After nearly two years of contemplation, I took the leap: I quit my job to dedicate myself fully to JoyBloomsNJ, my paper flower business that has long captured my heart and imagination.
After almost 9 years with a small medical technology company where I developed extensive sales knowledge and expertise, it was time to say goodbye. While I valued the professional environment and team camaraderie, I recognized my path needed to change. I had thought about this decision many times during moments of stress over the past two years, but this time was different. The decision came in a moment of calm clarity, when I could honestly ask myself: "What truly fulfills you?" and selling medical technology solutions wasn’t the answer.
We have one life, and my soul yearns to create beautiful paper flowers and plants, spreading joy through their realistic and lasting designs. I want to teach others to create, to express their talents, and to mentor people on a deeper level of faith. This realization became my catalyst: I needed to take the first step toward living my dream life, showing faith in my own capabilities and potential for success.
Since Covid, working from home provided exceptional flexibility—the freedom to work from anywhere, balance home responsibilities, meet service providers, and even oversee home renovations while maintaining full-time employment. Inclement weather never disrupted my workday. Most people would question abandoning such stability.
But this pattern has defined my career path. I've always valued security—offices with benefits, advancement opportunities, and regular paychecks. This foundation remains essential to my wellbeing. Yet inevitably, I find myself drawn to creative pursuits that align with my natural gifts, though they typically generate less income.
After high school, I initially explored business and law before gravitating toward photography and writing. In my twenties, I transitioned from a position in NYC's financial district to a photography studio that offered different kinds of rewards. My thirties began with a steady, well-paying corporate role that I eventually left for a position developing church services—essentially producing weekly shows. This creative work brought immense satisfaction despite financial adjustments.
Later, I launched my own Christian media business. As that industry evolved, so did my interests, leading me to study acting with accomplished teachers in New York City. This created another seven-year chapter balancing creative fulfillment with financial considerations, before practical needs eventually guided me to my recent position, which provided valuable experience and stability.
I am prepared for this next chapter. I am confident in my strength and capabilities. I am genuinely enthusiastic about where this path will lead! For two years, while fulfilling my professional responsibilities, I've envisioned making JoyBloomsNJ successful and flourishing—not just creating beautiful paper flowers and plants, but building a community of people who understand that joy multiplies when shared through kindness and love.
Could this be the natural progression in my journey between security and creativity? Might all these previous experiences be building my resilience to weather the inevitable highs and lows of self-employment? Will this be the moment I finally stop alternating between creative passion and security-driven choices? I deeply believe that to be fully rooted in joy, I must take this step forward. I hope you'll join me on this journey!
Remember, stay aware and stay rooted in joy!
