Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Pokorny.
Ali, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I used to do puzzles as a kid and picked it back up about five years ago as a way to relax and quiet my overactive mind. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, I was gifted a puzzle to do while stuck inside. Although I enjoyed it, the artwork felt dated and a bit drab. That’s when I was inspired to make puzzles featuring artwork that’s more modern, relevant, and relatable. I starting game-planning the next day and launched Puzz that fall.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest hurdle in getting started was finding the right partner to make the puzzles. Most manufacturers weren’t taking new clients due to a demand in jigsaw puzzles in 2020. I found a temporary partner to test everything with, but it took me until this year to get the manufacturer I really wanted. There were also supply chain and shipping issues that I didn’t anticipate, which led to a lot of on-the-fly problem-solving to get my orders in. Things operate a lot smoother now, but I’m thankful for the lessons learned. Challenges are unavoidable and helped me gain confidence that I can always figure out a solution!
As you know, we’re big fans of Puzz. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Puzz offers a fresh take on the beloved classic jigsaw puzzle. Our modern, relatable illustrations are custom designed in collaboration with female artists both locally and internationally.
From the packaging to the finished product, I wanted to create puzzles that you’d be excited to build AND display.
I come up with the idea for the artwork and map out details like setting, elements, and color scheme. The artist puts it all together in their style for the final piece; then I have them made. It’s a fun process and the artists love getting to see their work in a unique medium!
Working with the artists to go from concept to physical product is an especially fun and rewarding process and I’m proud to be able to create a product that brings people joy.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I’m lucky that to have a supportive and business-savvy partner who helped me understand how to start a business. I also feel lucky that my full-time job allows me the flexibility to operate Puzz on the side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.letspuzz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letspuzz/
