Senior Jessie Zheng studies the details of her latest sticker design on her computer screen carefully, her eyes scanning for any small mistakes before she prints the stickers out. After she has approved of her design, Zheng lists her new products on her website and online store, Paper Sutekka, and begins to advertise them on social media platforms.
Within a few months of her store’s online opening in June, Zheng has already accumulated over 7,000 followers since she first launched her business.
Paper Sutekka offers a variety of stickers, most of which are designed by Zheng.
“I would describe her as a hardworking and ambitious individual,” Senior Anne Wu said. “I know she can achieve her goals by setting her mind to them.”
Jessie’s store gained popularity on Instagram, where she first began to advertise her creations. She began printing and selling stickers featuring a sheep named Mika.
“As a child, my favorite animal was a sheep,” Zheng said. “That’s where I got the idea for Mika from.”
Mika’s appearance was also inspired by a Japanese cartoon called “Crayon Boy,” which is about a young boy and his adventures with his dog, Shiro.
“Jessie’s success is so amazing,” Senior Kaitlyn Tran said. “She took the initiative to create products that her friends really enjoy. I love her ideas and I’m so proud of her.”
Zheng comes up with ideas for her sticker packs by drawing Mika doing things that she loves.
Her stickers are sold on her website for two dollars and pins for three dollars, along with other products such as washi tape.
She also finds inspiration in the Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle store at the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia.
The store features many stylish Japanese inspired decorations and desk objects.
“I’m a big fan of Sanrio,” Zheng said. “I think Sanrio’s designs are really cute and they heavily inspire the type of artwork that I produce.”
Although Zheng hopes to expand her business, she would like to take the time to study pharmacy.
“I want to pursue a long term, more stable career,” Zheng said, “but I would love to see Paper Sutekka continue to grow.”
TCHS School Newspaper