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Featured Artist – Jan DiCintio of Daisy Janie

It is with such pleasure I present this next artist to you all. I love her work. She is a talented fabric designer with an eye for beautiful creations. Her Urbana collection makes me smile big!
Jan and I would have been neighbors if she didn’t move away from the Midwest!!
Jan has an eye candy of a shop and a sweet blog where she shares her daily inspirations. I heart them both and I urge you to check them out. Also, check out this cool video she filmed and edited. Talk about talents!!

Shall we start? Take a seat and enjoy!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I have been a working artist for over 10 years, with a focus on fabric and surface design. I’m married to the man of my dreams, which becomes more true with every passing day. We have an 11-year-old son and 2 wild canines. My degree is in Marketing, and it has proven quite useful in running my own business!

How do you run a business while being a mother to young children?

My kiddo is now 11, and the older he gets, the easier it gets b/c I have my day to myself. However, I remember all too well trying to work during naps or preschool mornings – it’s very challenging and hectic! What I find most demanding these days is my need to be “in the moment” when we talk or spend time together. There’s no more setting him up with a toy or tv show while I run off to check email, and telling him, “Mommy has to do something real quick.” For me, the jig is up so I try to make sure he knows he’s the priority when he’s the priority.


Do you have a studio/work schedule? What works for you?

I pretty much rock around the clock when it comes to work, but I do have certain things I prefer to get done at certain times of the day. I tend to blog for Scoutie Girl first thing & last thing in the day, and the afternoons are filled with work for Daisy Janie. I keep a running to-do list, and that is a major help for me – so I can jump right in without have to think! Lists help with keeping my anxiety levels in check, too.

busy, busy bee! I love how colorful her workplace is.

When did you start doing what you do and how did you come about realizing that this is “it”?

Since 2000, I’ve had 3 businesses with an art-selling bent – Daisy Janie is lucky #3! Although the media was different, the focus in each business has always been about covering surfaces with a design: painting it, sewing it or printing it. As my skillset evolved and my interests changed, I would experiment with new ideas. Such was the case in 2005 when I wanted to use fabrics that nobody else was using, and I designed my own! Talk about an eye-opener – that was the “it” moment for sure.

Urbana Collection – a favorite of mine amongst others.

What inspires you?

Original artistry that marries form & function – or ‘beauty & duty’ as I like to call it. I also go bonkers over Broadway-style musicals, particularly anything by Bob Fosse. Both of these are art forms embedded in raw talent and serious passion – they speak volumes to me and send me completely over the edge!!

her artwork looks great on the walls too!!!

How do you separate working of your growing business from spending time with the family? Any tips you would like to share with us?

To separate the two, I’ve designated certain times of the day that are absolutely untouchable for each. Constant perspective checks help a great deal: I remind myself that this time when my son is young will not be returned to me, and I also remind myself that the pressure I feel regarding my business is completely self-induced…it’s a tight rope that can spur magnificence as easily as it can eat you alive.


What’s your idea for a perfect day?

A great workout in the can by 9am, home to relax with the fam and a strooong cup of coffee, little housework or yardwork (for real) until lunchtime, bike ride or hike in the afternoon, yummy dinner & more family time with games and/or one of our fave shows (Dirty Jobs, Good Eats, Mythbusters, Survivorman). As I wrote this, I realized I work so darn much that it’s extremely rare for me to do all of these things in one day – usually just 1 or 2 on the list. Must change that immediately – thanks for that Vana!

Do you keep/have a wish list?

Yes indeedy – for home and for work! At the top would be lots of unfinished projects in our home – too many to count! Next on the wishlist would be magically destashing all the raw mats I no longer need/sell. They take up space in my house and in my head, and I’d like to have them gone from both! (Anyone need 10 yds of 15-gauge clear vinyl?)

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
My personal holy trinity: lip balm, lotion and Trident.

What makes you smile?
My husband, my son, my dogs, my friends, my family…the standard stuff.

Jan, it is such a pleasure knowing you and seeing you expand your designs all the time. I look forward to seeing what you come up with in the future. Thank you for the glimpse into your life, and work.

Make sure to check Jan’s work here and blog here

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