What are a few lessons you learned as a child, that you’ve taken with you into adulthood?
I think the main lesson I learned was self-reliance, and self-belief. I was an only child, and through certain circumstances, I was pretty self-reliant and was happy to be by myself – a trait that definitely helps when you work from home! I was also brought up to believe I could do anything I set my mind to, and that has, too, held me in good stead.
Do you remember your first experience with the internet?
Not the very first, precisely, but we got the internet when I was in around grade 10, and I have been totally obsessed ever since! I guess I’m a bit of an information-junkie, and I’ve been building websites since the mid-90s, too.
Why do you enjoy creating?
I think it’s a very natural human drive – to create. In fact, I always felt a little unfulfilled before I discovered my current creative endeavors – I never knew that a creative career was what I desired until I stumbled upon it!
What helped you find your love for creating?
It was a novel given to me – the story focused on a woman who owned a yarn store, and it encouraged me to try knitting again… it all snowballed from there, really! I discovered how much I enjoyed making a physical object – all my work previously had been very academic – I was a teacher. So it was rewarding to see a ‘finished product’.
How did you get started blogging?
I remember that I had a Livejournal back at the end of the 90s – so I guess that was the very first blog I ever wrote. It wasn’t till about 2007 that I got into it again, though, and I’ve been blogging ever since.
For you, what’s your favorite part of life?
Freedom. I have been blessed to be born into circumstances that have allowed me to pretty much choose and forge my own path. I have enough money to live on, and so I am free to seek a career that fulfills me, rather than having to work a job I hate because I have a mortgage to pay. At the same time, I *need* to work in order to live above the poverty line, so it’s a fine balance to tread!
What advice would you give to the beginning blogger?
Persevere. It takes time to build an audience, and there is no way to game it other than being persistent, blogging regularly, and writing about something from your own unique perspective.
What do you want written on your gravestone?
She lived the life she wanted.
About Jessica
I found true joy in my life when I unleashed my creativity. I’ve always loved to write, so now I entertain that love by blogging. I also make jewelery under the brand Epheriell; play the cello (badly); knit, crochet and embroider; and am learning French.
On Epheriell Designs I feature my own work and processes; I discuss the handmade and vintage goodness that is in my life; and I also feature many other artisans, crafters, designers and artists’ work to showcase all of the wonderful talent that is out there in the world. You can visit me on Twitter at @jessvanden.
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- Let Life Be Your Muse, Interview with Elizabeth Flora Ross
- Blogging Like A Diva: Interview with Dede Watson
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
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