Joy & James. A dream come true!
Joy & James ~ for the joy of jewelry
2017 was the year to face my fears, to take a leap, to make it happen. It was also the year I brought my baby to college. If you're a mom stay at home or not- It's a life changer! All of a sudden, just like that, you are no longer the manager of everyone else's life. What does a mother do next? Jon, my husband and I, took time to mourn our babies, introduce ourselves to one another and go on a ton of much needed dates (with each-other). Then we took a step back and asked God... What's next? What does this next chapter have for us? Those prayers produced some serious decisions... One of which was to start my own business. The other decision... that's for next month's blog.
About the business-
Joy & James had been an idea for years, but lets face it, there's never enough time or money (or time or money) to start your own business. One day I just decided I'm doing it- Its time start my business. MY. OWN. BUSINESS. GASP! With a lot of hard work and 15 years of jewelry making experience, we were online, www.joyandjames.com was live!
From the moment we went online the support has been overwhelming. The encouragement I've received has propelled me forward.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
My goal is simple, to create beautiful handmade jewelry, to make connections with other artisans and more importantly have a platform to build-up, encourage and support women of all ages.
About the product-
All the jewelry I design is inspired by nature. We live in a beautiful world- designed by a Creator who IS the ultimate designer. Colors, plants, flowers, scenery... people. People who every day are doing amazing life changing things. I'm excited about the Nurture Collection, it will highlight people, especially young women, who are working to help make the world a better place. More about that in a bit.
My goal is to use high-end products. Sterling silver, gold Vermeil, freshwater pearls, precious/semi-precious stones, pewter, glass, pottery, etc... Every piece is hand-tied and strung with care. If you have any questions about any of the products, please ask. I want you to be happy with your purchases, your satisfaction is guaranteed!
One of the sweetest projects I worked on this month was a very special custom order. A dear friend, Lynette wanted me to design a bracelet for her granddaughter, Hazel. Lynette nicknamed her beautiful granddaughter, "Buttercup" before she was born. She wanted me to design a bracelet that represented a Buttercup, that she could give her on her first Christmas- what an honor! The bracelet can be added to as Hazel grows. LOVE! I used freshwater pearls, yellow jade and yellow chalcedony. The Picture was taken in a precious cup that belongs to Lynette. A Buttercup in a cup, too adorable!
About our future-
I'm so excited about the future of Joy & James! Coming soon is the Nurture Collection. The Nurture Collection is a monthly design that will encourage and support young women who are trying to make a difference in the world. January, February, and March are already booked. I can't WAIT to introduce you to these three young women and I look forward to introducing you to more. If you know an exceptional young woman, tell me about her! These young women will come to the studio, help me design a piece of jewelry and 25% of profits will go to the charity or cause of their choice. How awesome!
I also have 3 custom orders (so far) in January. If you would like to come to the studio and design- Message me.
I will keep designing pieces that bring joy and style into your life.
Oh, and the name..... Joy & James are the middle names of my 18 and 21-year-old-babies. Totally joking...I've accepted the fact they are grown, I've let go, cut the cord...kind of, not at all. That's another goal.
Happy 2018!
-Amy