JAK-on-mountain

Keeping our Dream Alive

We started JAK Designs in March of 1997. Over the years, we have knitted, worked, planned, and struggled to keep our dream alive. And the dream has changed. In the beginning, we packed up a borrowed hatchback with a folding table and set up at tiny shows in the San Francisco Bay Area. There were strawberry festivals and neighborhood street fairs. And back then, Jen knitted costumes for ballet companies around the US, and showed her work at late night fashion parties in warehouses on the waterfront.

As small business owners and artists, we have had to pivot (a word bandied about quite a bit this year) time and time again, to earn a living, and to stay true to ourselves. In March of 2015, we opened the doors (door, actually) of our first brick and mortar shop in Kennebunkport, Maine. And in March of 2020, well, you know what happened. In our case, a year of art shows were cancelled, and we had to learn new ways to showcase our work while trying to keep the shop open safely. We are finishing up March of 2021 hopeful. About to get our first Covid vaccinations. And starting a blog, to share more about what goes on at JAK, behind the scenes. And you just read the first post, so we’re off to a great start!

6 Responses to Keeping our Dream Alive

  1. Sharon Armstrong March 30, 2021 at 7:34 am #

    What a wonderful start to my day, girls ! A walk down memory lane with you and looking ahead to a bright tomorrow with you. And my first blog reply – oh, my! Love you!

    • Nancy Sulberman March 30, 2021 at 11:41 am #

      I had no idea you started in California and worked your way around the country , finally settling in Kennebunkport!
      We hope to get back to Maine as we have been there 3 times. But with Covid and the variants still looming who knows when? We just received our second vaccines so there is less angst being among people.
      We are just craving for a lobster roll, and Mabel’s is our favorite! In New Jersey we have had some, but they don’t compare to Maine!
      Jen and Tanya, stay well!
      Warm regards,
      Nancy Silberman

      • Jen & Tanya March 30, 2021 at 1:02 pm #

        Nancy, we will be here when it’s a good time for you to come back to Maine. And so will the lobster rolls!

    • Jen & Tanya March 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm #

      Looking forward to your second one already!

  2. Ginger Meek Allen March 30, 2021 at 6:39 pm #

    What a great idea! I look forward to reading more about the greatness that is JAK Designs. You’ve inspired me already!

    • Jen & Tanya March 30, 2021 at 6:46 pm #

      Ginger, I hope you’ll give us an artist interview soon!

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