Jem's Jumpers

I wanted to be honest about why.

I've dealt with bullying for most of my life, so I like to think I've developed a pretty thick skin. Most of the time I can brush things off, laugh at myself, and move on. But when you receive the same comments over and over again about your appearance (especially when they're completely unrelated to the spiders you're sharing) it does start to wear you down.

Comments like "snaggle tooth" or "they're clearly a man" became something I expected every time I opened the comment section. Humour has always been one of my ways of coping, so I laughed about it for a while. But eventually, I realised I'd stopped looking forward to making videos because I was dreading reading the comments afterwards.

It feels strange admitting that, because I genuinely love creating content. I love sharing these incredible little spiders with people, helping others overcome their fears, and seeing the community we've built. I really miss making longer videos.

So I wanted to ask your opinion. Would you still enjoy long-form videos if they were faceless, with just the spiders and my voice? Or would you rather I carried on as I always have and simply tried to focus on the kind, supportive comments instead?

I know I can't stop people from being unkind, and I'm working on not letting it affect me. But I'd be lying if I said I don't sometimes hesitate before opening the comments because I'm worried my appearance will be the focus instead of the content I've put my heart into.

So I love giving them miniature worlds for them to investigate. Every bridge, platform and hiding spot gives them something new to discover, and watching them carefully inspect every part never gets old.

So I love giving them miniature worlds for them to investigate. Every bridge, platform and hiding spot gives them something new to discover, and watching them carefully inspect every part never gets old.

So I love giving them miniature worlds for them to investigate. Every bridge, platform and hiding spot gives them something new to discover, and watching them carefully inspect every part never gets old.

has recently left the nest and is beginning life as an independent explorer. Watching them investigate every corner of their temporary home (and bravely attempt their very first hunts) is one of the most rewarding parts of raising jumping spiders.

They may not catch every fruit fly on the first try, but every little miss is part of the journey 💚 Tiny spider, huge instincts.

has recently left the nest and is beginning life as an independent explorer. Watching them investigate every corner of their temporary home (and bravely attempt their very first hunts) is one of the most rewarding parts of raising jumping spiders.

They may not catch every fruit fly on the first try, but every little miss is part of the journey 💚 Tiny spider, huge instincts.

We love the names Petal, Sakura, Poppy and Flora. What do you all think? 🤔

This cheeky boy is a Phidippus Regius Everglades, and he has the cutest personality 🥹 Another cutie without a name though.

One of our favourite things about jumping spiders is how curious they are. Every little reach of those front legs is another way they're learning about what's around them, and it's impossible not to fall in love with their inquisitive personalities.

She's got the pinkest chelicerae We've ever seen! 🥹