Joy & grace customs

This is me.

This is my hobby - scratch that - my business.

This is my story.

I’ve always loved creating things. Not just pictures. But making THINGS. Bringing ideas to life. I never really realized that’s what I was doing until I was told so. I was going to go to college to get a dental hygienist certificate, to, you know, just make some money, get on my feet. Then I’d go back for what I really wanted to do (we all know how that one works out). My Mom, in nicer words, told me what a stupid idea this was. She said I’ve always been making or building something, and needed to pursue a career where I can continue that. So I did. I went to school for graphic design. And I love it. All of it, every step of the process. But, when your primary medium is a screen, despite all the love for it, leaves something lacking. Something a little unfulfilled.

Then one day my parents came up with this crazy idea to start a laser engraving business. It seemed out of the blue at first, but my Dad has always loved woodworking, and it seemed like a natural transition. They were also always up to some crazy scheme, so it didn’t seem too out the normal for this type of announcement. They set out on their retirement dream together and created Wooden Scriptures, llc. They focused on scripture based gifts and keepsakes. They did some amazing outreach and spread the word through their craft. Just as they were getting it off the ground Dad got sick. Priorities changed and the business took a backseat to focus on his health. After a long fight, we lost him in May of 2016. The future of Wooden Scriptures, llc was uncertain. It wasn’t the same anymore. Half of it was gone. Understandably my Mom wasn’t sure if she wanted to continue something that they had been building together, on her own. Fast forward to 2019. I had always thought it would be so amazing to join them and maybe someday take over when they decided their work was done. It seemed, however that the work was done before it truly began. Mom had reached out to the family to tell us she had found someone that might be interested in purchasing the engraver. Since she wasn’t using it anymore it made sense. I had a knot in my stomach. I couldn’t stand the thought. I realized I had never really expressed my true interest in continuing what they had started. I knew I had to say something, that I had to somehow make this work. If life has taught me anything it's that the future isn't a guarantee and there will never be another right now. We worked out the details and, through my mom’s amazingly generous heart I was able to begin my own journey.

I knew I wanted to continue their work, but also make it my own. I played with a few ideas for names and eventually settled on Joy & Grace customs. My girls are my inspiration and their middle names are Grace and Joy. In order of age, it is actually Grace first, then Joy. Which I have been reminded of incessantly by my eldest. Typography being near the top of my art enjoyment, I tried, to no avail, to explain my reasoning to her. Someday it won’t matter. For now, I can tolerate the whining. Some polling of family and friends to nail down the name and logo design (because I can’t make decisions on my own), a little remodeling by my awesome husband (because I also can't drywall on my own), and Joy & Grace Customs as we now know it, was born. What’s with the cardinal? That’s another story in itself. That’s Dad. He’s still a part of this, and always will be.

I love to focus on making beautiful art to engrave on beautiful pieces. I initially started with a few signs and gifts. Eventually I realized I can make jewelry as well. The jewelry has become an overwhelming favorite. Both of my own and those that see my work. I’m good with this because it’s my favorite to make as well. Win win in my book.

I always try to find my own ways to share the good news of Christ. This business has given me an amazing platform on which to do that. Many of the gifts and keepsakes are scripture based. Meant to inspire all of us to share the love and example of Christ with each other.

I hope you find something you love. I hope you find something that inspires you, or just makes you smile. Maybe, if nothing else, I can help you find a little Joy and Grace in your life.