Slow Fashion vs. Fast Fashion: My Journey to Jester Swink
The Turning Point: Leaving Corporate Life Behind
In 2023, after a series of corporate layoffs, I decided it was time for a change. The previous layoffs in 2009 and 2016 had always made me think, “This is my chance,” but money kept pulling me back. I needed stability, so I always found myself back in corporate life. But in 2023, after the final layoff, I decided I was done. Enough was enough.
The corporate world no longer felt right for me. I wasn’t just working for a paycheck; I was giving away my time and talent to something that didn’t fulfill me. That was the moment I decided to put everything into Jester Swink, my passion project. It became my mission to make this my full-time career—no more distractions. It was time to create handcrafted art that not only resonated with me but also brought joy and meaning into others’ lives.
Jester Swink was no longer just a side hustle; it became my focus, my reason for getting up every morning. And to make it possible, I started teaching art and jewelry classes to kids and adults, a way to subsidize my business while doing what I love.
Crafting Art That Brings Joy
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a small business like Jester Swink is the deep connection I feel with my work.
Each piece of ceramic art or nature-inspired wall hanging I create is a reflection of nature’s beauty, designed to bring joy and meaning to my customers.
When I hear from someone who has purchased a piece, whether it’s a personal purchase or a special gift for a loved one, it reminds me why I left the corporate world. Knowing that my creations are making an impact, bringing happiness to someone’s life, is priceless.
CLICK HERE to see this Roots Of Onyx wall hanging treasure
The Importance of Supporting Local Business
As a small business owner living in a tight-knit community in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible power of local support. In our town, local businesses are the backbone of the economy. My husband and I have always made it a priority to shop local, supporting the makers, artists, and small businesses around us instead of big corporations. This community of support is something I cherish deeply and is a big part of why Jester Swink exists today.
When you choose to support local artists and small businesses, you’re not just buying a product; you’re helping to sustain a way of life that values connection, authenticity, and quality over convenience. It’s a movement toward something meaningful, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it. We’ve chosen to invest in this lifestyle—not just as business owners, but as members of a community that believes in what small businesses stand for.
Slow Fashion vs. Fast Fashion: The Choice for Meaningful Purchases
Slow fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement toward sustainability and quality. Unlike fast fashion, which promotes waste and exploitation, slow fashion values craftsmanship, quality materials, and thoughtful design.
At Jester Swink, every piece of handmade jewelry or home decor is made with intention, ensuring it’s something special that will last. By supporting slow fashion, you’re not only investing in a product—you’re making a statement about the importance of quality over convenience and consumerism.
Nature-Inspired Art: A Reflection of Our World
Nature has always been my greatest source of inspiration. Whether it’s the intricate patterns in leaves or the textures of a rock formation, I bring those elements into my designs.
Jester Swink’s natural wall hangings and ceramic art are a reflection of this connection to the earth. Each piece is handcrafted with care, ensuring that the beauty of nature is captured in a way that can be appreciated for years. My art isn’t just about decoration—it’s about creating a deeper connection to the world around us.
CLICK HERE to view my new Art Of Becoming Collection.
Pursuing Your Passion: Why It’s Never Too Late to Make a Change
My journey proves that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Leaving the corporate world wasn’t easy, but I’ve never looked back. If you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you, I encourage you to take the leap and pursue what truly lights you up.
Life’s too short to wait for the “right” time. When you pursue something you love, the rewards go beyond financial gain—they bring personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
If I can do it, so can you.
From My Hands To Yours...
Thank you for supporting Jester Swink and the handmade art I create. Whether through a piece of jewelry or a nature-inspired wall hanging, every purchase you make supports not just a small business, but a movement toward conscious living, sustainability, and creativity.
Together, we’re making a difference in the world of art, fashion, and design.
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