J'Creativ, the journey to "Escape and be Creative "

In 2014, I created a Facebook page named Huismark Aanlyn, meaning "House market Online," to sell gifts and crafts online, like a market from home, but online.  The idea came to me from persons in the community who started a very successful monthly market from their home.  They had too many vendors at that stage, and I wanted to start the same thing, but online, as our home does not have the space or parking for a market from home.  

Later on, I changed the name as I figured the name Huismark Aanlyn seemed more like the name of an estate agency than an online gift and crafts market/store. I also tried selling make-up beauty products and changed the page again to include the words "Health and Beauty."

Being a beauty consultant for a few known brands, however, just did not work for me in the community I am in.  I am a full-time Conveyancing secretary wanting to get my own business from the ground, and all of the above had to happen in the little spare time I had available between my full-time job and kids at school. My FB page, however, still remains J'Creativ Gifts, Crafts, Health and Beauty.

In May 2018, the weekend of 25 and 26th, I attended a 2 day Protea workshop at a local Art Studio.  This was life changing.  I got hacked on a passion for painting, which just totally boosted my craving for being creative, which I've been longing for in a job where it does not get fulfilled.  I started attending a class once a month, and my paintings piled up.

Even more so, I've started painting more and more on my own as well, and also went on a creative journey in creating all sorts of arts and crafts again. I realized the importance of keeping my creative side alive, as part of me was just dying inside of me in all the years I only worked my full-time job and did not make the time for it.

I sold a few of my paintings and crafts at local craft markets. It is, however, very time and energy consuming to have the car packed every time to attend as a vendor.  Furthermore, presenting my arts and crafts at the markets, which are mostly taking place outdoors, most of the time results in a mess, with the unpredictable rainy weather conditions of Western Cape. It results in paintings and craft products getting damaged, which I can not afford. With art being a slow seller in the local communities, it is also not worth trying the indoor available markets, as it is not very cost-effective.

With the assistance of my eldest daughter, who studied graphic design, I have now been able to set up my very own website to sell my arts and crafts online.  In collaboration with a local coffee shop who offers the use of their creative space, I am also able to offer creative workshops to allow people in the community to discover or re-discover their own creativity and the importance of boosting your creative side.  It is relaxing and therapeutic and helps with creative thinking in problem solving at ones workplace as well.  

In Septembers 2021, one of my created FB profile photos read "Escape and be Creative!"  Except for Selling Arts and Crafts, that is what J'Creativ is all about.

I am not going to spill the beans right now about my greater dream for "Escape and be Creative!"  I just know that the flight for this journey is slowly taking off to a greater destiny.

For now, feel free to browse through my website, see what I have to offer, and enjoy the commencing journey with J'Creativ!