Simple Joys: 11 Minutes to 32!

Joy...It's all in the name!

I grew up in a suburb right outside of Chicago - Berwyn, IL. I believe where I grew up shaped who I am today - we were a close knit community where family values were important. I attended college in Waukesha, Wisconsin - Carroll College. There, I majored in Communication and minored in Art. It is at Carroll that I truly flourished...I was very active in my sorority (Chi Omega) and began taking classes in electronic imaging - this is where my love of graphic design began! Senior year I met my husband (also a Carroll grad) and there you have it... My past work experience is quite broad - I've worked in Radio promotions, HR, and Higher Education. The past few years I've enjoyed creating photocards for different events. This passion has grown more into other avenues: creating stationery, invitations, and other ventures --- and that's where I get to share with you my love of all things creative - SIMPLE JOYS by JOY! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me! I am eager to create or become a part of your life event by making it just a little sweeter - a little more thoughtful and most of all memorable.

A couple of assistants!

Simple Joys - the business could not possibly function without the help of two fab and fancy assistants...Meet Rachel and Samantha!

I've had the pleasure of knowing Rachel and Samantha for some time now...while working in higher education, they were a few of my student workers....from there, I recruited them to babysit for my kids. In a matter of time, Rachel and Sam have become permanent fixtures in my home--my girls ADORE THEM - and frankly, they make my life a lot simpler than it could possibly be. Both seniors and ready to graduate college, I am hopeful we'll keep them on as part-time Simple Joys by Joy assistants! They cut, glue, stuff, wrap, sell....they are my front line and I don't know what I'd do without them! And...if you thought the Argyle sweaters were coincidence and matching red/black outfits- HECK no! They are that precise and adorable and planned to dress alike at an Open House Event!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

11 Minutes to 32!

It's the eve of my birthday--I have 11 minutes to be exact, and what better gift to myself than to begin a Blog! I'm not sure where this will go....whether I'll attract a following, be humored by friends who will read just to appease me, or if it will help grow my small business. One thing is for sure....I want to fill it full of the "Simple Joys" in my life!

Tomorrow I will be 32, it's one week from Christmas and 2 weeks until New Years....who needs a resolution now that I've got a blog! I've got the entire world to be accountable toward!

So, for the next 9 minutes, I'll introduce myself to you!

I'm a mom of 2 little girls - Kenzie and Allie. I plan to 'blog' about them alot, they are my greatest "Simple Joys"....although, nothing about being a mom is simple, nor are my two little darlings simple. Kenzie is 4 and Allie is 2. Just like any siblings they couldn't be more different than each other. I'll leave getting to know them to future posts...isn't that how I get a following? Leave you readers on edge?

I'm married 8 years ...I won't give my husband's name, because really---how many Joys are in the world with two girls named Kenzie and Allie......we'll just refer to him as "the hubby". He doesn't even know I've started blogging. I should take bets...how long until he figures it out? I'll put $50 on the fact I get thru the New year before he even realizes......

I'm self employed --- my third child---and other favorite "Simple Joy" ---my business......the first of the year begins my venture out on my own. This past year I was a part of Liz Sage, LLC....I am ready to begin on my own. To get an early glimpse check out my past work at: www.lizsage.etsy.com - Don't worry---Simple Joys will have the same product and add a few fantastic NEW THINGS!

4 minutes to go ----

31 - was a bad year for me....I lost my dad, my whole world changed.....
32- I envision a year with good things in store....heck...I'm beginning my journey (to share with you) my Simple Joys....

Happy Birthday to me!