Team Spotlight: Meet Jessica Adanich

May 22, 2020

If you had told me in art school that the self-defense industry would play such a huge role in my career and life, I would have laughed out loud. But here I am, with close to a decade in the self-defense industry, and not only am I grateful to be working in it, but I also love it.

I’m an alumnus of the Cleveland Institute of Art, where I studied design, sculpture and glass. My initial dreams were to see my car designs driving down the main roads of the USA. But after a year studying industrial design, I realized I wanted to use my creative powers for good.   As an early example, my senior thesis was on shark conservation, and I have created artwork to educate and raise awareness on the importance and conservation of sharks from that time up until today, in addition to being a graphic designer.

Things turned to self-defense when Mace Brand® moved to Cleveland and was looking for a Creative Manager.  I thought, “What a cool job!  I can use my creative talents to help individuals be safe.” I ended up running the marketing and design department for the world-renowned brand for six years.  That time revealed my passion for self-defense. As a creative person, I felt good about the work I was doing and helping the world on so many levels.

At the end of 2018, I felt I was ready for the next step in my career goals and dreams and I resigned from Mace to start my own creative agency, DesignPod Studio.  In doing so, word spread, and within time I was connected with Joe Anderson, CEO of Reflex Protect®. Right away it became apparent how perfect this partnership could and would become. I didn’t realize how much I had missed working in the self-defense sector, not to mention how my experience and talent could be an asset and propellant for Reflex Protect®.

I feel grateful, excited, and inspired to be working with the newest and best self-defense solution! As a creative, I feel truly fulfilled as my work is making a difference in the world. I can also 110% say I feel that same excitement in working with the Reflex Team.