Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Durham.
Joy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In the summer of 2001, my oldest daughter lost her left eye in an accident, which altered the course of my life and moved me deep into the medical community for the next several years. It was during this trying time I fell inward with my thoughts and began to see the reality and needs of others who were struggling under the same or worse circumstances. I picked up a crochet needle to make a scarf for Christmas and not long after, the idea and concept for Sunshine Scarves were born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been a long one, and it has required the heart of a sojourner to travel down its path. It’s weaved through the most beautiful meadows, filled with the flowers of success as I’ve walked by people I didn’t know who had one of my scarves wrapped around their necks and I’ve wanted to jump out of my shoes with excitement, or the deep joy of looking at a photograph of a celebrity wearing my designs; which to a designer is the apex of achievement and recognition. I’ve also followed the path into the darkest of valleys, with lawsuits between two partners that sunk all the goodwill, progress and finances to the bottom of the sea like the Titanic. I’ve also experienced sitting in the dingy lifeboat after the ship had sunk and wondered which way to row or if even I should row at all. I’ve sat in the devastation of many things and have found that the desire of my heart has always led me back to what I love most–which is to crochet, to create and to help and to give.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started working in the Fashion and Entertainment industry when I was 18 years old as a commercial actress and print model. I stayed the course within this profession for 26 years before I retired to raise my three children and put more focus on my company. I was inspired and influenced by fashion, fabrics, colors, and endless possibilities. It was easy to move into developing a fashionable scarf from scratch and use the resources within the industry to market and promote Sunshine Scarves.
I kept my focus on scarves as our “staple item”, and developed a handful of specialty items like hats, fingerless gloves, and shawls.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I wished I knew the breadth and depth of what it really took to run a small business and keep it afloat – which is all of your time and as much money as you can put into it, and in the end, you aren’t guaranteed any success. It’s a 50/50 shot, which isn’t the most incredible odds.
However, the challenges are tremendous growth opportunities to hone your character and every aspect is a learning curve, so you will educate the mind whether you set out to do that or not. There are so many valuable (non-monetary) aspects that encompass running your own business or starting one. It’s beautiful to be involved in making your dreams come true and having them envelop you in the success of that accomplishment.
Pricing:
- Lowest $39.00
- Highest $489.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sunshinescarves.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinescarves/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunshinescarves
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunshine-scarves-los-angeles-2?osq=sunshine+scarves
Image Credits
Photographer: Joy Durham-Schaefer (self-portrait timer sessions)
