A new start - Things that bring you joy!

Credit @thomaskinto

Well a lot has changed since I started this business a few years ago in 2016. I’ve changed careers, relocated to the north Florida pan handle.. When I decided I wanted to turn a hobby into a jewelry business I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The many challenges, lessons, friendships, mistakes ,and blessings this journey has taken. I knew that I could make jewelry that was different, I had never sold anything, but with the support of amazing friends, family, associations, and eventuality new friends, Dequa Designs was born. We did pop up shows throughout Delaware, Maryland, and became a fixture at New Castle Farmers Market every Friday at 4pm.

From bead shows, to craft fairs, and ultimately art fairs and even art galleries, I’ve had the time of my life. As I relocated to north Florida and began the next chapter of my professional career I was also trying to balance my love of jewelry making. I found myself with a health set-back, so I decided to take some time off and regroup and make the last year the year of health. I needed to find my “mojo” again. It’s been an interesting journey when you take time to focus inward on your self-care. For me, the physical results have been apparent with a number of pounds lost and the mental/emotional health is getting stronger with learning to count blessings and find happiness everyday.

What I have learned or “re-learned” in getting my mojo back, is that you need to hold tight to the things that bring you joy in life. It can be family, friends, sports, hobbies, any number of things, for me; its certainly family, and friends, although now days my circle is very small, laugher with friends ( I mean the silly, goofy kind kind) , being healthy, and making beaded jewelry brings me incredible joy and peace. I love working through and idea of colors and design to mapping out a finished product, the crocheting relaxes me in the evening and ultimately when an item is finished I’m incredibly proud, especially if it turns out well. And so I say to you welcome back, I hope you come along for this new journey, drop me a line, ask me a question, or just say hi, it should be a fun ride!