After a major corporate job loss (Nov 07), I decided I couldn’t bear trying to find a job and work as hard as I do for anyone else. The additional burden of being 50 yrs young and competing for jobs in this economy was a big impetus for me to decide to open my own business.

Trouble was, I didn’t know what I wanted to do! I only knew I wanted to do something creative again (in the 80’s I’d made a living painting stoneware pottery, and also had jewelry and magnet businesses) I bought a sewing machine so I could learn machine quilting while I figured out what path I should take.

I came upon some great upholstery fabrics, and made up a bunch of grocery/carry all tote bags and hit the craft show circuit (April 08). A customer told me about etsy, and I opened my shop (Sept 08). Business was building and I decided I was going to throw myself into this and make it work.

I promised my husband I would clip coupons, and not buy shoes/bags/etc to keep our expenses down. I found that the coupon organizers I bought were cheap paper or plastic. Some were set up that made you sort soup and frozen food in the same section! Searching ebay, amazon, and the internet turned up nothing else that worked or looked better, just more cheap plastic/vinyl and those big ugly binders!

I designed my own, based on my needs and with some cool fabric – and by the time the 3rd person had stopped me in the store to check it out the light bulb had gone off! I fine tuned the basic design, and they were an immediate hit!

In Nov 09 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This business and specifically etsy became my rock. I spent 10 months battling cancer, and was unable to do shows or get around too much. Being able to focus on building my business on etsy, and learning and absorbing all the amazing resources here were for me, life saving. I will always love etsy for being there for me when I most needed it.

I am the original and premier maker of this style organizer! Funny that something I started to do just to save money is now making me money and allowing me to sustain this ever growing business!

My organizers have been featured in national publications and news reports. Couponing communities have been incredibly supportive and helpful in the development of exactly what is wanted and needed for the best couponing system for many. I will always be grateful to the couponing community for supporting my business, which allowed me to work from home full time and be available as a caregiver to family members over the past few years. Thank you!

Added to my line next were reusable sandwich bags and mesh produce bags - we are very committed to using as little plastic as possible, and encourage others to reduce their throw away plastic use!

We have also added Non Paper Towels/Napkins to our line - we've reduced our single use paper waste by 90%.

I've been making Grocery/Market tote bags since 2008, and continue to do so today.

Couponing is now done more with apps than clipped coupons, so my organizers have morphed into being more of an all purpose handy way to use as purse, budget organizer, keeper of coupons, receipt storage, credit card carrier and change purse. I make many inserts for you to customize your organizer to work best for your needs!

I spend the warmer weather months selling at farmers markets. When I'm not sewing, I love working with yarns - I am an avid fiber collector and enjoy weaving, crocheting, felting and all things fiber related! My fiber shop here on etsy is GlowGirl Fibers.

I LOVE MY LIFE!