Inspiring Conversations with Jess Ziomek of Thrills of the Hunt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Ziomek.

Hi Jess, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My career path hasn’t been linear at all, but reflecting on all the twists and turns, it all makes sense! I attended Vanderbilt University, where I studied The History of Art, intending to become an interior designer upon graduation. During my time at Vanderbilt, I also minored in Corporate Strategy, where I enrolled in marketing and branding courses.

During my junior year, I had a mindset shift that perhaps I wanted to enter a marketing role upon graduation instead of pursuing design. Since graduating in 2013, I have held a series of marketing and branding roles, in varying industries, for a public company, a tech start-up, a private holding company, and most recently, a design and creative agency.

I was very fortunate to meet and foster relationships with so many talented individuals, all the while gaining invaluable experience at each place of employment. Every mentor I have encountered has impacted my career and given me the tools, insight, and critical thinking skills necessary to launch my own business.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is there such thing as a smooth road when running a small business?!? If so, I would like to subscribe to that manual. I often joke that I am building the plane while simultaneously flying it.

But, in all seriousness, owning and operating your own business is so much hard work, and the path is never straightforward, but it is so fulfilling. I get to bet on myself, and there is nothing better than that. In terms of struggles, I would say that the biggest challenge I face personally is wearing all the hats.

It can be difficult for me to pivot from one necessary task to another at a moment’s notice, but agility is essential for success.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Thrills of the Hunt?
Thrills of the Hunt is a vintage home decor business that curates estate sales, vintage, and antique pieces. I work with clients to source home decor, art, and furniture and sell curated small-scale finds at www.thrillsofthehunt.com.
I’ve always been a treasure hunter!

Over the past few years, I’ve found myself using any spare moment to hunt in person at flea markets, estate sales, shop at antique stores, or dive down rabbit holes on the internet and apps to search for treasures for myself and others. I am a big believer in the art of slow decorating and advocate for magic that occurs when a home is filled to the brim with one-of-a-kind storied objects, curiosities, and furniture.

I started Thrills of the Hunt at the end of 2020 for like-minded people who craved something beyond what big-box retailers could offer but didn’t know where to look, were intimated to get started, or simply didn’t have the bandwidth to hunt for pieces themselves. I can’t recall the exact moment when I realized that my passion and hobby could be a business, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I like to think that I offer a uniquely curated and timeless perspective in a space that can sometimes feel overtaken by what’s trending at the moment. Traditional style and taste endure overall, and I hope that any piece purchased from Thrills of the Hunt will be as relevant today as it was 40 years ago, or 40 years from now.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned many important lessons! The top two are: Progress over perfection and always trusting my gut.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.thrillsofthehunt.com
• Instagram: @thrillsofthehunt