Mother Owned Business Spotlight: Jessa Adler Art

What happens when a mother of two transforms her artistic outlet into a thriving DFW business? Meet Jessa Adler Art, a dynamic studio that crafts colorful pieces that reflect the emotion and positivity of motherhood and womanhood.

Jessa Adler uses her personal experience to create custom artwork rich with pastels and personality. Her work tells the story of transforming stress into serenity- a story that’s resonated with customers throughout the DFW Metroplex and beyond.

At Mother Modern Plumbing, we say that a Mother is what our company strives to be. Our name represents a specific set of values: being reliable, trustworthy, diligent, and giving. Mothers raise our families and our communities, but they also raise our potential. They are the heartbeat of DFW- our culture, our commerce, and our teachers.

The Mother Owned Business Interview Series

We asked you, the DFW community, to tell us about your favorite local businesses owned by hardworking moms. You responded loud and clear- and we took notice.

Mother Owned Business is a series built on in-depth interviews with the women who elevate our community. Together, we learn how they balance the hard work of business with the heart of family.

This interview is with Jessa Adler. Jessa is the creator behind Jessa Adler Art, a DFW based studio that produces vibrant, emotional, and joyful abstract pieces. Her work is a testament to the beauty that happens when a mother decides to pursue her passion with her whole heart.

Meet Jessa Adler of Jessa Adler Art

Virginia: Jessa, we are so excited to have you as our first community feature. To get us started, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the family that keeps you inspired here in Dallas?

Jessa: I am a mother of two girls. I have a 16 year old and an almost 11 year old. My husband, Tony, is a master naturalist and an outdoor photographer. He is really the one who brought us out of the house and turned us into outdoor cats. We love hiking, camping, and just being outdoors together as a family. That connection to nature and the beauty my husband finds in the world has really shaped who I am as an artist.

Virginia: You are self taught. How did that journey into the DFW art scene begin for you?

Jessa: I was an artistic child, but I never took formal abstract or acrylic classes. I just grabbed materials and played to see what would happen. My style has grown and progressed over the years simply by doing the work and living a life surrounded by nature and raw emotion.

The Story Behind Jessa Adler Art

Virginia: Every business has a "why" behind it. What was the spark in 2018 that led you to pick up a brush and start this journey?

Jessa: I was teaching at Good Shepherd at the time. I had a student who was struggling and I was taking all of that stress home with me. I didn't know where to put it. My husband suggested I go get a big canvas, so I did. During a break, I just started painting out everything I was feeling so that I could be a good mom and a good wife when I was home. I wanted to be intentional about that time with my family.

Virginia: Your work is so bright and full of color. Is that a reflection of how you were feeling in those moments?

Jessa: I began painting as a way of processing my feelings as a mom, a teacher, and a wife. Most of those feelings tend to be a little darker or frustrating, but they always come out in these beautiful pastels. It comes from really deep emotion. That is why I tell people I cannot truly recreate a piece. Every piece has its own unique personality and authentic emotion.

From Artist to Business Owner: Jessa's Growth

Virginia: There is a big difference between painting for yourself and building a strategic business. When did you decide to make that shift and monetize your art?

Jessa:. I love being married to an educator, but two teacher salaries can be pretty hard. Once I realized I could create something great, I decided to start the business so I could give my kids more. I wanted to give them bigger birthday parties, more magical Christmases, or just not have to worry if the car broke down one month. It was a way to process my feelings and a beautiful way to give to my family.

Virginia: Was there a specific moment where you realized this could actually be a career?

Jessa: An interior design company in Dallas called The Collective reached out to me. They asked if I wanted to bring them artwork. I thought, ‘oh my gosh, somebody wants my art who isn't just a friend of a friend’. Partnering with them really launched my career. People would see my work on their Instagram and then come to me for commissions.

Virginia: How do you describe the "problem" you solve for your customers through your art?

Jessa: I think I am serving women and moms who are looking for pops of color and joy. During COVID, people were not traveling, so my work felt like a vacation for them. It made their homes feel happy. I also help people who think they aren't artistic. I help them create something that makes them happy that they didn't think they could create for themselves.

Balancing Motherhood, Career and Education

Virginia: You have spent 20 years in education. How has that background as a teacher influenced how you run your business and your home?

Jessa: I am a giver. As a teacher, I love my students like my own. But I realized that teaching took so much of my energy and attention. My oldest is 16 now and it happened so fast. I want to take a step back and focus on my family for the next few years. Being a full time artist allows me to be "on" as a mom when the kids are home, and then use the time they are at school to be an artist.

Virginia: Your daughters are growing up in a very creative house. How do they get involved in your work?

Jessa: It is definitely a "me" thing, but it feels like a family thing because it is always around. When the girls were little, they would paint in their underwear on big canvases next to me. I was the mom who didn't care about the mess. Now, they mostly give their opinions. They will say, I see a bird, and I will realize I need to go fix that. I am proud to show them that if you are passionate about something, you should go for it.

Virginia: You are also finding ways to use your teaching skills in your new studio space, right?

Jessa: Yes. I am turning my daughter's she-shed into my art studio. My goal is to collaborate with kids. I want parents to bring their kids in so they can create a piece for their home that is mostly the kid's work, but with an artist there to direct traffic and make sure it looks how the parents want. I even want to rent the space to people who just need to de-stress and paint on a canvas for a while.

The Future: What's Next for Jessa Adler

Virginia: As you look toward this next year of being a full time artist, what are your big goals for the business?

Jessa: I want to be more available to everyone and be in everyone's price range. I am working with a photographer to create more prints so that everyone can have a little piece of joy. I also really want to figure out how to turn my artwork into wallpaper. I have to be a problem solver to figure that out, but it is in the works.

Virginia: What does success look like for you in this new season of life?

Jessa: As a mom, success is capturing time and memories with the kids. Being an artist allows me to soak that up. In my career, success is just having fun and spreading joy. As long as I am doing that authentically, I feel successful. If you have an idea for a business, just do it. Don't worry about what people think. If it makes you happy, you should be doing it.

Our Admiration For Female Business Owners

Jessa’s story reflects why we chose “Mother” as the name of our plumbing service. It’s a reminder that when mothers lead with heart and diligence, the whole community benefits.

Thanks to Jessa Adler for the being the first in our Mother Owned Business interview series. 

If you know a DFW business driven by a remarkable mother, tell us about her! She might appear as the next subject of our interview series!