, product designer, and founder of Tandem For Two. Since 2013, Jen has been creating colorful, travel-inspired artwork and gifts that celebrate the places we love and the moments that make life special. But her creative journey has been anything but linear.

From environmental engineering and graphic design to manufacturing, wholesale, and art licensing, Jen shares the twists, turns, and lessons that have shaped her evolving career. She and Margo explore what it means to embrace your identity as an artist, let go of perfectionism, and find the courage to try something new, even when you don't know exactly where it will lead.

They also dig into the realities of running a creative business, from scaling production and navigating industry changes to pitching artwork, building relationships, and discovering the power of community. Jen shares how a painting retreat in Portugal helped transform her creative practice, why she believes in sharing knowledge rather than gatekeeping it, and how curiosity continues to fuel her next chapter.

In this episode, we explore:

• Finding your creative identity and overcoming perfectionism and imposter syndrome
• The unexpected path from engineering to art and entrepreneurship
• How community, mentorship, and creative challenges can spark meaningful growth
• The behind-the-scenes realities of manufacturing, wholesale, and art licensing
• Why persistence, thoughtful product presentations, and relationships matter when pitching your work
• Embracing new technology, lifelong learning, and the freedom to reinvent yourself
• Giving yourself permission to experiment, make imperfect art, and follow your curiosity

Mentioned in this episode:

• Faire Wholesale Marketplace: faire.com
• Adobe MAX (Miami, November): max.adobe.com
• Atlanta Market: americasmart.com
• The 100-day painting project: the100dayproject.org

Connect with Jennifer:

Website: https://tandemfortwo.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tandemfortwo

Facebook: https://facebook.com/tandemfortwo

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/tandemfortwo

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jensmelks