Growing up, I was fortunate to have wonderful female role models in my life; my mom, my grandmothers, and my aunts. When it came time to name my art studio, I decided to name it after two of these wonderful ladies.
Grandma W, Ellen
My Grandma W, named Ellen, worked at a bank when I was a child. I remember going through the drive-through with my grandpa so Grandma could give me a lollipop. She taught me how to haggle, believed Hershey's syrup from a can was a necessity on ice cream at every visit, and since there weren't many restaurants near her, and she was happy to have me snuggle up close to her during the scary parts of Murder, She Wrote. She's one of the most social people I know, passionate about the people in her small town and her family.
Grandma W actually came to live with my family for five years. She was there when I gave birth to my youngest daughter, and my children got to be loved on by a great-grandma every single day. Now, at 96 years old, she is still a pillar of strength, dignity, faith, and love.
Grandma R, Jean
My Grandma R, named Jean, was always quick to join me for a swim in her pool. We played every game imaginable, she loved taking me shopping at the mall (okay, I loved that too), and she was always up for a challenge; whether that meant jump roping with us on camping trips, trying out skateboarding because I was showing her tricks, or challenging me to a video game. Grandma R was always up for some fun.
She raised seven children, which is probably why she didn't have much of a desire to cook by the time I came around; but I loved our deli trips for hoagies, all of the pizza I got to eat, having popsicles always stocked in the freezer, and getting to drink soda whenever I wanted. I always felt so spoiled.
Grandma R fought a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, and it eventually won. Throughout it all, my Grandpa R took care of her and showed what true love really looks like.
Why "Ellen Jean"
When I was trying to come up with a name for my art business, I wanted it to signify something meaningful. My grandmothers were such pillars in shaping who I am today, and blending their names, and who they were, together is what I hope my studio stands for: strength, joy, fun, and perseverance.