It's Day 3 of our "4 Days of Giveaways"!!! Remember, you can still comment on the first 2 Days of Giveaways! We'll pick all the winners on Tuesday!
You guys seem to like walking down Memory Lane with me... so I have another story to tell. Do you ever wonder how these companies get started? I don't know about all the others but mine started on a whim. I was pregnant with my 3rd child, was on bedrest at home and was trying to scrapbook while lying down (it was tough). At that time Hall of Fame, Masters and other competitons were really big. Everyone wanted to be the next best thing. I decided I was going to try out for Scrapbooker of the Year (CK) - even though I had never even been published. Somehow, I wanted to get started in this Scrapbooking industry that I had a passion for and loved. Obviously, I was not picked for Scrapbooker of the Year, nor was I even considered. I was bummed. My 3rd child was born and life went on. One day I met another Mom at preschool who was a graphic designer. At the time, I was starting to get these ideas in my head about starting a paper company. I researched and researched and researched different companies, products, marketing, business plans, etc, etc. I approached the graphic designer Mom at preschool to see if this was something she would be interested in doing with me. We started out together on this journey. Unfortunately things did not work out with her but I decided to keep moving forward and hire a designer (for those of you that don't know - I'm not a graphic designer but I'm very involved in the design of the products). From there, things just moved forward. One of our local scrapbook stores (Scrapbook Art) was taking new ownership and I presented my products to them. I was really nervous and didn't think they would take me seriously. They did and when I met with them, they said they wanted to order all of my new products. Holy cow! How did that happen! That was in September of 08'... hence the Jillibean Birthday - when our products were first introduced into the marketplace!
Ok, done rambling :) How about another GIVEAWAY? What's up for today? How about a $50 Gift Certificate for Jillibean Soup Products? Leave a comment below! We'll pick a winner on Tuesday!
What a great story. Just goes to show if you put yourself out there wonderful things can happen! :O) melissa
Posted by: Melissa Nueva | September 09, 2012 at 07:49 AM
I was so inspiring to read about how Jillibean Soup got started! Thanks for sharing... and for another chance to win! :)
Posted by: Nicole Doiron | September 09, 2012 at 07:54 AM
I am so happy that even when it didn't work out with the graphic designer Mom that you kept plugging on. I love every Jillibean Soup product I hae bought. Thanks for hosting these giveaways.
Posted by: Pam Spradlin | September 09, 2012 at 07:54 AM
Enjoy hearing how you started. Obviously, it was meant to be.
Posted by: Jan Cross | September 09, 2012 at 07:54 AM
That's awesome, Jill! Thanks again for another great giveaway!
Posted by: Isabelle | September 09, 2012 at 07:56 AM
Love hearing how Jillibean got started! Love your products, they're so fun!! :)
Posted by: Jessica B. | September 09, 2012 at 07:58 AM
Glad you perservered and made your dreams come true. Great story!
Posted by: sherry | September 09, 2012 at 07:58 AM
A wonderful story! Glad it happened! Love your products!
Posted by: Melissa D. Scrapper | September 09, 2012 at 08:04 AM
Way to keep on keeping on! Love your products, thanks for another chance to win some!!
Posted by: Jasmine Ford | September 09, 2012 at 08:06 AM
Great story on how you started your company. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: jpscraps | September 09, 2012 at 08:14 AM
I'm so glad that you kept at it! I am so inspired by your tenacity! Definitely motivates me to reach for the stars too!!!!
Posted by: Eileen Mead | September 09, 2012 at 08:15 AM
Pick me, pick me!! Love Jillibean Soup!!!
Posted by: Sandy | September 09, 2012 at 08:17 AM
It's all about the passion of scrapbooking....so happy you have it. Thanks for the chance to win the "bean "bucks" :)
Posted by: Sue D. | September 09, 2012 at 08:19 AM
what an awesome beginning to your store! my friend amy from simply scrapbooks talks about scrapbook art all the time. I really need to take a road trip there the next time I am up at cord carmera in graceland.
truly an amazing story!!!
once again awesome giveaway!!
Posted by: mary pat | September 09, 2012 at 08:19 AM
LOVE hearing how JB got started..so interesting. Give us more! lol.....
And wow-another GREAT giveaway.
What an awesome week for JB and for us...You are gonna make some scrappers super happy on Tuesday!!!
Posted by: Janet | September 09, 2012 at 08:25 AM
So cool! I am sure you really enjoy having a jot that you love so much and is really a part of you! Congrats on being so successful!
Posted by: KellyG | September 09, 2012 at 08:26 AM
What a great story! Your perseverance really paid off! Thanks for more chances to win more prizes.
Posted by: Christine | September 09, 2012 at 08:32 AM
What an inspirational story! I am so glad that you kept going and created your company....love your papers!
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy | September 09, 2012 at 08:34 AM
What a great story! Thank you for sharing that!!!! Thank you for making your dream come true and creating awesome stuff for us to preserve our memories with!
Posted by: Janet | September 09, 2012 at 08:36 AM
Just a reminder to reach for our dreams! Congratulations that yours has worked out so well.
Posted by: Pam Dean | September 09, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Great story! Love to hear about people following their dreams!
Posted by: Deb Gerrits | September 09, 2012 at 08:43 AM
Very inspiring story. Thank you for this giveaway.
Posted by: Carol Kirby | September 09, 2012 at 08:44 AM
LOve Jillibean & her products! HOpe 2 visit her shop in OHio soon!
Posted by: Angie Racine | September 09, 2012 at 08:48 AM
Hello, I would love to win. Thanks so much for the chance.
Posted by: Carol Vivenzio | September 09, 2012 at 08:55 AM
What an inspiring story. Again congratulation on another birthday. Hope I can win.
Posted by: Cathy Homan | September 09, 2012 at 08:57 AM