Jewelry? What's that?

Jewelry?  What's that?  I've been a bit swamped since, well a long time.  But, it's all for good.  But, I wanted to give those who know me as a jewelry artist a peak at my other business - PerFurred Pet Care.

I've been a pet sitter for about 8 years.  I originally started doing this 8 years ago after I had breast cancer the first time (with a dose of Graves Disease on the side).  A Marketing Manager and Events Coordinator by trade, I just wasn't ready to go back into 60 hour work weeks, so I thought this would be a good thing to get me back in shape.  (Graves kicked my ass!).  I was contracting for pet sitting company and, when word got out that I was pet sitting, I started growing my own client base.  I always thought I'd go back to the corporate world and that this was just temporary, but I was having fun and I somehow didn't miss corporate life.  Besides, pet sitting gave me time to do things I love - like curating, animal rescue, and making jewelry. 

In January of last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer AGAIN.  Really?  I honestly this only happened to menopausal women over 50.  Nope.  When they found 2 areas of cancer, I made the decision  - no more slicing and dicing, bit by bit.  It was time to get these cancer producing protrusions out of there.  Last year was all about bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction where my amazing doctor at UCLA took my stomach fat and created new, living tissue, breasts.  I had 5 surgeries last year and I'm not quite done yet.  But, I'm cancer free and I feel great.

  Cancer changes your life and your attitude towards life.  The challenge of cancer give you strength - strength that you didn't know you had.  I decided "no more corporate life" unless it was my OWN corporation.  So, I started a REAL pet sitting company - PreFurred Pet Care LLC.  That little "C" there at the end stands for CORPORATION!  I have 2 of the very BEST pet sitters in my business who have now joined me as partners.  We're as busy as heck and having a blast!  It's been a LOT of work, but it's wonderful to be back doing marketing and using my business management experience.  I can't wait to see the business grow.  Yes, I have a business plan, a 5 year plan, and LOTS of great ideas I want to implement.  I'm surrounded by amazing supportive clients and 2 business partners who couldn't be better.  My husband has been 100% behind me with each decision I've made.  I really feel like the luckiest person alive.

So, jewelry-making may not be quite my focus for a bit.  But, believe me, I will continue creating.  It's my sanity and I won't lose that.  I'll find my balance between all of my loves soon enough and you'll see more stuff soon.

Lisa