Biography of Kaylin Marcotte: Founder & CEO of JIGGY Puzzles -Entrepreneur
Kaylin Marcotte’s Journey: From Startup Hustle to Jigsaw Innovation
Discovering the Puzzle Passion
Five years ago, Kaylin Marcotte was working tirelessly at an
early-stage startup, theSkimm. With long hours and a fast-paced environment,
she needed a way to unwind. That’s when she turned to jigsaw puzzles. They
became her nightly escape, a form of meditation that helped her decompress.
However, while she enjoyed the experience, she found the designs outdated and
uninspiring. This realization sparked an idea—why not create puzzles that were
as beautiful as they were relaxing?
The Birth of JIGGY Puzzles
Determined to reimagine the humble jigsaw puzzle, Kaylin
spent a year curating artwork and designing packaging. She wanted JIGGY to be
more than just a puzzle brand; it had to be an experience. Each puzzle would
feature stunning artwork by emerging female artists, making them worthy of
display after completion. With this mission in mind, she took the leap and
launched JIGGY in November 2019, investing $25,000 of her own savings to bring
the brand to life.
Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges
Launching a business with no prior experience in
manufacturing, supply chains, or logistics was daunting. Every aspect of
production was a learning curve—from sourcing materials to managing shipping
delays. However, Kaylin didn’t let these obstacles hold her back. She leaned on
her network, sought advice from experienced founders, and never hesitated to
ask questions. Her willingness to learn and adapt became the foundation of
JIGGY’s success.
Lessons from theSkimm
Before founding JIGGY, Kaylin was the first employee at
theSkimm, where she served as the Director of Marketing and Community. Watching
two young female founders build a brand from the ground up gave her the
confidence to do the same. She realized that entrepreneurship wasn’t about
having all the answers upfront—it was about learning on the go. This mindset
gave her the courage to step into the unknown and launch her own venture.
A Mission to Support Artists
One of the key elements that set JIGGY apart was its
commitment to supporting artists. Kaylin admired the talent of independent
female artists and saw them as fellow entrepreneurs chasing their dreams. She
wanted JIGGY to be a platform that not only showcased their work but also
rewarded them fairly. By implementing a profit-sharing model, she ensured that
artists received direct financial benefits from each puzzle sold.
Biography of Kaylin Marcotte: Founder & CEO of JIGGY Puzzles -Entrepreneur# startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank#JIGGY Puzzles story#Kaylin M
The Power of Adaptability
Running a physical product company meant dealing with
numerous unpredictable factors—production timelines, freight logistics, and
global supply chain disruptions. Kaylin quickly learned that adaptability was
one of the most crucial skills an entrepreneur could have. Instead of resisting
change, she embraced uncertainty, finding creative solutions to challenges as
they arose.
Building a Community with JIGGY
JIGGY became more than just a puzzle brand—it evolved into a
community. Customers resonated with the idea of turning puzzles into art and
supporting female artists. Kaylin fostered this engagement by creating an
experience that went beyond just selling a product. Through thoughtful
packaging, sustainable materials, and an interactive element with included
puzzle glue, JIGGY encouraged people to not only complete puzzles but to frame
and cherish them.
Expanding Entrepreneurial Impact
In addition to JIGGY, Kaylin also founded Village
Strategies, a marketing consultancy focused on startups, and Project PlastICK,
an initiative encouraging sustainable alternatives to plastic use. These
ventures reflected her broader passion for entrepreneurship, community
building, and environmental consciousness. Her work across these projects
showcased her ability to turn ideas into impactful movements.
A Game-Changing Shark Tank Moment
JIGGY’s success was further cemented when Kaylin appeared on
Shark Tank USA in Season 12. She secured a deal of $500,000 for 15% equity,
marking a major milestone for the brand. The investment helped scale
operations, expand product lines, and reach a larger audience. The exposure
from Shark Tank also solidified JIGGY’s reputation as a unique, mission-driven
company.
Looking Ahead: JIGGY’s Future
As JIGGY continues to grow, Kaylin remains committed to its
original mission—bringing art to life through puzzles and supporting emerging
artists. She envisions expanding the brand’s product offerings while
maintaining its core values of creativity, sustainability, and community. Her
goal is to make JIGGY a household name while ensuring that artists continue to
thrive through meaningful collaborations.
A Legacy of Creativity and Resilience
Kaylin’s journey from a marketing strategist to the founder
of a successful puzzle brand is a testament to resilience and innovation. She
turned a simple hobby into a thriving business that not only brings joy to
customers but also uplifts artists worldwide. Through JIGGY, she has redefined
the puzzle industry, proving that even the most traditional products can be
reinvented with vision and purpose.
Timeline for story
2018 – Kaylin Marcotte conceives the idea for JIGGY Puzzles.
2019 – Launches JIGGY in November with a $25,000 investment.
2020 – Faces supply chain and logistics challenges, adapts
to overcome them.
2021 – Appears on Shark Tank USA, secures $500K for 15%
equity.
2022 – Expands product lines and scales operations with new
funding.
2023 – Launches Village Strategies and Project PlastICK.
2024 – Continues growing JIGGY, supporting artists, and
promoting sustainability.
