....sigh.
tough post. but ALL GOOD THINGS come from GOOD times...and GOOD decision making...and GOOD people behind them.
That being said, this will be my last Hip Hop Thursday with UNITY Stamp Co. for a while, at least <3
I have sadly, and very regretfully (this is tugging on my heart tonight as I write....) decided to step down from my position as Design Team member for Unity in order to pursue some other things and cannot thank Angela enough for believing in me...and most of all for the friendships I've made in the past year and a half. In addition, Pamela Young and Julie Campbell (PC mag's latest GO-TO girl, woo hoo!) will also be moving on from UNITY and I wish them well. It is SO hard to have to decide what stays and what goes sometimes...especially when you TRULY do not love something any less...
I will NEVER forget when AJ Otto emailed me asking me to be their guest designer for December of 2009. This spun into staying into January to avoid all the CHA craziness and help make samples, as well. And then, the email from Angela, simply asking "Would you like to stay?"
NO. BRAINER. YEP. Sign me up!
I am just going to say that in the past year and a half, I've met some of the most amazing people in my life. And although I LOVE the stamps, I love LOTS of stamps. I WILL say, Unity's quality is unsurpassed, especially for a company that makes their stamps IN HOUSE, and I am so grateful for the tons and tons of rubber that I will continue to use and submit with in the next phase of my stamping career.
But, the biggest reason I'm going to miss Unity has NOTHING to do with the stamps. It's talking to THESE girls every day...over email, in our DT forum, etc....
I shouldn't be sad, right? Because HOW could I NOT stay close to these ladies?
I have to keep saying-it's only the Design Team that's changing... right?
MOST of all, I am of the EXTREME hope that if you are here reading this because it's Thursday, that you'll stick with me even though I might not be designing for Unity any longer. I have missed chatting w/ you guys in the Forum on Thursdays...but love that we have blogs and Facebook to keep in touch w each other, don't you?
I have to keep saying-it's only the Design Team that's changing... right?
MOST of all, I am of the EXTREME hope that if you are here reading this because it's Thursday, that you'll stick with me even though I might not be designing for Unity any longer. I have missed chatting w/ you guys in the Forum on Thursdays...but love that we have blogs and Facebook to keep in touch w each other, don't you?
I HATE decisions like these, because they toy with my heart. I KNOW that creatively I am RIGHT. WHERE. I. SHOULD. BE. JUST like the card says <3
Card deets: "Right Where You Should Be" stamp by Ippity
Paper: Crate Paper Portrait, Diecut flower also by Crate paper
HELMAR Zap-Dots (1/4" black ROUND)
Card deets: "Right Where You Should Be" stamp by Ippity
Paper: Crate Paper Portrait, Diecut flower also by Crate paper
HELMAR Zap-Dots (1/4" black ROUND)
And w/ some new things on the horizon...something had to give :( Never easy...but I'm confident...and as I told the girls...my friends on the Design Team that I. LOVE...
IRONICALLY....
AS I TYPE THIS...my "brave girl" newsletter came in my email:
"If your heart is telling you the way to go...GO! Even if it seems impossible, or terribly difficult, or futile. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy...and the way something hard-earned feels and tastes has no comparison...it is worth it!"
You see, again, I have this stamp...it says I'm
RIGHT.
WHERE.
I.
SHOULD.
BE.
IRONICALLY....
AS I TYPE THIS...my "brave girl" newsletter came in my email:
"If your heart is telling you the way to go...GO! Even if it seems impossible, or terribly difficult, or futile. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy...and the way something hard-earned feels and tastes has no comparison...it is worth it!"
Thank you to EVERYONE...and let's keep in touch. FACEBOOK. Twitter. SCS...I will NOT be a stranger. And PLEASE continue to play in the NEW Unity Challenge. That was my baby and I hate to give it up, either :( I LOVE how many of you have come out to play-you have no idea how happy thats made me! So keep it up...I'll be cheering you ALL on from the sidelines!
Last but not least, I happen to have an EXTRA February Kit of the Month
(how fitting is that?!)
ONE LUCKY WINNER who comments on this post will be drawn to WIN this kit-and I will keep this open through the weekend, Sunday evening at 10pm CST.
For now...go see my DEAR and CHERISHED friend, Jimmi...
I'll announce the winner on Monday's blog post :)
HUGE HUGE thanks...I LOVE YOU. all of you. <3
64 comments:
Aw Jess, I am happy you are following your heart and what's best for you at this time. OF course I'll still keep up with you - no escaping me at least til December. Oh and by the way, AMAZING card, I have that stamp too. Love it and use it on so so so many projects.
xo Angelica
You make me want to cry! I can't imagine ever stepping down from the Unity DT so I must imagine whatever is on the horizon is going to knock my socks off. :) I am so very envious of your success! (In a good/very supportive way.)
The emotion of this post makes me want to cry, not really the message because no matter who you design for or don't design for, I know we'll keep in touch and stay friends! I'm just thankful we did get to hang out because of the Unity peeps and hope we get to do it again soon!
Jess~I wish you continued Success in your new venture. I am blessed to have made a friend in you. You are an amazing person with and incredible personality. Your creativity is incredible. I will keep in touch with you & continue to follow you. Please keep in contact with me on FB.
I can only imagine how hard of a decision this was for you & your family. Unity is my favorite Stamps!
Hugs,
Marcy
I can imagine how difficult it is, Jess. I totally feel you as I read your post! So sad..but I do wish you much success in whatever is in store for you, in your new adventure.
This is seriously a wonderful card! Fantastic sentiment! It is so perfect!
ohhh! this post seems so sad in many ways. but we all realise that there is just not enough time in every day, and yourself and family must always come first. I love seeing all your wonderful creations from many different crafting company's - you are very talented!
Oh, my sweet friend! I am so happy that I got to meet you and that we are friends and thank goodness for Facebook I get to see what you are up to....but I am also sad that I won't be on the same DT with you and work close with you. And in the same time I am happy and excited for the opportunities coming your way as you do deserve the best! Love you and will keep in touch with you for sure and see you at CHA! Hugs....(oh and I love our pretty picture together.... :))
Good Luck and Best Wishes Jess! I am a follower and will continue to stalk your blog as I always do. You are one inspirational lady!
Hugs,
Susan xxox
http://stamponme.blogspot.com/
Awwww Nuts!!! I was so afraid that this was coming because of all the incrediable opportunities that you have that have come your was lately,and I am sure that there are many more on the horizon! You are an incrediable designer and an incrediable person! Your kids are so lucky to have you as a Mommy,and we have been so lucky to have you here for us with Unity! Of course I follow TGF as well, but it isn't quite the same as the Unity family. Probably because I am also part of {ippity}! Please stay in touch on facbook! And Thank you for all of the inspiration you have shared and taught me!
You deserve the best Jess! Be Happy!
Blessings and BIG Hugs,<3
Mary
Oh Jess, beautiful card, and I can say that I know exactly how you feel. Leaving the Unity DT is one of the hardest things I've had to do and I still regret it at times, lol! I know they'll miss you as you are a true ray of sunshine! BUT, you know, my friend, that I'll still be stalkin' ya!;) LOVE YOU!!
Jess
So sad to see you go. You are an awesome designer and we will miss you. Your blog will still be on my favorite list and will visit it daily. Best of luck to you in your new endeavors.
Your talent will be missed I'm sure at Unity. I feel for you for having to make the decision to move on, I am sure your friends and followers will stay on with you, we only want the best for you. I can't wait to see what new direction you will be going in, I'll be here to see it for sure. That Unity set looks gorgeous, so generous of you to offer it as blog candy too. Hugs, ~Diane
You are amazing and I know that you have to always follow your heart! I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee your card! It is GORGEOUS! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Yes you are right where you should be. big hug Jolande..
Good luck Jess. Sometimes the hardest decisions are the best.
Wish you luck, Jess!! I am sure you will a lot of great things ahead!! It was always great to see your Unity creations.
Thanks for sharing those fun pictures with the Unity Gals!!
I am sad to see you step down, but hope that your other adventures keep you happy and busy! I loved the card today, what a fitting sentiment!
Best wishes to what is to come for you! Decisions are always hard, especially when you are giving up something you love. Love your card by the way :D
Change is always hard but I believe that great things are on the horizon for you! Have enjoyed your cards and today's is PERFECT!
Sorry to see you go Jess, thanks for all the inspiration with Unity - will continue to follow your blog, as you are amazing! Can't wait to see what this new chapter in your life brings.
Oh Jess! I'd be lying if I said your post did not bring tears to my eyes! You will be missed for sure, but I will still be checking out your blog and wish you the best :)
Perfect quotes for this post. Unity was just one chapter of your life and I know with your creative and inspiring MOJO...you have many many chapters to share. I will still be one of your stalkers and of couse stalk you on FB too! I have been blessed with all the friends I've met through Unity! Good luck in your new adventure. Hugs
Jess, So sad to see you leaving the Unity DT. I will miss seeing your Unity creations but will of course continue to follow your blog and BE INSPIRED!! I can't wait to see where your new adventures lead you!! You have such a sweet spirit and I know you will be Super Successful in all that you do!! Oh and thanks for the chance to win the kit (I have been a Kit club member for a long time and have only had to skip a few - this being one of them)!!
Beautiful card! So sad you are stepping down from DT. Best of luck on all your present and future endeavors.
Change is good and so is growing. I love watching people grow and I'll keep watching out for you girl! So glad I got to meet you at CHA but bummed I did not get more time with you! Wishing best of luck!
Jessica... change is never easy.. for sure.... I always ready your blog and love seeing what you are up to... I can't wait to hear what's next in your life on FB and here on your blog.. u are a shining light.. love to you, bonitarose xo
I'm sad to hear of this news Jessica! But I understand and everything happens for a reason... I love to see your strength and faith as you pursue new opportunities. You are amazingly talented and any team is LUCKY to have you. Best of luck and you're in my prayers <3
Yep, I'm sad. But I hope spectacular doors are opening for you. :(
I love you Jess!! <3
Ah! I love you babe!! This card is so cute and perfect! And leaving one place to head on to a new adventure is always so hard but it's hard to pass on a new opportunity some times! BIG HUGS girlie!!
I hope whatever you do next is wonderful, exciting and makes you fall in love all over again with yourself. Best of luck to you.
Enjoy the journey, Jess....you have a beautiful style♥
Best wishes in your new endeavors! :D
ahhhh we will sure miss you, but catn wait to see what new stuff you show ;)
Oh, what a hearttoching post, Jessica... I am really-really sorry to hear that you leave Unity DT... I understand how hard was your decision... But you are right if heart says "GO", we need to listen to it and follow our heart.
You have done an amazing job for Unity, and you will b missed so much!
Hugs to you my friend,
Elena
Change.... The double edge sword...... It brings growth, new experiences, new friends and exciting things.
I wish you all the best with your new endeavors and know your positive attitude will guide you to where you are supposed to be in life!!
All the best! Be you, be creative and above all embrace the change as it will make you a stronger happier person!!!
Hugs,
V
Ps if this is a second post I'm sorry..... But I had a boo boo!!
As hard as it must be to move on, sometimes that is what we have to do to grow. I love your post and the notion that you are right where you should be - even it things are hard. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
You are going to be missed. Good luck with your new adventure. I will still be following your craftiness.
Adorable card Jess!! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!!
OH NO NO NO! :( Well it sounds like its a good decision for you! You rocked Unity and will be fabby in all that you do!
Will be chatting with you though. Love your card!
Always follow your HEART... ALWAYS... :) I won't say that I'll miss you.. cuz I'll still be in touch...through the airwaves.. ha!
Be blessed in your new endeavors! Thanks for sharing with us. Your work is great!!
YOU are an amazing person! I'm so grateful to have "met" you thru this unique blogging/stamping community! I know this is such a hard decision for you but wow, that brave girls letter really hit it on the spot, didn't it?! Be brave, sistah. Be confident. You.Are.Right.Where.You.Should.Be
Love ya!!! *hugs*
Awe Jess, so sad to see you going! I have enjoyed your creations for a while now. I hope your next adventure brings you all the joy that you found through the Unity family. I will keep following to see where life takes you :)
Good luck in all you do Jess, I love your work!!~
What a perfect card to go with your post!
Sorry to see you go, but new adventures await. Thanks for all the ideas you've shared during this periond.
Such a lovely card! I can't wait to see what's next for you Jess!
What a great card and post. Congrats on your new ventures and we are going to miss you being in the Hop every week!
I love your "right where you should be" card! Thanks for sharing so much great Unity inspiration with all of us during your time with the DT--I can't wait to see what fun crafty stuff you do next! Good luck!
What a beautiful card! You will be greatly missed on the Unity team. I hope all goes well in your new endeavors.
Following your hears is not always the easiest thing to do. I wish you the best of luck with where life takes you next!
I'm sorry that you are going, but happy that you are doing what you think is right for you. Change is hard no matter what...We will miss you and your talent!
I know it must be hard for you to part, but you have to stay true to your heart Jess! You have and will accomplish great things and I can't wait to see what you'll share with us next! It must be exciting! :)
gorgeous card!! LOVE it!!
Aww.. I will miss your Unity cards and posts.. but yes you are right where you should be - great sentiment!!
(hugs) Miss ya!
Sammi
xxx
Decisions like this are always so hard to make... but when your heart feels happy & at peace, you know you've made the right choice. You've done such an awesome job with Unity & your positive vibe is so infectious. I hope we can meet one day soon b/c I want to give you a big squeeze! :)
Much success in all your do, Jess. You will be missed!!
Donna
DonnaCMC at optonline dot net
Jess,
Even though I haven't commented in a LONG TIME.....I have been getting your emails for about a month now. THANK YOU for all of your inspiring words and crafts!!! I wish you all the luck in the world!!!
I had to stop crafting last year when we became homeless for a couple of months. Things have not been good...but are looking up.
I am taking Brave girls Soul Restoration online right now...So INCREDIBLY gifted to me by Christy and Melody...and it is going to help me immensely!!!! And I know it is RIGHT WHERE I SHOULD BE.
I will always keep following!!!
Best of luck in all you do. Unity Stamps are my favorite. I did however skip that KOTM so I'd love a chance to get it now.
OH, Jess! WOW! I am shocked--but I'm excited that 1) I've become friends with you 2) you've shared some amazing creations with us using Unity and 3) that you are headed into new adventures!!
I can only imagine how hard it was for you to make this decision! This post was def. sad for me--but like I said earlier--I'm excited!!
I will be in touch--FB and still stalking your blog!! GOOD LUCK:) and tons of HUGS!
Best of luck in everything you do. I will definitely keep reading your blog! How can I not?
Changes are hard but sometimes you have to do what's right for you. That said, I'd love to win that set. I have all sorts of ideas in my head for it.
Good luck
Sad to see you go, but excited for you new opportunities. I have your blog on my google homepage, so will be able to keep up with your new adventures. Best of luck in all you do. Would love to win the set--I had to discontinue my KOM for a while.
Jess,
Good luck with your new endeavors. Taking a risk and trying new things is always scary, but the opportunity to grow is always an exciting moment in our lives. Treasure the memories and enjoy the new experiences! Best of Luck!
look at all the love here for you..no surprise, we LOVE ya! best of luck, sad I don't get to work with you now that I'm offically on the DT. you're work with Unity will be missed. best of luck with all that's to come!
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