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, âThis is my chance,â 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 wasnât just working for a paycheck; I was giving away my time and talent to something that didnât 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 careerâno more distractions. It was time to create handcrafted art that not only resonated with me but also brought joy and meaning into othersâ 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 natureâs beauty, designed to bring joy and meaning to my customers.
When I hear from someone who has purchased a piece, whether itâs 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 someoneâs 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, Iâve 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, youâre not just buying a product; youâre helping to sustain a way of life that values connection, authenticity, and quality over convenience. Itâs a movement toward something meaningful, and itâs a privilege to be a part of it. Weâve chosen to invest in this lifestyleânot 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 isnât just a trendâitâs 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 itâs something special that will last. By supporting slow fashion, youâre not only investing in a productâyouâre 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 itâs the intricate patterns in leaves or the textures of a rock formation, I bring those elements into my designs.
Jester Swinkâs 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 isnât just about decorationâitâs about creating a deeper connection to the world around us.
CLICK HERE to view my new Art Of Becoming Collection.
Pursuing Your Passion: Why Itâs Never Too Late to Make a Change
My journey proves that itâs never too late to follow your passion. Leaving the corporate world wasnât easy, but Iâve never looked back. If youâre stuck in a job that doesnât fulfill you, I encourage you to take the leap and pursue what truly lights you up.
Lifeâs too short to wait for the ârightâ time. When you pursue something you love, the rewards go beyond financial gainâthey 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, weâre making a difference in the world of art, fashion, and design.
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