Hi, my name is Gen (aka wormdust)

Jellypinch is a small, artist-run business I’ve spent years building from the ground up. What started as a sketch, a jacket based off an ita bag, quickly grew into something real. My ita jacket went viral, crowdfunded over $200,000 and for several years supported a sustainable creative business built around conventions, online sales, and community events.

Like many small creative brands, Jellypinch was deeply affected by the end of the pandemic e-commerce boom. As online shopping slowed, manufacturing and fulfillment costs continued to rise. Since 2020, the cost of producing my jackets has more than doubled, while traffic and engagement across social platforms have steadily declined. At the same time, work opportunities in the entertainment and arts industries have dried up due to strikes, generative AI , and widespread creative job shortages.

Conventions were once the backbone of my income. They have also become increasingly difficult to sustain. Tariffs, rising shipping costs and upfront expenses forced me to cancel multiple shows, and this past year marked the first time in over 15 years that conventions resulted in significant losses rather than stability. Online sales alone are no longer enough to cover operating costs, and I’ve had to reduce staff hours to the bare minimum just to keep the business running.

Because of visa restrictions after relocating to the US, my ability to supplement income with outside work is extremely limited. As a result, Jellypinch has been my primary means of support during a period when nearly every external factor has shifted against me (as well as many others).

Funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward stabilizing the business: paying down outstanding debts, covering payroll, fulfilling existing obligations, and keeping Jellypinch operational while I work to restructure and recover. This support would provide stability and the opportunity to move forward intentionally instead of consantly having to put out fires.

Asking for help like this is extremely humbling, and difficult.. especially knowing how many people are struggling right now. If you’re able to contribute, share, or simply take the time to read this, I’m deeply grateful.