Cambria County’s Jillian Rae Creations turning cups into keepsakes

Jillian Stormer, owner of Jillian Rae Creations

In 2019, Jillian Stormer’s husband bought her a Cricut (a cutting machine used for crafting and making items with materials like paper, vinyl, cardstock and more). . In just a few years, she turned her hobby into a small business, Jillian Rae Creations, built on customer loyalty, community support, and doing something she truly loves.

“At first, I dabbled in making signs and t-shirts but wanted more of a challenge,” Jillian said. “One night I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to try to be a tumbler maker. I remember thinking to myself, ‘those tumbler makers are actual wizards.’ Now I feel like I just may be a wizard myself!”

It didn’t quite start out that way. Jillian’s husband soon bought her a turner (a machine that rotates a cup or tumbler for applying designs) and she attempted to make her first tumbler in her garage. “It turned into an absolute disaster,” she laughed. “I still have that tumbler to this day.”

Startup Alleghenies really helped me conquer the business side of things. My coach is always eager to answer any of my questions.

Following her first imperfect attempt, she watched a lot of YouTube and taught herself. “Now I have my own workshop in our basement with 20 turners!” she said.

About a year ago, Jillian connected with Cambria County Startup Alleghenies coach Blake Fleegle who has helped her to add business know-how to her creative endeavor. “He’s always eager to answer any of my questions. He really helped me conquer the business side of things,” she said.

Jillian said her biggest motivator has been her family, followed by finding a passion for creating her products. “I truly found something I love doing. I really did find my niché. I never expected Jillian Rae Creations to take off like it has! I really found a passion for creating tumblers,” she said.

Jillian Rae Creations tumblers make a statement.

Even with her love for her craft, she didn’t know she’d be successful. “Truth be told, I had no idea that my tumblers were big enough to succeed. I got serious about the company in late 2020 when I attended my first vendor market. I sold completely out, that was when I knew I had something.”

Jillian’s work ethic and ambition play a role in her ongoing success. “I’d say my secret sauce that drives the company is my ambition. I am a one-woman show. There’s a lot of trial and error and late nights, but my ambition to succeed is what drives me.”

Jillian Rae Creations tumblers aren’t just a cup, they’re a keepsake. They will last forever without fading or washing away, as long as you take care of them.

As tumblers have become more popular and available, Jillian said she’s thought about what makes her products unique and why they continue to be popular. “In the beginning, tumblers were something people really weren’t seeing around Cambria County yet. The market has definitely become a bit saturated since 2020, but my tumblers are just different in a lot of qualities. They become a collector’s item and can be personalized to you.”

Fleegle agreed. “Jillian Rae Creations is standing out in a crowded field.  By putting quality at the forefront, Jillian’s products stand head and shoulders above her competition – and that is her key to success,” he said.

A sold-out event helped Jillian realize the potential for her business.

Jillian said her business would not be thriving today without the customers who have offered both support and loyalty. “I have almost 2,000 followers on my Facebook business page. There are customers who have 10+ Jillian Rae tumblers! This kind of support gives me the confidence to work toward expanding into other communities and states.”

As more customers enjoy Jillian’s creations, it’s apparent how much they differ from mass-produced products. “Jillian Rae Creations tumblers aren’t just a cup, they’re a keepsake. They will last forever without fading or washing away, as long as you take care of them,” she said.

Jillian stressed that the process of making each tumbler is complex and can take multiple weeks; she said it has helped her develop a whole new level of patience. For her, each one is more than just a sale.

“The most rewarding thing and what keeps me going is the smiles and excitement of my customers over their tumbler, a creation I made with my own hands,” she said.

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.