The Serious Business of Jello
Inside Solid Wiggles: Where Precision Meets Sprezzatura
Sometimes the most magical things emerge from the darkest moments. That's how Solid Wiggles came to be - like forced white asparagus, growing up through the darkness of 2020. Back then, when you couldn't even go to a bar, when "socializing" meant maybe meeting just one person in a park, we started creating these treats that would wow every sense you've got.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how I approach celebration and in such heavy times. The truth is, building delight has been the whole point since day one. When someone gets their hands on Solid Wiggles, it's meant to be a treat. It should look beautiful, taste amazing, and feel special. And if I’m being 100% honest with you: it works. What can I say? She’s consistent!
The trick is to make it look easy. Behind the scenes, there's science and systems and a whole lot of work. Jack (my business partner) and I are putting the work in, along with our team! But what you see in the end is pure joy - that casual, effortless beauty that Italians (especially Ora) call "sprezzatura."
This balance - between intentional and playful, familiar and innovative - is exactly what drew me to co-creating Queer Aperitivo with Ora last year. Both projects live in this beautiful in-between space. We're taking the business of pleasure seriously, but never losing sight of the fun.
A customer one time called our creations "the belle of every ball," and I love that. But what really gets me excited is that it doesn't have to be a ball - it could be a casual café, a grassroots event, or just a quiet moment in the park with friends. Joy shouldn't be reserved only for special occasions. Sometimes, especially in times like these, finding delight in the everyday is exactly what we need.
XOX,
Jena
By the way…..
We have two very exciting gatherings on deck this month:
On Wednesday, February 26 in NYC, we’ll be hosting Queer Aperitivo at Bar Meridian with a very special guest artist, The Pasta Tarot, reading cards all night long.
And on Friday, February 28, we’ll be on the West Coast at this Viet-Pali Feast benefiting Gaza mutual aid and Indigenous fire recovery in Los Angeles.
Catch you cuties there <3