Kate ka
vdesigns and Katie katiejean played softball together in college, but they fell out of touch after Kate left to continue her education elsewhere. Recently, they were reconnected through Etsy while Kate was browsing through shops and recognized Katie’s face in one of her listing photos. When Kate heard Katie’s story, she was moved to share it and sat down to interview her.
Can you briefly describe your family and what you have been up to since we last saw each other in college?
John and I met as freshmen in college and started dating shortly after. We were married in 2005 and had a son, Isaiah in 2006. We decided that I would be a stay at home mom and to make ends meet, John worked a few nights a week as a waiter in addition to working as a social worker for a local school district.
In the summer of 2007, John developed a persistent cough, followed by severe itching and weight loss. After several different doctor’s appointment and biopsies, he was diagnosed with Grayzone Lymphoma. Over the last two years he has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant in December of 2008. John has always been dedicated to his job and continued to work through chemo and took a short break through his bone marrow transplant, going back to work a few short months after. This past fall he began having problems eating and lost a lot of weight and energy, forcing him to take a leave of absence. Although he is still not cancer free and is experiencing some side effects of the bone marrow transplant, he is making great progress. Last summer I started going back to school to become a nurse. Right now I am taking a break, but hopefully in the next few years I will have a degree so that I can help people just like my husband.
How has sewing and designing helped you and your family during your husband’s fight with cancer?
Long story short, sewing and creating keeps me sane. There is something about the creative process that is just so relaxing. I’m sure that a lot of artists and crafters can relate to that. Since we are often running around to appointments, sewing provides me an escape and allows me to focus on myself.
How has the flexibility of Etsy allowed you to create and promote your work?
I started selling on Etsy after I had my son and before any of this “cancer stuff” happened. I was so excited to have an outlet to share my products and to meet other handmade enthusiasts like myself. While I am certainly not at the “quit my day job” level, it is nice to be able to make a little money doing something I really love. I think the best part about Etsy is the community that you become a part of.
I’m sure that every day is a little bit different for you, but can you explain one of your typical jam-packed days?
Well, our weeks can be pretty unpredictable, but usually three days a week, our normal day goes something like this: 6-7 a.m. I wake up, get my son and myself dressed for the day and make his lunch for school. I help John with whatever he needs to get out the door. Between 7:30 and 9 a.m. I drop my son off at school and then make our way to various appointments. We’re usually home sometime in the afternoon, and then I go pick up Isaiah, perhaps play baseball for a few hours, then dinner, and bedtime for him. If I’m not exhausted by this time, I will try to fit in some sewing before I go to bed.
How do you balance being a mom, wife, student and successful businesswoman (other than being superwoman)?
This one made be laugh. I think every mom has the same struggles I have. It’s all a juggling act: keeping everyone fed, getting the housework done (which is always the first to suffer), and to fit some time in for myself. Honestly, I just try to look at the big picture and be grateful for all the blessings we have in our lives. Our son is such a joy, always knowing when to make us laugh or give us a kiss and hug. My husband is still here and is fighting as hard as he can. We have an amazing family and wonderful friends who support us and help us in any way possible. Of course we have our struggles and our days where it all just seems too hard. However, it certainly could be worse, and overall, life is good.
48 comments
Sign in to add your ownAyca says:
Lovely shop! Great article... Thanks for sharing this beauties :)
2 years ago
sarahknightdesign says:
how nice:) Great interview! So cool that you reconnected on Etsy--- go figure!
2 years ago
GardenAngels says:
I liked the Q & A about being a mom, student, wife, artist, business woman......many hats, and I really liked Katie's answer! Keep that great outlook and fab attitude, it's what gets you through, along with enjoying family, friends, and all the polite etsians, I love them!!!
2 years ago
saintesmariesjewelry says:
what a wonderful story!! I love this article, its beautiful!
2 years ago
herbolution says:
Very inspiring and sweet story!We wish you all the best in your busy life!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Very cute items!
2 years ago
SeasationalShells says:
Beautiful and touching story! Thank you for sharing with us! Love your designs Katie! =)
2 years ago
bedbuggs says:
Great Story, thanks for sharing and super cute items!
2 years ago
Serrelynda says:
What a trip! great story..
2 years ago
undermyfeet says:
Etsy really gives people a platform to live a different life.
2 years ago
sharonclancydesigns says:
Beautiful story of friendship and family. Thanks for sharing. I wish your husband a full recovery.
2 years ago
sofisticata says:
Very nice story! It is always nice to reconnect with all friends!... I have found some on mine here also :)
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
How wonderful that found one another again through Etsy! Best wishes for your family and complete recovery. Hang in there.
2 years ago
SweetwaterGifts says:
Cute shop! True connections never stray far :o)
2 years ago
patspottery says:
Lovely ♥
2 years ago
JemmDee says:
I hope your husband recovers quickly and completely! Thanks for sharing your story.
2 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
wow its amazing how things change over time, hope things go well for you in the future.
2 years ago
kavdesigns says:
Congratulations Katie! So glad I was able to reconnect with you as a result of Etsy! Thanks for sharing your story!
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
great story - i always wonder if some happen upon old friends this way!!
2 years ago
unflappableproducts says:
Thanks for sharing your story-how fun to reconnect and what a beautiful family! Isaiah is precious!-praying for your continued strength and success in beating the cancer. Your work is just beautiful!!
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
So glad you found your friend again!
2 years ago
LuRuUniques says:
What a wonderful story. Hope for the best for you and your family.
2 years ago
jpstyle says:
Beautiful story. Katie, I love your "glass half full" outlook. Stay strong.
2 years ago
paperholiday says:
Great story!
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
that's wonderful. i guess art, supplies and vintage aren't the only thing you can find here.
2 years ago
WoodsyWools says:
Thanks for sharing this story... a true inspiration. What a treasure it is to reconnect with a true friend.
2 years ago
BambuEarth says:
What a great story. I love this stuff.
2 years ago
gogovintage says:
Wonderful finds. I especially love the artistry of Chowallan. Thank you, gogo v
2 years ago
hempcouture says:
What a very touching and inspiring interview! Thank you for sharing. Sending good health and healing vibes to your husband. Peace.
2 years ago
tasifashion says:
Wonderful story! It is nice to see it here :-)
2 years ago
GreenNotion says:
That is such a lovely story. Great article! I love how the internet brings us together with people we are in perfect harmony with. You seem to do very well with balancing all of the important things in life. Way to go and thank you for sharing with us!
2 years ago
fretworker says:
Life is not a bed of roses. Keep the faith and everything will hopefully turn out alright.
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Amazing story - such a strong woman! Beautiful items too!
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Great story! Love your shop!
2 years ago
pasin says:
What a lovely shop
2 years ago
DaphneDays says:
Such cheerful fabrics and nice work. Thanks for your story.
2 years ago
WoodPigeon says:
Great story and shop! All the best!!
2 years ago
thepixelprince says:
Cool
2 years ago
xoxsmiley says:
What a beautiful story and a great shop too! I wish Katie and her family the best.
2 years ago
ForgottenYarns says:
I liked her story and wish her family the best. To stay strong. There a good family from what I read and if they stay strong things will get better. I think she is quite talented. I wish I could sew that well. Those wallets were so cool.
2 years ago
Thestorybookcottage says:
Cool story! Shows, you just never know where your life takes you. Hey, love those little wallets. I can tell you put a lot of work into each one. Carol
2 years ago
TheMadMonogram says:
Your items are amazing! So cute and things you can definitely get some use out of! Good luck with everything you are doing a great job!
2 years ago
DianePIroon says:
this is too sweet! :)
2 years ago
herbanlifestyle says:
What an amazing story. And I love that you reconnected on Etsy! I have been a big fan of Katie's work since I saw her first line of lunch bags at a DC-area craft show. Good stuff!
2 years ago
flowersbyljp says:
Love this story! Good luck to you both. I started crafting a few years ago when I quit my job to take care of my mom full-time. It really is therapeutic to make something, isn't it?
2 years ago
flowersbyljp says:
What a great story! Good luck to you both. I started crafting a few years ago when I quit my job to care for my mother full-time. Making something by hand is very therapeutic, isn't it?
2 years ago
mark13148 says:
nice and interesting
2 years ago
CalvertPreston says:
Oneofthosegirls... I Love You in your New Shirts!
1 year ago