Jordan is the Founder, Game Designer, and Illustrator at Drawn Hungry. Read our interview with Jordan about her experiences with Xcelerate Business Advising.

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What sparked the idea for your business–and what vision or purpose drives the work you do today?

I was looking to pivot as an artist. I had been doing freelance illustration, art markets, and releasing seasonal collections, even some face painting at events. But I really wanted to hone in on one thing that could offer a unique value proposition. 

I outlined three potential paths forward that fit my skillset: a book series, mural painting, and a card game. Apples to Apples had been a favorite of my friend group during sleepovers in grade school and I loved watching cooking shows like Chopped where I imagined what I would have made with basket of mystery ingredients. I blended the two, added a dash of my own perspective, and came up with an adorable game that provides fuel for culinary creativity. 

Today, I love seeing how Drawn Hungry gets people excited about cooking and spending time with their loved ones. Fans of the game let me know that I've helped them create lasting memories.

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When you first connected with Xcelerate, where were you in your business journey? What challenges or aspirations brought you to us?

I first connected with Xcelerate when I was figuring out how to pivot from art markets. I wanted to make sure I had a solid foundation as I went about investing my time and energy into my next endeavor. I received great advice on how to access resources as a startup company, I got coaching on how to set up QuickBooks to do my own bookkeeping, and community support as I learned more about launching a product.

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What goals did you focus on with Xcelerate this year, and what progress are you most proud of?

This year, I was focused on getting my game into more stores. Drawn Hungry has been carried by 20+ stores across Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Florida, and New York!

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Can you share a moment this year when something clicked for you as a business owner–something that changed the way you think or lead?

I don't have to force things. In fact, it's so much better if I get out of my rut and go try out lots of different opportunities. Sometimes growth means giving up on something that you really thought was going to work, and finding another strategy that feels more natural.

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What were some of the biggest challenges you navigated this year, and how did Xcelerate’s support help you move through them?

The board game industry is competitive! I've felt like I'm lost in a sea of thousands of other publishers trying to get on store shelves. I've tried all kinds of things to get my product out there, and not all of them have worked. My mentors at Xcelerate provided me with the guidance to overcome disappointment, brush myself off, and get back out there.

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If you’ve been part of Xcelerate for multiple years, how would you describe the ongoing impact of that support over time? And if you’re newer to the community, what early changes or wins have you already noticed?

Some of the best advice I got was to create a sales flyer for my product, start walking into stores, and ask them to carry my game. It's amazing to get a win and see your product on store shelves. And even more amazing when they sell out and come back to re-order. Practical, easy-to-implement strategies that helped me generate revenue.

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What milestones or wins have felt especially meaningful along the way–whether in growth, confidence, or community impact? Please be as specific as possible. 

A huge win last year was getting my product to arrive on time. I worked with a Chinese manufacturer for my first print-run and had a few bumps along the way. The biggest bump was the manufacturing company, which told me they wouldn’t be able to ship games to me until January 2025, instead of October 2024, our original timeline. I had promised my Kickstarter backers that I would get games out to them by November and I did not want to disappoint. 

My strategy coach, Alissa Leeper, helped me navigate this extremely stressful situation, and I was able to get games out on time. Looking back, I'm even more thankful because I very well could have dealt with unexpected tariffs. I felt so empowered by overcoming a huge obstacle while maintaining professionalism.

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What about Xcelerate’s approach feels uniquely impactful or aligned with the way you do business? 

The personalized support has been instrumental in growing my business. I love how the coaches spend time getting to know me and where I'm at before making recommendations. From coming up with new social media campaigns to creating standardized processes in my YouTube series production, it's all been so helpful. I really appreciate that when I'm faced with a challenge in my business, I can reach out to Xcelerate and they'll help me overcome it.

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How has your identity–as a woman and through your intersecting experiences–shaped the way you lead, make decisions, or build community through your business?

I'm an artist turned entrepreneur. Literally voted  "most creative" in high school. My dad convinced me to go into a business program where I could pay in-state tuition instead of my dream art college that would have put me under a mountain of debt. 

I feel like I'm a big dreamer from a small town, and it's really tough trying to get anyone to care about what I'm doing. Building a business from scratch today is really tough, and the only way to make it bearable is to surround myself with other dreamers who are chasing their own goals.

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How do you personally define success–for yourself and your business? Has that definition evolved since joining Xcelerate?

I thought success was going to be making my game and instantly going viral. That hasn't been the case. For me, success is all about accumulating the little wins. Getting a new order, demoing to 10 new people at a pop-up, and collaborating with a local maker. All those little wins accumulate over time.

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Looking ahead, what are you most excited to create or grow next–and how has Xcelerate helped prepare you for that next chapter?

I've been preparing a collaboration program for next year. I'm going to work with other food and beverage companies to create cards of their products that can be a part of the Drawn Hungry game.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your Xcelerate experience?

I'm so glad Xcelerate has partnered with Roux. That event has brought together the Portland food community, and it's been amazing for networking.

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