Introductions

Hello and welcome to The Prismatic Peacock's Show Your True Colors Blog! Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jessica Croft. I am a wife, mommy, sister, daughter, friend, business woman, entrepreneur, animal lover, and the Owner/Artisan of The Prismatic Peacock. It still seems surreal to me that I am officially a full time artisan and business owner. Though I had always wanted to own my own business, I never would have had the courage to take that leap if my circumstances had not required it. Let me give you a little back story.

My husband, Brian, and I wanted to start a family. It took us two and a half years to conceive. That thing that people say to you about getting pregnant when you stop thinking about it and trying so hard actually happened for us. We were thrilled! At the time I was working as an administrative assistant and parts buyer at an industrial electronics company. Definitely not my dream job by a long shot, but it provided a steady paycheck and health insurance. After having our son, Brandon, a full month early due to pre-eclampsia, I took a full two weeks to recover and adjust to my new role as a mommy. When I called in to the office to see if there was anything I could help out with and work on from home I was informed that I had been replaced. Nice! No warning, no maternity leave, no paycheck, no health insurance, and no job to return to. Crap!

Fortunately, I was able to receive unemployment compensation to help us get by. I diligently looked for work, but there were not many job options in our area. The tough economy meant that any job I did find did not pay enough for me to be able to afford to work and put our infant son in full time daycare. I began brainstorming ideas of how I could earn money working from home. I had been making soy candles as gifts for friends and family for a few years, but really just considered it to be a hobby. I decided to do some checking around, and I discovered that it was pretty difficult to find natural 100% soy candles. After quite a bit of research and a ton of experimentation, I locked down what I considered to be the highest quality and most eco-friendly materials and processes. I gave it some thought and decided that if I loved and used my products then other people would too. I took a deep breath, had a glass of wine, and began the business licensing process. I was a mommy now, and my son was depending on me. If I couldn't find a job then I would make one for myself.

Taking that leap of faith and starting a business was not an easy decision. What can I say? Motherhood gives you incredible strength and courage! There is an overwhelming need to protect and provide for your offspring. What I had viewed as an impossible situation turned out to be the most amazing blessing. Being laid off allowed me to be at home with my son every day and to watch him grow and change. It forced me to think outside the box and trust my gut and intuition. It afforded me the opportunity to become an entrepreneur, tap into my creativity, and utilize my business management education. The Prismatic Peacock officially took flight in October 2011, and I have not looked back. I have never worked harder in my life, but I have also never been happier! I am surrounded by color and fragrance every day. I am able to spend time with our son (now three) and pick him up from preschool every day. We eat dinner together as a family every night. The long hours and hard work that I put in are rewarded when I receive testimonials from happy customers.

I am extremely grateful for the love, support, and encouragement of my husband, family, and friends. I am proud of the goals I have achieved to this point, and I look forward to the future opportunities that lie ahead for The Prismatic Peacock. I hope that you will follow along on my journey as I spread my wings in an attempt to coast onward and upward as I chase my dreams. Though I'm sure that I will flounder along the way, I will attempt to personify the regal peacock. Here are some words of wisdom. Like a peacock, your beauty is multiplied when you spread your wings and show the world your stuff. Don't be afraid to be who you are - each peacock feather is flawed and imperfect, but collectively they create something of great beauty. Your flaws are what make YOU perfect! Show your true colors!