Episode 17. Jessica DeCola from Blooming Color

In this episode of The Printerviews, I am joined by Jess DeCola, who has recently movedfrom substrate distributor GPA to Blooming Color as their Director of Brand and Strategic Growth. With over a decade in the print industry spanning thermal films, food packaging, distribution, and marketing, Jess shares what it feels like to be on day five of a brand new role and why it already feels like coming home.

We explore what drew her to Blooming Color, from the leadership style to a culture where the CEO can tell you something personal about every single employee. Jess opens up about her eight and a half years at GPA, how she walked into a contractor role and told them they would have to hire her, and why she believes culture is the single biggest thing print businesses underinvest in.

We also dive into the She*t for Brains sessions at Dscoop in Denver, which left both of us still processing weeks later. From the keynote on resilience and leadership to audience members grabbing the microphone and sharing deeply personal stories, the sessions proved that our industry is hungry for spaces where people can be honest about what they are going through. Plus, Jess shares her advice for the next generation, inspired by an unforgettable panel moment where a room full of seasoned print professionals were told that they need to catch up with the younger generation.

Key Takeaways

• New Chapter at Blooming Color: Jess has joined Blooming Color as Director of Brand and Strategic Growth, bringing her decade of experience from the supply and distribution side to a PSP working directly with brands and end users.
• Culture Is Everything: Blooming Color's leadership is visibly present on the floor, personally invested in their people, and building a team that genuinely wants to work hard because they feel valued in return.
• Sheet for Brains Continues to Grow: The Dscoop Denver sessions created powerful, emotional breakthroughs with audience members opening up in ways nobody expected, proving the industry needs more safe spaces for honest conversation.
• Chase the Minnows, Not Just the Whales: PSPs often focus on landing the biggest accounts, but the real missed opportunity lies in partnering with smaller, growing businesses and building loyalty from the ground up.
• Invest in Your People: The single most impactful thing a print business can do tomorrow is invest in its team and its culture, because if your people are not okay, your business is not okay.
• Women in Print Are Making Progress: Visibility and voice for women in the industry are growing through organisations like Women in Print and the Women in the Printing Alliance, but there is still a long way to go.
• Advice for the Next Generation: Show up with enthusiasm and passion, advocate for yourself, and set boundaries early. Mackenzie Griffin's message to the industry was clear and confident: you need to catch up with us.
• The Power of Vulnerability: Men in particular struggle to show their vulnerable side in professional settings, and the ripple effect of one person speaking up at the Sheet for Brains sessions opened the floodgates for others to do the same.
• Find Your Safe Space: Whether it is therapy, a coach, or a trusted person, investing in yourself first makes everything around you feel a little bit easier.