We had an eventful weekend to say the least. Irene came through Connecticut with an agenda. Luckily in my immediate area no major damage was created other than a day of no power. I wish I could say the same for some neighboring towns who are dealing with massive flooding and tree damage. Hopefully this series of natural events isn’t a preview of what’s to come this winter.
So I’m extremely happy to be writing about a dear friend I’ve met on twitter today and share her amazing talents on my birthday. The sun is shining and birds are chirping so it only seems fitting. Joy is such a talented woman who can effortlessly juggle so many things at once, her family, growing business and a day job. I can totally relate with her. So let’s meet Joy, owner of The Creative Mama.
Hi friend! Tell us about your business.
My site is called Creative Mamma where I share my free printables and fun finds. I also have an etsy shop called The Art of Joy where I sell my kawaii printable paper goods.
How have you grown your business from an idea to where it is now?
The business is really still in its early stages. Having two little ones have caused me to take a step back, put the business plans on hold until the little guys are a bit older. So right now, I’ve just been enjoying the ride, so to speak.
2012 Printable Calendar
Why did you begin your business?
I have always doodled whether it was my notebooks in high school, my class notes in college to now in my many sketchbooks. I started painting around 2004 and I was selling my paintings via different venues, gallery shows, online, etc. After our first baby arrived, I had to rethink my plans and decided to work with paper again instead of the canvas and paints that I had lying around everywhere.
I never thought of actually selling my drawings until I found out about etsy. Then, in 2009, I decided to give it a try… Currently, I try to keep the shop stocked, but really I’m just doodling even more and doing some freelance work on the side.
Amazing doodle sketches
Where do you draw your inspiration from and how do you apply it to your business?
I find inspiration from so many things! Most of my printables are inspired by my kids and my desire to make something for them that they can use in the future. The doodles are inspired by just about anything.
Describe a typical day.
6:30 – Baby Seth wakes up and I feed him
7 – 8ish – A little drawing time for me while the babies sleep
8 – 10am – Day job (work from home)
10 – Both kids wake up and keep me busy until 2pm
2 – 3:30 – More day job work from home while Jude eats lunch and the baby naps.
3:30 – 8pm – Go to work at the library
8:30 – 10pm – Family time/Bed time for the kiddos
10:30 – 12am – Clean the house and squeeze in some drawing time.
Whew!
Name 3 interesting facts many people don’t know about you.
1. I’m a machead! (addicted to anything that apple releases)
2. I didn’t learn how to really speak English until I was around 12 years old.
3. I love a really good beer.
Thank you so much Joy for sharing! One day we’ll get together for a playdate.
Check out Joy on her blog, twitter or shop.
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Thank you so much for this and happy, happy birthday! I know, I said it a million times already
Love, love, love Joy’s beautiful doodles!
I love Miss Joy’s doodles! Her drawings are so clever and unique. Thanks for sharing more of her story with us (and happy birthday!!).
Joy, your doodles are beautiful!
You guys are making my day
So happy to see Joy here! I love your doodles, they are so intricate I really don’t know how you do them. So beautiful.
Ditto to what Isa said !
Oh boo! Sad that I missed this when it first came out but lovely to see Joy’s beautiful face & art here: )
You guys rock!
Seriously.