Meet the maker

This month, I am participating in the #MarchMeetTheMaker challenge. Yesterday's prompt was "Brand Origin."

Shannon Joy Creative honestly started when I was a little girl - I climbed trees, made paper dolls, and determined that I was going to change the world.

Those activities and goals haven't changed in almost 40 years! The climbing trees has morphed into climbing mountains and running (half) marathons, but my life is still all about art, adventure, and advocacy.

Painting is newer, though. Next month marks ten years since I started painting in an art therapy class while living in a shelter with my kids. When I moved into my home, I continued painting for my mental health.

It was several years before I painted anything and sold it, and honestly, I never believed it could be an actual business.

I completed my business administration degree in 2015 and had my very first gallery show the same year.

I was working my corporate dream when I got sick in 2017. By 2018, I could barely function. I spent several weeks in the hospital that year, and when I got out, I knew my life needed to change. I wanted to be creative for a living, and I couldn't do that in the job I was in. In September 2019, I quit my job to start a digital marketing company with my friend Amanda. I quickly realized that writing for other people wasn't my dream either.

So, in February 2021, I officially started Shannon Joy Creative, and I haven't looked back. I love creating work that inspires people and makes them think in a different way. I've added a few things over the years, such as speaking and my blog.

I'm looking forward to some bigger changes and books that are coming this year!

📸: @bgstudios_photography