About Anna
Hello! Welcome to my first blog (eek!)! So for those of you that do not know me - I am Anna, the founder and owner of Just A Ray Of Sunshine. I am a stay-at-home mom to two little ones, business owner to two businesses, wife of 7 1/2 years and counting, and reseller on eBay with my husband. We have a dog, chickens, and pigeons. So life can be crazy but I would not trade my life for anything. We are so blessed!
Education
Most of my life, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. While finishing my associate's degree, I worked in the before and afterschool program at an elementary school. I also had to volunteer and observe in classrooms for assignments for college. It was in all of that, that I came to the conclusion that my passion for teaching was no longer there. I was so close to finishing my associate's degree, that I went ahead and completed it in early childhood education. The next semester, I started my bachelor's degree in organizational management. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have used it since by owning my businesses. I was even inducted into Sigma Beta Delta during that time - super proud of that accomplishment.
Beginning of Just A Ray Of Sunshine
When I switched to getting a business degree, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I started brainstorming, and finally in my last semester of college; in the beginning of 2018 Just A Ray Of Sunshine was born. It actually did not start as a jewelry business (or décor). I made bath bombs, lip balms, and beard balms. I wanted to sell products in jars (hence the acronym of the company). I sold some but quickly realized it was NOT what Just A Ray Of Sunshine was supposed to be. So back to brainstorming: What was I passionate about? What did I want to do potentially for the rest of my life? What was Just A Ray Of Sunshine supposed to be? Aha! I love organizing! So I started on the road to become a professional organizer. I started some volunteer work in exchange for pictures for a portfolio and did some paid jobs. I loved it - it gave me an adrenaline rush. In the middle of all of this, I got pregnant with our first child. As much as I loved organizing, it still did not feel like what God intended for the business. Fast forward a little bit, and summer of 2020, one of my sister-in-laws and I started discussing how to make extra money. We kept Just A Ray Of Sunshine and decided to start working together on jewelry. I edited the website I had already created and we got to work. She was part of the company for a year and a half, and moved on to another job. I am so grateful for all that she inputted and her time with the business. I can confidently say Just A Ray Of Sunshine is finally in the category it should be in.
Jewelry Making
I learned how to make jewelry back in high school but did not stick with it as much as I wish I had through the years. Making jewelry is exciting and therapeutic to me- it literally feels like sunshine in my soul. When you share my items, wear them, buy them (all the things, ya know), it makes the sunshine even brighter. I hope you all feel the same way!
Learning and Sensitivities
I am still learning new techniques and how to improve the quality of our items while keeping reasonable prices. One thing Just A Ray Of Sunshine is big on when it comes to jewelry is sensitive skin issues. I have plenty of family members that have to have certain types of materials so their skin does not get agitated. That is why we strive to offer nickel free, as well as hypoallergenic items. We are proud to say, those same family members have had no issues with our products and can wear them all day long comfortably.
Not Just A Jewelry Company
Not only does Just A Ray Of Sunshine make and sell jewelry, we also handcraft décor and other accessories. We purchased a Cricut when we started the jewelry in 2020 and a laser back in 2022 which has helped us to expand our business over time. No matter what you purchase from us, please know a lot of thought, designing, heart, sweat, money, and sometimes even tears have been put into those products. We cannot wait to see where Just A Ray Of Sunshine goes; as well as these blogs!
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